Thinking of installing downlights in your home?
It’s a good idea as they’ll look stunning in the interior of your home. But luxury does come with a price tag.
So, how much to install downlights? Well, if you’re struggling to find a quick estimate, here’s what you need to know:
In UK, the average cost to install downlights is between £400 to £600 (for 5x downlights). This includes both supply and labour costs. In general, the cost depends on the number of lights you need to install and the layout of the existing wiring.
Apart from that, there are many things that can skyrocket the actual price tag.
How Much Cost Does It Cost To Install Downlights?
The supply cost for a single downlight is usually between £40 to £120. And the rule of thumb is that an electrician will charge at least half the amount of the supply cost. So, you’ll need a budget of £800 for 10x LED downlight units, including labour costs.
If the existing wiring is faulty or needs to be replaced, then the cost can be increased up to 25%. Here’s your detailed breakdown:
| Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Downlight Supply Cost | £40 to £120 (medium to high end) |
| Smart Downlight Cost | £60 to £200 per unit |
| Fitting Cost | £20 to £60 per unit |
| Fitting Time | 15 – 20 minutes per downlight |
You may be surprised to know that where you’re planning to install downlights can also add up to the final price tag. Fitting LED downlights in the kitchen with a low ceiling is relatively more time-consuming as compared to installing them in the loft of the living room.
4 Factors That Determine The Cost Of Installing Downlights
Truth to tell, among us electricians, there’s a saying that anything can add up the cost, even a bad fixture. So, here are the 5 major factors that will skyrocket the price tag.
1. Number Of Required Downlights
That’s pretty simple. The more units you’ll need, the more you have to pay. The general rule of thumb is that each downlight must be positioned 4 feet apart from the other. Not only that, but you also have to pay the supply cost of buying online, which can be anywhere between £2 to £8 per unit.
2. Faulty Existing Wiring
Unfortunately, with the faulty wiring, you’ll also have to pay for electrical rewiring costs. If this is the case, then it’s going to be so expensive for you, as the rewiring costs £4500 on average.
3. The Design Of Your Downlight
Downlights come in all shapes and sizes. If your unit is stylish or hefty, it will certainly add up to both supply and labour costs. Furthermore, if the unit is too heavy, you’ll need two electricians to install it.
4. Labour Cost
As mentioned earlier, the electrician charges almost half the price of the downlight as fitting cost. On average, it will take 5 hours to fit 10x units in the ceiling and 3 hours for 10 wall downlights.
Cost To Install Downlights FAQs
How far apart should downlights be?
Most interior designers recommend 1 downlight per square meter. But the general rule of thumb is to divide your ceiling height by 2 and keep that much space between two downlights (in feet).
Suppose your ceiling is 10 feet high; then, for better layout and light, position your lights 5 feet apart.
How much does it cost to put in downlights?
On average, putting in a downlight will cost £60 – £80 in the UK. This mainly depends on the type of your unit and city. In city centres, you’re expected to pay 20% of the labour cost.
Wrapping It Up!
Downlights are great for aesthetics and light in your room. A single downlight can cost £60 per unit, including supply and labour costs. In the end, there’s no fixed number.
It all sums up your choice, number of downlights, installation conditions, and electrician cost. Well, being a professional electrician, I suggest keeping £200 extra apart from the supply cost, to avoid any fuss during the installation process.
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