Costs of Square Recessed Lighting

There are several costs to consider when updating or installing square recessed lighting. This type of lighting can add beauty and charm to your home while maintaining a vintage look and feel that complements the décor of the room, without costing an arm and a leg. Updating square recessed lighting is often necessary when completing a home renovation project. Replacing the lighting with canister lights can be difficult and expensive, because modifications to the ceiling may be necessary to make the generally smaller round fixture fit the larger square opening from the original light.

Fixtures

The fixtures themselves are usually very affordable. Installing square recessed fixtures is usually more complicated than installing standard canister lights, because they are impossible to screw in due to their shape, and in-ceiling access may be necessary to install them. The fixture must match the size of the current fixture, or modifications to the ceiling will be necessary. If the existing fixture is older, it may be difficult to find an exact match. If the new fixture is slightly larger, this isn't too big of a problem, but if it's smaller, you're looking at significant modification costs.

Ceiling Modifications

If you decide to purchase a fixture that is too small for the current opening, you will need to patch in drywall. Drywall patching involves cutting, patching, screwing, taping, and repainting the area; it's a big project! If you are installing a fixture in a previously unused space, you will need to cut an opening for the light—this is significantly easier than repairing ceiling to fit a smaller light. The size of existing openings is a major consideration when determining what square recessed lighting option will be the most cost-effective.

Electrical Updates

Updates to the electrical system may be required if you are installing new lights. Running power to a junction box can be expensive, if done by an electrician. If you are comfortable with minor electrical work, you can make this project far more cost-effective by running wire to the junction box yourself. Make sure that the breaker can handle the number and wattage of lights being run, or factor the cost of installing another breaker into your estimates for this project.

Ways to Save

Many square recessed lights are fluorescent. Fluorescent bulbs are extremely energy efficient, and will save you money in the long-run. If you have existing square recessed lighting that looks outdated, consider installing new trim and covers to update the look without the cost of a complete overhaul. Try furniture recycling stores and community centers for unique covers and fixtures that will be gentle on the environment and gentle on your pocket.

Pulling the electrical through to the junction yourself is also a big money-saver on this project. The fixtures themselves tend to be relatively inexpensive, and some basic DIY know-how can save hundreds on the cost of contractors and electricians. By choosing the fixture that best fits the existing opening, or one that is easy to install, you can avoid hassle and expense.