article

Installing an Interior Light Fixture

By Bluehammer Admin

Interior lighting not only helps you see better, but also adds to the decor of your home. Upgrading an interior light is a great way to spruce up an area and save on energy costs.

Determining Whether You Need New Wiring

If you are replacing an existing light fixture, you can use the existing wiring to install your new light. If you are replacing a light fixture with a heavier light fixture, you might need to install a new box and brace to make sure it's secured, however you can re-use the electrical wiring. If there is no existing light fixture, you will need to install a new box and run wiring into an existing outlet, switch or junction box. Unless you are an advanced DIYer, it is recommended to hire a professional if you need to run new wiring.

Cost Factors of Replacing Your Light Fixture

Light fixtures come in all types of qualities, greatly affecting the overall project price. Depending on the price of your fixture, the labor of removing and installation plays could be a big factor or a small one. For example, if you buy an economy light, the labor will be the majority of your cost. If you buy a designer light, the material cost will be of greater proportion. Additionally, running new wires will increase the labor cost. Below are the cost factors to installing an interior light fixture.

  • Removal of the old light fixture
  • Purchase and installation of the new light fixture
  • Running new electrical (if applicable)

Common types of interior light fixtures

  • HangingCommon types include pendant, reel, suspended and chandelier
  • Surface MountThese are attached flush to the wall or ceiling
  • Track LightingThese lights sit in a track that is installed flush with the ceiling
  • Recessed LightingThese lights are recessed into the ceiling creating a clean look

Removing the existing light fixture (hanging or surface mount)

First you will need to remove the existing light fixture. Make sure you have turned off your electricity before you begin. Remove the existing light fixture from the ceiling by removing the cover, unscrewing the fixture from the base and disconnecting the existing wires.

Installing Your New Light Fixture (hanging or surface mount)

Follow the manufacturer directions that came with your new light fixture. To connect the wiring, connect the ground wire (bare) from the box to the green ground wire from the light. Connect the white neutral wire from the light to the neutral wire from the box. Connect the black wire from the light to the black hot wire from the box. When you have connected the wiring, gently tuck the wires into the box. The last step is to attach the light fixture to the base and attach the cover.

Want to estimate your home improvement costs before talking with a contractor? Claim your home for free with bluehammer to estimate costs, secure your home inventory and learn more about your home.

* THIS REPORT IS AN OPINION THAT MAY BE INACCURATE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. ALL ELEMENTS ARE OFFERED "AS IS" AND BLUEBOOK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITILY, NONINFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUEBOOK (OR THEIR SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE FOR ANY GENERAL, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING : (1) RELIANCE ON THE MATERIALS PRESENTED, (2) COSTS OF REPLACEMENT GOODS, (3) LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, (4) DELAYS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, (5) AND ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION) WHETHER OR NOT BLUEBOOK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Know what you should pay for your home improvement projects with bluehammer.Claim your home. It's free!

Popular


Getting the Best Estimated Home Improvement Costs Using Bluehammer's Home Improvement Calculator

The following are tips and tricks to help you better estimate the cost of your home improvement project.

Find The Right Interior Doors For Your Home

Take a minute to count the number of doors in your house. Surprising, right? Consider then, the impact that a little attention to the doors can have on the overall style and design of your home. Whether you're just moving in or staging for a sale, new doors are a simple way to dramatically update the space. The good news is that there are as many styles of doors as there are doors in your home. Making the decision is the toughest part.

10 Ways To Transform Your Trashy Old Furniture Into Standout Pieces

We know. That antique sideboard or set of chairs you got after your grandma died is sentimental, but also completely clashy with every other piece of furniture you own, not to mention out of touch with your general sense of style.

10 Spring Cleaning Tricks For Everyone

Lazy cleaning is all about minimizing the effort. But, minimal effort doesn't have to mean you live like a slob - it just means you need to know some cool tricks tools that will help do the work for you, or at least make it less painful.

The Best Paint Colors For An Enduring Look In Your Home

Trends come and go. If you paint your walls the "provocative and thoughtful purple shade" of Ultra Violet, as Pantone, itself, calls it, you're probably gearing up to repaint them in whatever the color authority deems the "it" shade next year. If you'd rather pick a paint chip or two and keep your space the same for the long haul, you'll love these colors that endure.

Choosing The Best Hardwood Floors For Your Home

The rich patina of wood floors adds beauty and elegance to any home.

8 Laundry Rooms That'll Make You Want To Fluff And Fold

Let's face it. Laundry is no fun. In fact, it's often counted among our most hated chores. But since running around in stinky, soiled clothes is not an option for most of us, it's gotta get done.

The Top-Three Considerations When Starting a Home-Based Business

If you’re considering starting a home-based business, you're in good company. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, more than half of all businesses are run out of the owner’s home.

How To Safely Remove Window Glass

Why would you need to remove glass from your window? In most cases, it's because the glass is cracked or broken, or it is an insulated pane that's no longer sealed properly. Or maybe it's time to upgrade your windows with tinted or smart glass. Professional glass shops can help you choose and size the right glass for the job, but first you'll have to remove the window glass and bring in the sash. If there is a break on a stationary window or the sash and it isn't budging, you may need to hire a professional glass installation expert.

Things to Consider When Replacing Your Front Door

Your front door is one of the most functional, visible, and important elements in your home. If you're looking for a home improvement project that can boost curb appeal, improve security, and add style to your space, replacing your front door delivers an impressive return on investment.

See More Articles