Cost To Install Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting changes the feel of a room overnight. It cleans up old fixtures, brightens dark corners, and gives your home a more modern, finished look. The question most homeowners in Burlington and Camden Counties ask us first is simple: how much does it cost to install recessed lighting?
The honest answer is that it depends on several factors in your home, from your wiring and panel capacity to your ceiling type and the style of fixtures you choose. In this guide, we walk you through what really affects the cost, realistic price ranges, and how to plan a recessed lighting project with a licensed electrician so you get the look you want without surprises.
What Affects The Cost To Install Recessed Lighting
Several key factors drive the cost to install recessed lighting in a New Jersey home. When we price a project, we always start with an in home evaluation so we can look at your ceilings, wiring, and panel in person.
Type And Size Of Recessed Fixtures
The fixtures themselves have a wide price range, and that directly affects your overall project cost.
A few of the main options we walk through with homeowners:
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Standard 6 inch cans Often the most budget friendly and a great fit for living rooms, kitchens, and basements.
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Smaller 4 inch or 3 inch fixtures These typically cost more per fixture but give a cleaner, higher end look, especially for hallways, accent lighting, and lower ceilings.
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IC rated and airtight housings Required when the light is in contact with insulation or to reduce air leakage. These cost more than open frame cans but are critical for safety and efficiency.
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LED integrated fixtures These usually cost more up front than basic can plus bulb setups, but they use far less energy and last much longer, which can reduce your long term costs.
If you want smart recessed lighting that integrates with dimmers, scenes, or smart home systems, fixture cost goes up again. We walk you through options so you can decide what fits your budget and priorities. For more design focused projects and layout ideas, we often start with our dedicated recessed lighting installation in South Jersey service page.
Ceiling Material And Accessibility
Your ceiling structure has a big impact on labor time.
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Open access from above If we can reach the ceiling from an attic or unfinished space, we can usually fish wiring with fewer cuts and less patching. This keeps labor costs lower.
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Finished ceilings with limited access In many South Jersey homes, especially in second floor rooms, we have to carefully cut small access holes, run new cable, and then patch. That adds time and cost.
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Ceiling material Standard drywall is the easiest to work with. Plaster, wood, or concrete ceilings require more skill and time, which can increase your overall investment.
When you are planning recessed lighting, we will always look at how we can minimize ceiling damage and coordinate with any painting or remodeling work you are already doing.
Electrical Panel Capacity And Wiring Complexity
The cost to install recessed lighting is not just about the lights themselves. It is also about whether your electrical system can safely support them.
Factors we evaluate:
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Available breaker space If your panel is full, we may need to add a subpanel or recommend an electrical panel service upgrade so everything remains safe and up to code.
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Existing circuit loads We calculate how much load new lights will add and whether we should run a dedicated lighting circuit.
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Age and condition of wiring Older homes in Burlington and Camden Counties sometimes have outdated wiring or mixed wiring methods. That can increase complexity and may require additional electrical wiring services for safety.
More complex wiring and panel work raises labor time, but it also prevents nuisance breaker trips, flickering, and overheated wires.
Aesthetic Upgrades, Controls, And Trims
Finally, finishes and controls affect your budget:
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Decorative trims Baffle, reflector, adjustable gimbal, and specialty trims all come at different price points.
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Dimmers and smart controls A single pole dimmer is relatively inexpensive. Multi location dimming, smart switches, or app based control systems add cost but also improve comfort and flexibility.
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Room specific design Kitchens, home theaters, and bathrooms often need layered lighting plans, multiple zones, and wet rated fixtures in some locations.
We help you balance looks, function, and budget so you get a space that feels finished without overspending in areas that do not matter to you.
Average Cost Ranges For Recessed Lighting Installation
Every home is different, but there are realistic ranges you can use for planning. Keep in mind that these are general estimates based on typical New Jersey homes: an in person quote is always the best way to get accurate numbers.
Typical Cost Per Light Fixture
When you combine materials and professional labor, many homeowners end up in a range of roughly $175 to $350 per recessed fixture in existing finished ceilings.
What pushes you toward the higher end of that range:
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No attic access above the room
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Older wiring that needs updating
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High ceilings or complex layouts
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Premium LED or smart fixtures
New construction pricing is usually lower per light since ceilings are open and wiring is simpler, which we will touch on in a moment.
