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:
-
Standard 6 inch cans Often the most budget friendly and a great fit for living rooms, kitchens, and basements.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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:
-
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.
-
Existing circuit loads We calculate how much load new lights will add and whether we should run a dedicated lighting circuit.
-
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:
-
Decorative trims Baffle, reflector, adjustable gimbal, and specialty trims all come at different price points.
-
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.
-
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:
-
No attic access above the room
-
Older wiring that needs updating
-
High ceilings or complex layouts
-
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
-
Average living room 6 to 10 fixtures
-
Kitchen with work zones Usually 6 to 12 fixtures, sometimes more if we are pairing with under cabinet lighting
-
Large finished basement Often 12 to 20+ fixtures
Using the per fixture range above, many homeowners see projects such as:
-
Small room: around $800 to $1,800
-
Larger living room or kitchen: around $1,500 to $3,500
-
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.
-
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.
-
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:
-
Evaluate your electrical system We check your panel, existing circuits, and wiring conditions.
-
Confirm layout and fixture locations We help you avoid glare, shadows, and odd spacing.
-
Protect your home Drop cloths, plastic, and careful cutting to control dust and debris.
-
Cut and install housings We measure, cut precise openings, and mount each housing securely.
-
Run new wiring We route cable within code guidelines and secure it properly.
-
Connect to the panel or existing circuits We size breakers correctly and label everything.
-
Install trims, bulbs, and controls Dimmers and switches are wired and tested.
-
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:
-
Number of fixtures
-
Difficulty of access
-
Age of the home
-
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:
-
Permit applications
-
Coordination with local inspectors
-
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:
-
Tripping breakers or flickering lights due to overloaded circuits
-
Overheating fixtures from improper insulation contact
-
Damaged plaster or drywall from trial and error cuts
-
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.
Derrick and DK electrical solutions are amazing!! We had an electrical wire break underground and struggled for a week to find a company that could dig up the area and solve our problem. He came the day I called and after one long day of hard work, I once again have electricity. He was so incredibly kind, reasonably priced, thoughtful, professional and clearly loves problem solving. Thank you so much for everything. Please call DK for all your electrical needs but especially those that involve underground electrical wiring. Updating in 2026. Just used DK again to diagnose some issues around my house. Bob and George were super kind and knowledgeable. Still super happy with the service.
5 star review. I had a transfer switch and interlock installed on our electric box. Joe and Travis were on time, polite, knowledgeable, worked quickly, and did a great job. They explained everything once they were done. I have used DK Electrical Solutions in the past and will continue to use them.
Had power out in two rooms of the house and they were able to get a technician over same day in the afternoon. Joe went over the pricing with us immediately and gave us a flat rate no matter the time it took or work done. He checked literally everywhere to no avail and then suggested there might be an outlet hidden in our closet. He was right about that and after checking that outlet he fou d the source of the problem. Replaced the outlet and a burnt wire and we have power again! Was super polite and thorough and got the job done thanks to his dedication and skill. If we ever have electric issues again DK will be the first and last place we call to get it solved. Thanks for your help Joe!
He was very perfection, he hung up my lights and they look beautiful Thank you
Bob Edwards did a great job. In addition to solving my electrical issues, Bob helped me understand the big picture and how to identify and prevent future issues. Bob is a great technician and a major asset to DK Electrical Solutions.
As usual I called DK with an emergency. I was displaced by a fire in my neighbors home. My meter was removed during the worst snow storms in nine years. The process of filing my permits was made easier with Britney's help. Derek went above and beyond by hand carrying the paperwork to the township building. You couldn't hire a better team. I have always had positive interactions with the staff.
Joe was very professional! He did an amazing job! Definitely will request Joe to come out for my next project!!!
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 Edwards was fantastic. Friendly, focused, informative and effective. He explained everything to me clearly as to what he was doing. I couldn't have asked for more. I would highly recommend him!
