What's the best / cheapest way to fit spotlight downlighters?
Question:I am in the process of buying a brand new home, and am at the stage where I have various customisation options. One of the particular options I would like is recessed ceiling downlighting.
However, the developer has quoted me £65 / per light - I want them in 3 rooms so I would be looking at well over £1,000, which seems expensive when each light probably only costs about £5.
If I were to have this done through someone other than the builder, what do I need to consider? For example, will I need to have the ceiling replastered and how much would it cost for an electician to install around 20 lights (For kitchen, bathroom and one bedroom)?
Answers:
hi...go to this site and look under the 'projects' section
http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/home.htm...
i am a electrician.i would charge about 300-400 to fit the lights if you bought them yourself,so get a spark to do them and dont get ripped off by the builders.65 per light is way too muchhh
fit them yourself its easy
Before you go ahead, think about the energy implications as spotlight downlighters usually use halogen bulbs which are energy intensive. If you still want to have them, choose those that can use energy saving bulbs. I would ask for at least 2 other quotes and choose one that is the best deal. I agree that £65 per light is OTT. £25-40 per light is more like it, depending on the quality of the fittings.
If you fit them yourself, then get them checked by a qualified electrician otherwise your insurance will not be valid.
You will not need to replaster the ceiling as you can get a special hole cutter for £40-£45.
Expect to pay £15-£20 for low voltage downlights with the transformer and lamp. Plus your cable price (which has shot up with the price of copper.) an average price to fit them would be about £20-£25 per light.
You might get a little discount as there are so many.
Have fun
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