This is the million dollar question many of us ask ourselves. Should I do this project myself, or hire a professional? So many things can influence the decision, that you should consider it carefully before deciding on either option. Do you have the knowledge, the experience, the money, or the time to complete this project. Those questions are applicable to both sides of this conversation, so you need to ask yourself which of those items you have more of and make an educated decision based on that.
Power Needs, Safety Concerns and Wiring
Before you can start with either, you need to know your power needs, understand safety concerns, and know a little about wiring. Some household appliances will run on 110, while others will run on 220. You need to know how much power your project needs so you can purchase the right breaker, and the right wiring.
How Much Do Electrical Installation Services for Lighting and Ceiling Fans Cost?
Installing a new light or ceiling light will be varied in cost depending upon what light or ceiling fan you select, where it is being installed, and if the wiring is already in place at that location. If there is no wiring to the space that you want the installation completed, it will be an additional cost to have wires run to the location and then the installation.
Lights and Ceiling Fans
Depending on the style of your home and personal preferences, there are nearly unlimited options for what light you can have. Often a larger or more ornate light will cost more then the smaller and lighter ones, though second hand is one way to keep costs down. A basic overhead light can start around $45-$50 and can go up to a few hundred dollars for each light. Ceiling fans are also a wide range of costs, with inexpensive ones available for under $100 and high end ones with better quality and more details will range upwards of $300. When choosing one look for quality, as the motor can burn out more quickly in the lower end models.
Wiring
Many homes have wiring in place for overhead lights in some areas and wall lighting in others. This is completed when the home is built, or if there are changes made during the life of the home. If you are wanting to install an overheat light in an area where there is no wiring through the ceiling for one, it will be necessary for the electrician to run a wire from a source inside the walls and then add a light switch. For my projects locally, I use Impact Electrical- Central Coast NSW, and they have been able to solve all of my electrical needs in a timely manner. You might not be as lucky, and will need to search for an affordable and honest contractor in your area. This will cost a total of the parts and materials to do so, as well as an hourly rate. Some electricians may quote one set price for the installation based upon a consultation.
When having a light installed on a wall, such as a wall sconce, the process will be similar. Replacing one that is no longer working is faster and easier than installing one if there isn’t one already in place. If there is not wiring in the location it will be run in, and the space will need to be wired for the power to get to the light. This can cost an hourly fee of $80 or more, depending on the electrician and the average rates in your area.
Installation
Once the fixture has been chosen and purchased, and there is wiring in place, the installation of the light is done quickly. An old fixture can be removed and the new one attached to the wires in place, or where new wiring has been installed it will be attached to the fixture, then the fixture will be secured to the wall or the ceiling. Installation fees will be a set price or hourly, and this is determined by the electrician or contractor who is completing the work.
