Some rooms lack a ceiling light entirely, relying instead on a wall switch that controls an outlet for a lamp. Installing a first-time fixture in a ceiling like that is one of the primary interior lighting services we offer, as is hanging any chandeliers or pendant lights you have selected. If you have already purchased your fixture, please provide its weight and intended location.
Because electrical cables manufactured before the mid-1980s were rated for lower temperatures than modern lighting fixtures require, we always inspect the existing wiring at each ceiling box first in homes built before that era.
What This Covers
- Recessed (can) lights and slim LED downlights
- Chandeliers, including heavy fixtures and tall ceilings
- Pendant lights over islands, sinks and tables
- Track lighting
- Under-cabinet LED strip lighting
- Converting older recessed cans to LED
- A ceiling light for a room that only has a switched outlet
- Switches and LED-rated dimmers for the new lights
Signs It’s Time to Call
- Rooms rely on lamps because there's no ceiling light
- Kitchen counters sit in shadow under the cabinets
- A recessed light shuts itself off and comes back on after it cools
- Old fixtures have yellowed, run hot or have brittle wiring
- You've bought a chandelier or pendants and need them hung
The Process
Mark the Positions
You select the exact layout for the lights and decide which switch controls each zone. Before marking the ceiling, we inspect the space directly above each location, as a joist or duct could require shifting a fixture by a few inches.
Each Box and Its Cable
Every existing junction box is evaluated to ensure it is rated for the weight of your new fixture, and the attached cable is verified to handle the fixture's heat rating. We also check the circuit to ensure it has adequate remaining capacity.
Cut In and Wire
We cut the precise openings, fish the cable between them, and install your selected fixtures, switches, and dimmers. To ensure a smooth installation, please clear all furniture from directly beneath the work area.
Aim the Lights
Adjustable fixtures are pointed exactly where you want them with your direct input, and each dimmer is tested across its complete range using the specific bulbs you intend to keep in the fixtures.
Common Questions
Can recessed lights go in a ceiling with no attic above it?
In most ceilings, yes. Slim LED fixtures require very little depth and clip directly into the drywall, allowing them to fit under joists and beneath a finished floor above. Routing cable from one light to the next requires more precision without an attic for access, which sometimes necessitates cutting a small access hole that must be patched afterward. Additionally, if you live in a condo or apartment, the ceiling may serve as a fire separation between units, so you should check your building's regulations before beginning.
What does IC-rated mean on a recessed light?
IC stands for insulation contact. An IC-rated fixture is designed to sit safely against attic insulation, allowing insulation to cover it completely. Conversely, a recessed fixture without this rating requires insulation to be kept at least three inches away with none laid over the top, which leaves a gap in your attic insulation around every light.
Can my ceiling hold a heavy chandelier?
A standard ceiling box is engineered to support a fixture weighing up to 50 pounds. Any fixture exceeding this weight requires either a heavy-duty box explicitly rated for its load or support brackets secured directly to the building's framing.
Additionally, the electrical code strictly prohibits hanging fixtures and track lighting within the safety zone directly above a bathtub or shower, which extends three feet outward from the rim and eight feet upward.