Whole Room And Whole Home Cost Estimates
The number of fixtures you need depends on the room size, ceiling height, and how bright you want the space. As a rough planning guide:
- Small bedroom or hallway 4 to 6 fixtures
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Average living room 6 to 10 fixtures
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Kitchen with work zones Usually 6 to 12 fixtures, sometimes more if we are pairing with under cabinet lighting
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Large finished basement Often 12 to 20+ fixtures
Using the per fixture range above, many homeowners see projects such as:
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Small room: around $800 to $1,800
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Larger living room or kitchen: around $1,500 to $3,500
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Multiple rooms in one project: $3,000+, depending on scope
If we combine recessed lights with other upgrades like lighting installation and repair or dimmer and smart switch installations, we can often complete several improvements in a single visit, which may be more efficient than separate projects.
Cost Differences For Existing Homes Versus New Construction
The same recessed light costs less to install during construction than it does after the home is finished.
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New construction or open renovation Wiring is installed before drywall, boxes are open, and panel work can be planned with the builder. This keeps labor hours down.
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Existing homes with finished ceilings We need to carefully locate joists, avoid existing utilities, fish wire through tight spaces, cut and patch drywall, and clean up thoroughly. That extra care takes time and raises the per fixture cost.
If you are already remodeling a kitchen, finishing a basement, or opening ceilings for other work, it is often smart to tackle recessed lighting at the same time. We coordinate closely with remodelers so lighting, wiring, and panel work all stay aligned and code compliant.
Labor Costs For Professional Recessed Lighting Installation
Material prices are only part of the story. The biggest driver of your investment is skilled labor. With recessed lighting, you are paying for more than just time on site: you are paying for safety, code knowledge, and clean, finished results.
What Licensed Electricians Do During Installation
On a typical recessed lighting project, our licensed electricians will:
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Evaluate your electrical system We check your panel, existing circuits, and wiring conditions.
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Confirm layout and fixture locations We help you avoid glare, shadows, and odd spacing.
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Protect your home Drop cloths, plastic, and careful cutting to control dust and debris.
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Cut and install housings We measure, cut precise openings, and mount each housing securely.
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Run new wiring We route cable within code guidelines and secure it properly.
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Connect to the panel or existing circuits We size breakers correctly and label everything.
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Install trims, bulbs, and controls Dimmers and switches are wired and tested.
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Test, troubleshoot, and clean up We verify operation, check for hot spots, and leave the space tidy.
In many projects, we also catch underlying issues like outdated wiring or overloaded circuits early, before they turn into larger safety problems.
How Labor Time And Skill Level Impact Pricing
Labor costs vary by:
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Number of fixtures
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Difficulty of access
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Age of the home
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Panel and wiring conditions
Simple jobs with open attic access take less time. Complex layouts, older homes, and high ceilings require more time and more advanced skills. Our pricing reflects the level of expertise involved, but we always walk you through line items in clear language so you understand where every dollar is going.
For homeowners who want to spread out larger lighting or electrical projects, we also offer financing options to make professional work more manageable.
Permit, Inspection, And Code Compliance Considerations
In many New Jersey municipalities, adding new lighting circuits or making significant electrical changes requires permits and inspections. As a licensed and certified electrical contractor, we handle:
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Permit applications
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Coordination with local inspectors
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Documentation that your new lighting is code compliant
This adds a bit of administrative cost, but it protects you if you ever sell your home, work with insurance, or complete future upgrades. You also gain peace of mind knowing your recessed lighting has been professionally installed and properly inspected.
Professional Installation Versus DIY: Cost, Safety, And Quality
We understand the temptation to try recessed lighting as a DIY project, especially with how many videos and kits are on the market. From our perspective as licensed electricians, recessed lighting is one of those projects where cutting corners can get very expensive very quickly.
Hidden Costs And Risks Of DIY Recessed Lighting
Homeowners who attempt DIY recessed lighting often run into issues like:
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Tripping breakers or flickering lights due to overloaded circuits
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Overheating fixtures from improper insulation contact
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Damaged plaster or drywall from trial and error cuts
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Unsafe connections hidden in ceilings where you cannot see them
Fixing these problems after the fact usually costs more than having the wiring and layout done correctly the first time. DIY work can also create headaches with home inspections, insurance claims, and future remodeling.
