Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Light Switch Installation
Light Switch Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Light Switch Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Light Switch Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Light Switch Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Light Switch Installation labor cost? What are the important Light Switch Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Light Switch Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Light Switch Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Light Switch Installation expect to pay between $66.56 to $146.44 for each light switch. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Light Switch Installation work? | Your Light Switch Installation project may require design approval and/or permits from your local building authority. Verify requirements with your local building department before any Light Switch Installation work starts, particularly for ay structural or systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) projects. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Light Switch Installation work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the light switch may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
| Is Light Switch Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical Light Switch Installation project can be completed by a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer; as with any project, high quality Light Switch Installation requires attention to detail and careful planning. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Light Switch Installation work? | Normally, this work can be completed in 1 day. |
Light Switch Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Light Switch Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Light Switch Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- The layout, location, style and finish appearance of ALL materials used in Light Switch Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- All wiring will be sized and configured to provide reliable, safe operation and full design performance of the Light switch
- A detailed Light switch layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- The light switch will be securely anchored to structural framing
- All connections will be made with a single continuous length of wiring; there will be no splice along any connection
- Locate and secure wiring in straight, clean runs along framing, so that wiring is protected from damage
- Ceiling and wall cutouts will be neat, uniform and no larger than necessary; any air gaps around the cutout(s) will be insulated and sealed; the cutout(s) will not be visible when cover plates are installed
- The light switch will operate without noise, excessive heat generation or degradation of other circuit components
- Install light switch with horizontal edges level and vertical edges plumb to within 1/32 inch
- The Light switch surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
- All work must meet or exceed local code requirements
Light Switch Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Light Switch Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the light switch work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Verify that planned Light Switch Installation will comply with home owner association requirements
- Determine if permit is required for Light Switch Installation by local building authority, before any work begins
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of light switch, before any work begins
- Review quantity calculations for Light switch and any associated construction materials; overage /waste should be less than 7.5% of calculated quantities
- Obtain a permit for Light Switch Installation from local building authority; post permit on the jobsite as required
- Prepare area for safe, efficient work; move items that restrict work access or are vulnerable to damage; cover and protect items that cannot be moved
- Correct any permit issues; schedule and confirm final permit inspection signoff
- Connect light switch to electrical power using grounded receptacle or hardwired connection in closed junction box, as per manufacturer's instructions
- Inspect Light Switch Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Patch holes, gaps and openings left by the Light Switch Installation work; patch must be secure and match shape, texture and color of surrounding surfaces
- Install trim plates or pieces
- Submit final payment in exchange for signed lien release; final payment amount should be adjusted for excess material to be returned and tasks not performed; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes
