Why You May Just Want Recessed Lighting
The modern home today is expected to have modern lines. Sure, having a grand chandelier is nice and wonderful, but a three foot chandelier doesn't work too well if you have an eight foot ceiling. Modern lines are clean and straight, and that's just what you get with recessed lights.
Recessed lighting also gives you light in tight spaces where traditional fixtures may not work. You may have a small closet that needs some light, or need extra light in your kitchen because you fancy yourself to be a gourmet chef - either way, recessed lighting allows you to have light when light fixtures just won't work.
And maybe you just want to add drama to a specific piece of artwork or your prized collection of autographs from the Yankees. Whatever the case, recessed lighting can be a great addition in your home.
When to Install New Lighting
So truth be told, installing recessed lighting on anything but a major remodeling job or a brand new construction can be described as being extremely difficult. Not impossible, but difficult. In order to install them in your existing ceilings, you will need to cut holes for the lights in your ceiling and have the electrical run over to that hole. In addition, you may need to cut additional holes to route the wires if there is no attic above.
One important item I'd like to mention here is since many ceilings these days are insulated, you should use fixtures that rated to be installed near insulation. Even if you don't have an insulated ceiling, it's a good idea to have the insulation rated fixtures. Otherwise, they can heat up and create an additional heat hazard near something you probably don't want getting too hot.
How to Install Your Recessed Lighting
The most traditional method of installation in a home is to install them down the length of the room along two different joists. This is ideal for distributing light throughout your room. It is also popular to install the lights around the exterior of the room with a couple accent lights in the middle. This can make a room feel bigger.
Some folks install recessed lighting directly over seating areas to improve their ability to read. Still others like to use recessed lighting to highlight a prized possession or feature of the home, like a fireplace, and so they shine the light directly on that.
Whatever the case, it is important that after you cut in the holes for the lights that you turn off the electricity and run the wires to where your new fixture will be. I recommend you just turn off the main breaker if you are doing this yourself. Better safe than sorry! Then run the wires to the fixtures, install them, and presto! You have recessed lighting!
Don't Forget About the Building Permit!!!
Yes, it's true. Many communities require that you get a building permit for your home when it comes to any type of electrical installation. And yes, that applies even if that is the only remodeling you plan to do. Look at it this way - obtaining a building permit is a way to ensure that the installation is done correctly, and can give you peace of mind. A building permit should only cost you around $100 in most states, which is a small price to pay for added peace of mind.
So whatever your need for recessed lighting, remember to make sure that you have the proper fixtures before you install them, run the wiring to the holes that you have cut first, and make sure that you have the lighting properly spaced so that you can take advantage of what your home can naturally provide.
Recessed lighting gives you the clean, modern lines that people desire in new homes.
If you have always wanted recessed lighting for your home - stop delaying! Plan it today so that by this time next month, you can enjoy your brand new look.
