Can A Handyman Install Recessed Lighting? (Find Out Now!)

Jessica Vaillancourt
by Jessica Vaillancourt

You may not know the term ‘recessed lighting,’ but you’re guaranteed to have seen it somewhere. These ceiling fixtures, which create nice ambient lighting, are a worthy addition to any home. But it can be tough to know which kind of recessed lighting to buy, and if a pro should install them for you. Let’s discuss the question, can a handyman install recessed lighting?

Yes, a handyman can install recessed lighting, but it is better to hire a qualified electrician for the job. More than most light fixtures, recessed lighting is a fire hazard due to its installation within an opening of the ceiling or wall. An electrician will know the correct electrical codes, recessed lighting type, and safety protocols for your home.

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What is Recessed Lighting?

Recessed lighting, or downlighting, is a light fixture that’s installed into a hollow opening in a ceiling or wall. This lighting cascades down in a narrow spotlight or broad floodlight. It provides accent or ambient lighting in any room, particularly those with lower ceilings.

The benefit of recessed lighting is it looks sleek, does not hang down where it can be bumped, and doesn’t cast a bright, harsh light. Many homeowners find it works wonders in a kitchen space.

There are three main components to a recessed lighting fixture:

  • Housing. The housing is the bulk of the fixture. Often referred to as the can, this is the part that’s concealed within the wall or ceiling, where all the wiring is. 
  • Trim. The trim is the decorative, visual part of the fixture. It is customizable depending on your tastes, and can include different styles of baffles, reflectors, or shades.
  • Bulb. The bulb is the source of the light. You can choose a traditional, LED, or smart bulb. It is essential to select the right wattage and heat, as to prevent fires within the ceiling. This is where a skilled technician can come in. 

Remodel vs. New Construction Recessed Lighting

Different types of recessed lights are available depending on the current state of your home. This will be important when purchasing the fixtures. The most important factor is whether this installation is part of a remodel or new construction.

Recessed lights made for remodels are designed to be retrofitted into the current ceiling. When installed during a remodel, the lighting must be pushed through the pre-cut opening in the ceiling, and supported by metal clips. These metal clips hold the fixture in place by going through the light’s housing. They will then contact the drywall or paneling at the ceiling’s top surface.

With new construction, there is more flexibility with recessed light types and trims. That’s because the holes in the wall or ceiling can be created to accommodate recessed light fixtures. With installation in new construction, the fixtures are either nailed or screwed to the ceiling joists themselves.

This installation is usually completed by an electrician before ceiling drywall is installed, so they have optimal room to work. Because these don’t need to be designed to be retrofitted like remodel fixtures, they tend to be more affordable.

How Much Does it Cost to Install Recessed Lighting?

The cost of installing recessed lighting in your home will depend on multiple factors. These are the things to consider when planning out your budget:

  • How many individual fixtures you will need to buy.
  • If you are hiring an electrician to install them.
  • What the electrician charges per hour for labor.
  • Whether the installation is for new construction or remodel of an existing ceiling.
  • What kinds of added expenses, like smart bulbs or remotes, you might want.

The average recessed lighting installation requires 4-6 fixtures. In addition, the hourly rate of labor for an electrician to install them can range $50-$100 an hour. For budgeting, it helps to combine the cost of a fixture plus the electrician’s cost of labor, times the number of fixtures you will need. The average cost of a four-fixture installation comes out to around $450.

Below is a chart that shows average costs for recessed lighting installation. These prices factor in the number of fixtures total, combined with the general cost of labor from an electrician.

Number of Fixtures New ConstructionRemodel for Existing Ceiling
1-3 $70 – $300$150 – $500
4-6$400 – $700$700 – $1,000
7-10$750 – $1,700$700 – $2,750

As you can see in the above chart, the cost of recessed lighting installation is lower than for fixtures installed in an existing ceiling.

Electrician Installation of Recessed Lighting – Permits and Safety

A handyman can install recessed lighting, but it’s not your best option. Consider entrusting a qualified electrician with the installation. They understand the dangers of improperly installing recessed lighting fixtures. If the wrong bulb is chosen, or the fixture is incorrectly wired, these become a fire hazard. Electricians also know what type of fixture to install based on the angle of the ceiling, the presence of insulation, and thickness of the walls.

Based on the National Electric Code, most localities will also require a permit and inspection when electrical work is involved. You can change the trim or bulbs without a permit, but any installation involving wiring will usually require one. Permits of this nature usually range from $20 – $100, but consult with an electrician in your area for their estimate.

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Related Questions

What is the difference between can and canless recessed lighting?

A can recessed lighting fixture has a can-shaped housing, the entirety of which is put right into the ceiling. An electrical box is often put right on top of the housing, and the can shape protects the bulb. On the other hand, a canless light is a single unit that connects directly to electrical wiring, and only has a thin housing.


Why is recessed lighting so expensive?

Recessed lighting is more expensive than other light fixtures. First, it requires multiple recessed lighting fixtures to fully cover an area. That’s because they’re designed as accent lighting and not full overhead lighting. Their wiring connections are also more involved than traditional lighting fixtures. These are more tricky to install, so many choose to hire an electrician for the job which ups the cost. 

Jessica Vaillancourt
Jessica Vaillancourt

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