How Much Does It Cost to Install a Ceiling Light Without Existing Wiring? 2024 Update
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Codee Chessher
- Last updated:
Adding a ceiling light to your house might seem easy, but it gets complicated very fast when you need to have the wiring done as well. Adding light to your house is seldom a bad idea, but it should be done by a qualified and licensed professional. The average cost to wire and install a ceiling light is between $600–$1,000
Do Ceiling Lights Add Value to Your Home?
Yes, they add value to your home. How much value they add depends significantly on how the wiring was installed and how expensive the light fixture is. For instance, higher-end light fixtures add more value than simple hanging basement-style lights.
Adding extra ceiling lights can be an affordable way to add value to your home, but it’s hard to estimate precisely how much they add. The quality of your existing and new lights will be considered, so if the old ones are lower quality, the value added won’t be as high.
How Much Does It Cost to Install A Ceiling Light Without Existing Wiring?
How much your light costs depends on various factors, most notably the fixture type. Simple fixtures may only cost $100 or less, while recessed and other fixtures range up to $1,000. Let’s look at what some common fixture prices include so you have a better idea of what your options are.
Light Fixture Types and Prices:
| Regular light fixture: | $80–100 per fixture |
| Recessed light: | $125–$200 per fixture |
| Pendant lights: | $100–$250 per fixture |
| Chandelier light: | $100–$1,000 plus $100–$200 installation cost |
| Track lighting: | $100–$250 |
As you can see, the type of light fixture you choose can have a big impact on your price. Cheaper and more expensive variants of each type are usually available so that you can get a more high-end look for cheaper.
Now let’s break down what your total costs will be for the installation, including labor and other factors.
Cost to Install Ceiling Light Without Existing Wiring:
| Labor: | $80–$100 per hour |
| Electrician: | $80–$200 per hour |
| Light fixture: | $100–$1,000 |
| Wiring: | $6–$8 per foot |
By these estimates, the average cost to wire and install a ceiling light is $600–$1,000. The more time it takes the installer and electrician, the more it will cost in labor. Naturally, this number will multiply per light you have installed, so take the estimated figure as a ballpark figure to springboard off of.
Additional Anticipated Costs
Some other unforeseen costs might get tacked on during installation, and you might see a higher bill at the end of your installation. Some potential costs include:
- Higher labor costs in major urban areas, as high as $10 an hour more
- Drywall, $4–$6 per square foot
- Additional wiring or connecting required, $5–$8 per foot
Do I Really Need an Electrician?
Yes! It can be tempting to save on an electrician and do the wiring yourself, especially if you have experience with wiring, but you should never DIY this kind of work. At best, it’ll work, and at worst, you’ll burn your house down or have to hire an electrician anyway because you wired it wrong.
Electricians are qualified and licensed to perform electrical work, and their work is guaranteed. If something goes wrong a day or a year later because they messed up, they have to fix it. On the other hand, if you do something wrong, you have no protection against your workmanship and will have to pay out of pocket to fix it.
How Long Do Ceiling Light Fixtures Last?
Your average ceiling light fixture sees little wear and tear, and most will last 10–20 years at a minimum. Higher-quality fixtures made with sturdier materials may last up to 40 years. This makes them one of the easiest and lowest maintenance ways to add lighting and value to your home. LED lights, for instance, are some of the longest-lasting light fixtures and can last 25,000–30,000 hours.
However, it will depend on the quality of the wiring. Poor wiring can damage or destroy light fixtures and spark dangerous electrical fires. Always hire a reputable licensed electrician to wire new ceiling light fixtures.
Conclusion
Installing ceiling lights isn’t very expensive compared to other home repairs and installations. However, unlike some projects that you can easily complete in your home, installing lights without existing wiring is complex. Unless you’re an experienced electrician, it’s safer and more cost-effective to hire a professional. Ceiling lights are one of the most affordable ways to instantly add light, style, and value to your home. As long as a qualified professional does the work, you can count on the fixture to last decades.
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Dimaris, Shutterstock
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