With our team, you are not just paying for installation, you are avoiding:
Fire hazards from incorrect wiring or overfilled boxes
Long term nuisance issues like buzzing, dimming, or premature LED failure
Costly ceiling repairs from miscuts and patchwork
Long Term Savings And Safety Benefits Of Hiring A Pro
Professional recessed lighting often pays for itself in ways that do not show on the initial invoice.
When you work with us, you gain:
Properly sized circuits and breakers that reduce overloads
Clean, even lighting layouts that make rooms feel bigger and more usable
Energy efficient LED options that lower monthly utility bills
For more ideas on using lighting and electrical upgrades to reduce energy costs, we break down additional strategies in our resource on easy ways to lower high utility bills.
Most importantly, you know the work is done by a licensed electrician in New Jersey who understands local codes, construction styles, and inspection requirements. That safety and peace of mind are hard to put a price tag on.
How To Budget And Plan For Your Recessed Lighting Project
The best recessed lighting projects start with a clear plan. We always encourage homeowners to think about how they use each room, then let us translate those goals into a safe, code compliant design.
Clarifying Your Lighting Goals And Layout
Before we provide a detailed quote, we will talk through questions like:
Which rooms feel too dark or uneven right now?
Do you want bright task lighting, soft ambient lighting, or both?
Are there features you want to highlight, such as fireplaces, artwork, or kitchen islands?
We then sketch a layout that addresses:
Fixture spacing and alignment
Beam angles and coverage
Zones that might need separate dimming or switching
If you are early in the idea phase, you may find it helpful to read more about design considerations in our article on how to design your recessed lighting layout. We use the same principles when we design projects for Burlington and Camden County homeowners.
Choosing Fixture Types, Bulbs, And Controls Within Your Budget
Once we know your goals, we match them with fixture and control options that fit your budget:
LED vs traditional bulbs LED almost always wins in long term value.
Color temperature Warmer light for living spaces, cooler for kitchens and work areas.
Trim style Simple white trims for a clean look, or specialty trims for design focused rooms.
Controls Standard dimmers, three way dimmers, or smart controls depending on how you use the room.
We are transparent about cost differences, so you can decide where it makes sense to invest more and where a standard option is perfectly fine.
Questions To Ask Before Hiring An Electrician
When you choose an electrician for recessed lighting, you are trusting them with your home, your family’s safety, and a visible feature of every room. We suggest asking:
Are you a licensed, insured electrician in New Jersey?
Do you have experience with recessed lighting in homes like mine?
How will you protect my home during installation and handle cleanup?
Do you handle permits and inspections if required?
Can I see customer feedback or recent projects?
You can read what local homeowners say about working with us in our customer reviews and explore more electrical safety and planning tips in our blog.
A reputable electrician should welcome these questions and answer them clearly. That transparency is part of how we do business across Burlington and Camden Counties.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost to Install Recessed Lighting
In many existing New Jersey homes, the cost to install recessed lighting typically ranges from about $175 to $350 per fixture, including materials and professional labor. A small room might run $800–$1,800, while larger kitchens or living rooms often fall between $1,500 and $3,500 depending on scope and complexity.
Key cost drivers include fixture type and size (standard, LED, or smart), ceiling material and access (attic access versus finished ceilings), electrical panel capacity and wiring condition, and design upgrades like trims, dimmers, or smart controls. Older wiring, no attic access, and high ceilings generally push costs toward the higher end.
Yes. In new construction or open renovations, ceilings are open, wiring routes are accessible, and panel work can be planned in advance, which lowers labor time and per‑fixture cost. In finished homes, electricians must carefully locate joists, fish wires, cut and patch drywall, and protect furnishings, all of which increase pricing.
DIY recessed lighting can seem cheaper, but it often leads to overloaded circuits, overheating fixtures, damaged ceilings, and code violations. Fixing these issues usually costs more than hiring a licensed electrician from the start. Professional installation ensures proper circuit sizing, safe wiring, clean layouts, and smooth inspections when you sell your home.
The number of recessed lights depends on room size, ceiling height, and brightness goals. As a rough guide, small bedrooms or hallways often use 4–6 fixtures, average living rooms 6–10, kitchens 6–12, and large finished basements 12–20 or more. A licensed electrician can refine counts based on your layout and lighting needs.
