23 Jan What to Know Before Installing Hidden or Recessed Lighting in Remodels

Recessed lighting does so much to improve your home. You can introduce lighting into any room while maintaining the integrity of your ceiling and not cluttering your space with lamps and sconces. The look is clean, and the addition of hidden lighting adds value to your Quad Cities home. 

But before you embark on a remodeling project, you must understand what’s involved in adding hidden or recessed lighting to your home. It’s not always a simple project, and there are plenty of steps to taking on this project as a DIY. 

What Exactly is Recessed Lighting?

Before you decide if hidden or recessed lighting is right for your next remodeling project, it helps to have a clear understanding of what it is and why this type of lighting makes a difference in your home. Most Quad Cities homeowners opt for recessed lighting because it promotes a clean and unobtrusive aesthetic. 

Large overhead chandeliers or light fixtures that protrude from your ceiling can make your room appear smaller. And overhead lighting fixtures can be costly. Floor lamps tend to take up space, and wall sconces take up precious wall space. 

Recessed lighting is a minimalistic approach to bringing light into any room that needs it. The fixtures are simple, and the lights are installed directly into the ceiling with only the trim visible. With multiple recessed lights, the glow is often attuned to the mood in the room. Hidden or recessed lighting is ideal for any aesthetic and design style.

What You Need To Know

All home projects require a well-thought-out process before you begin. This way, you avoid any costly or dangerous mistakes. When you install hidden or recessed lighting in remodels, your project requires careful planning across several areas:

Safety Codes

First and foremost, you need to adhere to local building and electrical codes. This is for the safety of you and your family. Home electrical fires caused by faulty wiring and equipment, typically due to improper installation, number between 30,000 and 50,000 every year. Failure to adhere to these codes leads to death, injury, and property damage. Avoid all the risks and hire a professional electrician before you install any updates that involve your home’s electrical system.

Budget

The costs for the recessed lighting in your remodel include your fixtures, any wiring modifications, drywall, and a professional electrician’s services. 

Planning and Design

Once you know and understand the budget you’ll be working with, you can proceed with your planning and design. Determine the type of lighting you want (task lighting, accent lighting, general or specific illumination) and the kind of fixtures you’ll need. Assess your room and decide on placement. Keep the angle of the lighting in mind. In other words, where you want the beam directed. 

Select Your Fixtures

The fixtures, or housing, for your recessed lighting are the components that are inserted into your ceiling. When recessed lighting is installed in new construction, there’s easy access to the ceiling. Drywall and sheetrock aren’t obstructing your access to the beams. However, for a remodel, you’ll choose lighter and less bulky and cumbersome fixtures that easily insert into your ceiling. You will still need to cut the sheetrock and repair the drywall once you finish installation. 

Consider Any Structural Limitations

  Remember, in a remodel, you need to consider any existing plumbing, ceiling joists, and ductwork you may encounter. These factors can impede your installation and, more often than not, you will need the services of a professional to work around them. 

Your Components

There are three main parts to your recessed lighting: housing, which is hidden above the ceiling and contains the wiring, trim, which is the frame around the bulb, and the bulb itself. Most people prefer an LRD bulb as it is more energy efficient, cooler, and longer lasting than halogen bulbs, and far more flattering than fluorescent lighting. 

Improve Your Home with Recessed Lighting

Installing hidden or recessed lighting is a great move for Quad Cities homeowners. This remodel project ups the cozy factor of any room.  Your investment is small, but the payoff is big, especially in added value. 

If you’re interested in learning more about recessed lighting and what it can do for you, please contact the professionals at Seiffert Building Supplies. Our project management team will work with you and help solve all your lighting needs. Contact Seiffert Building Supplies today and let us shed some light on your remodel project. 

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