I have a customer that is looking at adding onto their existing home. They do not know if they want recessed lighting or surface mount lighting. They do not know quantities either. Should I give them an allowance and a cost installed per can? Or should I give them just a lump sum allowance for lighting? Any suggestions would be great.
Allowance for lighting Residential?
- Thread starter chris1971
- Start date
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jwjrw
Senior Member
If they want cans in a new construction situation I figure half an hour a can plus can. Remodel 125 to 150 and thats if there is no steel between beams etc.
As far as quanties I get a general idea how much light they want and tack cans up let them see and add from there
Maybe two 4" over sink , two 4" eyeball over fireplace, 6" everywhere else
Tacking them up helps them really see before its too hard to add
jxofaltrds
Retired ESI
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- Creator
jxofaltrds
Retired ESI
- Location
- Mike P. Columbus Ohio
- Occupation
- Creator
ty
Senior Member
- Location
- 3rd Rock from the Sun
i agree. But also include price for each switch.
Many people forget this part. There might be 16 cans, but there might be 8 switches.
Lump sum for lighting would be for Fixture cost only. Not amount of light boxes or installation.
Many people forget this part. There might be 16 cans, but there might be 8 switches.
Lump sum for lighting would be for Fixture cost only. Not amount of light boxes or installation.
Sierrasparky
Senior Member
- Location
- USA
- Occupation
- Electrician ,contractor
You still get 125- 150 for cut in cans ?
kbsparky
Senior Member
- Location
- Delmarva, USA
Figure the cost of the most expensive can + trim that they might pick. Add the costs of bulbs, and then multiply by your mark-up percentage. Multiply that total by the number of fixtures, and you have your (lump sum) allowance.
Be sure to include a disclaimer that any shortages (or overages) will be adjusted at final billing of the job.
Be sure to include a disclaimer that any shortages (or overages) will be adjusted at final billing of the job.
dmagyar
Senior Member
- Location
- Rocklin, Ca.
Can's & switches
Can's & switches
Chris1971, ty (Todd) is right on with switching and where they're going to be located, which are difficult to impossible if located on outer walls. Note that the cost for switching is apart from whatever you're going to forward for the lights. Also check how much space in attic for crawling around, remember thats reduced based on pitch of roof at the perimeters of the house. Also be sure to offer "CFL" recessed fixtures as an option, you'll be saving them money in the long run.
If you get really serious you can obtain a "photometric" program to layout and predict what the footcandles or lumens will be with a respective fixture installed.
Can's & switches
Chris1971, ty (Todd) is right on with switching and where they're going to be located, which are difficult to impossible if located on outer walls. Note that the cost for switching is apart from whatever you're going to forward for the lights. Also check how much space in attic for crawling around, remember thats reduced based on pitch of roof at the perimeters of the house. Also be sure to offer "CFL" recessed fixtures as an option, you'll be saving them money in the long run.
If you get really serious you can obtain a "photometric" program to layout and predict what the footcandles or lumens will be with a respective fixture installed.
electricmanscott
Senior Member
- Location
- Boston, MA
- Occupation
- Massachusetts Master Electrician, one man show.
What I would do is tell them what they want not the other way around. I give a recommended lighting layout and a price to make it happen. If they don't go with it that's their choice but you are the professional, you should be guiding the customer. If they go with their own design there is no way they can blame the "stupid electrician" for the poor lighting.
jwjrw
Senior Member
I do. I hate putting in remodels and seems like the rafters are always in the spot the customer wants.. I spend some time with a stud finder draw pattern on ceiling let customer see before I cut..I have lowered my prices but not on remodel cans..Unless they want to do T/M.....Installing remodel cans can either be a breeze or one big headache(like when more than one beam has steel in it)
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Adding lighting in existing construction, or lighting in a new addition?
Either way, work up a room-by-room lighting plan with them, then price it.
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