Ready To Upgrade Your Lighting? Partner With A Professional Electrician
If you are tired of dark corners, dated fixtures, or rooms that never feel quite bright enough, recessed lighting can make a bigger difference than almost any other lighting upgrade.
We help homeowners in Burlington County, Camden County, and the surrounding South Jersey communities design and install recessed lighting that fits the home, the budget, and local electrical code. Whether you need just a few fixtures in a kitchen or a full lighting plan for a finished basement, we start with a conversation, review your panel and wiring, and give you a clear, written estimate.
If you are thinking about pairing recessed lights with other upgrades like under cabinet lighting, ceiling fans, or smart controls, we can integrate those into a single, well planned project. You can explore options in our recessed lighting and interior fixture gallery or reach out directly.
When you are ready to talk about the cost to install recessed lighting in your home and what layout will work best for your rooms, contact us to schedule a visit with a certified Master Electrician. For fast, professional recessed lighting installation in South Jersey, get in touch with DK Electrical Solutions through our contact page and let us help you enjoy a brighter, safer home.
Bob was professional and friendly. He arrived when we were told he would and wore shoe covers. He was very thorough and explained our options for the lighting fixture. He also completed an electrical assessment and explained his findings. He made recommendations for possible work to maintain safety. We appreciated the time he took with us.
This was my first experience with DK ELECTRICAL. I called yesterday with my problem ( Thursday) , scheduled for an appointment (Monday), and was called again this morning with an offer to take the appointment today due to another’s cancellation. I was thrilled!! My technician, Joe Linarello was on time, texted with photo ID before arrival, very professional and I appreciate that he put shoe coverings on, and was able to fix my issue promptly. We also discussed the possibility of replacing my electrical panel in the near future, and Joe gave me excellent pricing and much needed updated safety features with the installation. I am looking forward to being a regular customer with DK ELECTRICAL, and I would highly recommend this company for all your electrical needs. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bob with DK Electrical was fantastic. Learned a lot during the inspection but did not feel pressed with a hard sell
Great attention to details and knowledge of options for solving complex problems.
So happy with the service from DK and Joe L. So informative, thorough. We had a little arching issue with an outlet and Joe fixed the issue, made us feel safe. Thanks for the quick service! Will definitely be using them again.
Bob did a great job by providing me a price quote for the project after on-site checking those red-tapped area and hearing me out about concerns from other important stakeholders.
I had new outlet run for my new electric fireplace in my tv room. It was run directly from the breaker panel to the outside wall in my den. It included a new 20 amp breaker going to a 20 amp quad outlet behind the unit. Joe and his coworker did a great job. Clean and neat and above all quickly done. I couldn’t be happier. I have used this company at least 4 other times. Always professional and courteous.
This is amazing company whom I have dealt with for several years for all my electrical concerns. Every member has been kind and knowledgeable towards the work when explaining their services. Appointments are given timely, and the job is completed as well as safety checks to your home. I highly recommend this company!
Brendan was friendly and knowledgeable, and he installed the light fixtures quickly and well. Things are now much better in my kitchen, dining room, and closets.
Wanted to give a shoutout to Bob from DK Electric Solutions who done some work in my home yesterday. What an amazing and knowledgeable young man. Not only did he explain exactly what was needed, this guy went way above and beyond what he needed to. And my guy stayed late (no extra cost) to make sure we were good. Even missed the kids parent teacher conference. Lol His wife made it tho. During these times when customer service seems to be out on the back burner, it’s extremely satisfying to see a company that prides itself on making sure the customer is a happy. They for sure have my future business.
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Bob did a great job. Answered all of our questions and solved all the issues
Joe was very professional and educated on what my specific concerns were. I will absolutely be reaching out again!
Installation of outdoor post lamp. Very professional, explaing the process and answering all questions. Installation went smoothly and the results were as expected of professional work.
Joe was very knowledgeable and professional, the price was very reasonable, will call again next time
Great service and special shout out also to Rebecca, who was so pleasant to deal with over the phone. Will definitely reach out again for any specific electrical needs.
Bob was amazing! He was patient and took the time to explain all of his findings. I had a small list of electrical odds and ends for him to do and he had them completed within the hour. (Improperly grounded outlets and switches, replacing electrical panel switches, etc.)
