Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Recessed Light Installation
Recessed Light Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Recessed Light Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Recessed Light Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Recessed Light Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Recessed Light Installation labor cost? What are the important Recessed Light Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Recessed Light Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fair price for Recessed Light Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Recessed Light Installation expect to pay between $66.56 to $133.13 for each recessed lighting. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
Is a permit needed for Recessed Light Installation work? | Your Recessed Light Installation project may require design approval and/or permits from your local building authority. Verify requirements with your local building department before any Recessed Light Installation work starts, particularly for ay structural or systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) projects. |
Is it worth using a professional to perform Recessed Light Installation work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the recessed lighting may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
Is Recessed Light Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical Recessed Light Installation project can be completed by a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer; as with any project, high quality Recessed Light Installation requires attention to detail and careful planning. |
How many days are typically required to complete the Recessed Light Installation work? | This work can be completed in 1 to 3 days. |
Recessed Light Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Recessed Light Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Recessed Light 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 Recessed Light Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- A detailed recessed lighting layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- Recessed lighting will be installed so that the recessed lighting base/trim is solidly attached and attached completely flush to the mounting surface
- Locate and secure bulb in straight, clean runs along framing, so that bulb is protected from damage
- All connections will be made with a single continuous length of bulb; there will be no splice along any connection
- The recessed lighting will be securely anchored to structural framing
- All work must meet or exceed local code requirements
- The recessed lighting will deliver power at rated voltage with proper polarity and grounding
- Cutouts on exterior walls 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 recessed lighting surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
- All bulb will be sized and configured to provide reliable, safe operation and full design performance of the recessed lighting
Recessed Light Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Recessed Light Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the recessed lighting 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 Recessed Light Installation will comply with home owner association requirements
- Determine if permit is required for Recessed Light 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 recessed lighting, before any work begins
- Select, specify and order recessed lighting; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Manage delivery of recessed lighting; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
- Review site access, clean-up restrictions , work hours, bathroom use and other jobsite rules with all subcontractors and laborers before they begin work
- Remove existing recessed lighting (optional)
- Collect and neatly organize in a single binder all product installation and maintenance documentation, receipts, and any rebate information
- Connect recessed lighting to electrical power using grounded receptacle or hardwired connection in closed junction box, as per manufacturer's instructions
- Inspect Recessed Light Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- 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