Changing a light fitting can look like a simple job, but some fittings need a little more care than others.
At RS Connections Electrical Contractors, straightforward light fitting changes can cost around £85–£170, depending on the fitting and how long the job takes. If you’re unsure about the wiring, the fitting is particularly heavy or you’re simply not confident doing the job yourself, it’s worth getting a qualified electrician to take care of it.
When should you get an electrician to change a light?
Some light fittings are relatively straightforward, but others can be heavy, awkward or fiddly to install. If you’re not confident identifying the wiring or making the connections safely, it’s always better to get a qualified electrician to do it for you.
A good example is a recent job we carried out at a new-build home on the Skylarks Estate. The owners wanted to add some personality to their home and move away from the standard new-build look, so they’d chosen 15 chandelier-style light fittings. They looked fantastic, but because of their weight, each fitting needed some extra care when being secured to the ceiling. The crystals also made things a little fiddly, as we needed to work carefully around them and avoid leaving fingerprints all over the glass!
What should you check before fitting a new light?
If you’re buying a new light fitting, it’s worth having a look at what you’re actually buying before you take the old one down. Think about the weight of the fitting, how it’s going to be fixed to the ceiling and whether the existing wiring and fixing point are suitable. A fitting that’s much heavier than the one you’re replacing may need different support, and some larger or more unusual lights can be more involved to install than they first appear.
It’s also worth considering the size and position of the fitting in the room. A large chandelier can look fantastic over a dining table or in a hallway, but you want to make sure it’s at the right height and isn’t going to become something everyone has to duck underneath!
What if I have lots of lights to replace?
If you’re changing several light fittings around your home, getting them done together can make sense. It means you can plan the lighting as part of the overall look rather than gradually replacing fittings whenever you get around to it.
That’s exactly what the homeowners on the Skylarks Estate decided to do. Rather than sticking with the standard fittings that came with their new-build home, they chose 15 chandelier-style lights to give the different rooms a bit more character.
With so many fittings to install, taking our time was important. Each one needed to be securely fitted, while the crystals needed careful handling to avoid marks and fingerprints. The finished result made a lovely difference to the feel of the home and gave it much more of the personal style the homeowners were looking for.
If you’re replacing a standard pendant with another straightforward fitting and you’re confident with electrical work, it may seem like an easy job. However, when you’re dealing with heavy, expensive or unusual fittings, we’d always recommend getting a professional involved.
If you need a Lighting Electrician Rottingdean for new fittings, replacements or a larger lighting project, contact RS Connections Electrical Contractors today by phone on 07443 744073 or via our contact form. We’d be happy to have a chat about what you need.