Joe was great, DK arrived promptly and did the work. I'm not a guy that likes to know how the sausage is made, I like techs and companies that come in, find problem, fix problem, without explaining what they are doing every step of the way. I really don't care, and I also have no idea what they are talking about most of the time. I'm a grocer, and an operations guy. Not an electrician. DK and Joe are perfect if you are like me and too busy to have someone explain something to you that you either don't have the need to retain or care. 5 stars...
Bob was excellent, explained the choices for a light fixture and smoke detectors and performed the installation efficiently. Highly recommend him
Brendan did a excellent job in being very thorough in all of my electrical needs. He was very pleasant and had explained different payment plans. I will definitely use DK Electricial Solutions in the future.
The electricians did a fantastic job! The were very thorough in their safety review and gave us various options to consider. They pointed problems left by a previous contractor and suggested corrections. The work was very professional and courteous. I will definitely hire them again.
Second time we called DK out to look at an electrical issue in my small townhome development. Super knowledgeable electricians that take the time to explain everything. Brendan was thorough but quick. Super professional but personable. Thanks so much!
Brendan did a great job as always. Always professional and willing to explain problems and solutions.
Brendan was sent out to check out aluminum branch wiring found at a home I was purchasing and he did a great job of analyzing the situation and provided explanations to the fix. Much appreciated
Joe and his team added fans in our home. They were a professional, timely, and thorough group. Pricing was transparent before the work began. Thanks, DK team!
Brendan come out today to give a quote for electric to be ran to our detached garage. He explained everything in detail and gave a great quote. Very honest and easy to talk with. Looking forward to having our electric done and support and family run local business.
Brendan and Tim were fantastic. Spent all day to get the job done, very conscientious to ensure everything worked and we were satisfied and most importantly, safe. Also super nice and friendly!
DK Electric was a wonderful company to do business with. Everyone was kind, professional and a pleasure to talk to. We will 100% recommend them to everyone.
Excellent service. Knowledgeable, friendly, efficient, reliable and trustworthy. Everything suggested and done were exactly what I wanted completed. Office is very responsive as well. So happy to have found someone I can trust for my multiple projects.
Very professional. My wife and I were please with his work. Better respectful of our home. I'm please with his performance.
Same day service on a cold call, and amazingly professional throughout. Couldn't be happier.
We needed some electrical work done that was time sensitive. DK electric not only delivered, but went out of their way to ease our concerns and meet our needed timeline. Their candor, professionalism, technical knowledge, ability, and business acumen put us at the top of their priority list and eased our families concerns. I would highly recommend DK Electrical Solutions to anyone in need of any electrical work in the area.
DK has provided services in our home several times and we have been completely satisfied each time. DK's service is professional and courteous. I recommend DK without reservation.
Brendan was polite and professional as always. He has done a great job for me in the past and I know that he will do the same this time. I will always call DK Electric for all my electrical needs.
Bob is super excellent. Know his stuff well. Excellent electrical resource.
I recently had a consultation with Joe from DK Electric, and I was thoroughly impressed with his professionalism and understanding of the scope of work I needed. He took the time to find the best solutions at affordable costs, ultimately saving me money. His expertise convinced me to sign the contract today, and I am excited to move forward with the project.
Derek worked with me in a difficult time to get bob out as quickly as possible. I look forward to scheduling the work with them as I am grateful for how they have worked with me during this time. Thank you to dk!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ DK Electrical Solutions provided excellent customer service and went above and beyond in every way. From start to finish, the team was professional, reliable, and knowledgeable. I couldn’t be happier with their work and highly recommend them for any electrical needs!
Great job, ask for Barry. He and his assistant fixed several problems that we’ve been having with our switches and outdoor lights. Extremely knowledgeable, hard working and thorough. Very fairly priced. Excellent company. Will only use them for future needs. 8/2025 - Used DK again, Brendan, to install an EV charger in our garage. Excellent job. Totally accommodating, professional, and had it installed one week from my request. Really appreciate a company like this, as it is hard to find a great contractor like DK.
Reliable and Trustworthy Service! We’ve been with DK electrical solutions Inc. for 2 years and couldn’t be happier. The service is dependable, the team is friendly, and everything is transparent—no hidden fees. Their operations are clean and efficient, with high standards and knowledgeable staff. Great customer service and overall experience!
Bob was great! On time, professional, courteous and knowledgeable. The whole process was painless, and I will definitely use DK Solutions again!
Great experience, On time, friendly, offered suggestions and cleaned up !
