DIY vs. Professional Light Fixture Installation: What You Need to Know

wood light fixture installation in a living room

For your blogger, browsing the light-fixture section of the local home-improvement retailer is about as fun as these kinds of trips get. The fixtures themselves are always beautiful, as is the dazzling light they radiate—making it all too easy to imagine any number of them suspended from the living room, dining room, or kitchen ceiling. Less fun is even thinking about installing one of these shimmering showpieces, your blogger not being particularly DIY overall, let alone around the house. Yet many people are happy to undertake such daunting tasks. This is all well and good, so long as they understand that proper light fixture installation is essential for the functionality and safety of their home. 

A well-installed fixture ensures adequate illumination, no potential electrical hazards, and no chance of it falling out of its mounting. When considering a new light fixture, then, many homeowners often face a decision: undertake the installation themselves (a.k.a., DIY) or hire a professional electrician. Each approach has pros and cons. Here they are.

When DIY Light Fixture Installation is a Safe Bet:

    • Simple Replacements
      Replacing an existing fixture with a similar type and no changes to the wiring? In a situation like this, a DIY approach is most feasible.
    • Light Fixture Installation Cost Is a Concern
      Short on funds? Handling the installation yourself can save on labor costs, making DIY installation an economical choice.
    • New Home or New/Modern Wiring
      If your home is new, or you’ve had the wiring updated relatively recently, you have a much better chance of achieving a successful light fixture installation.

When Your Light Fixture Installation May Require a Pro:

  • Complex Wiring or New Installations
    Installing fixtures in new locations or dealing with outdated or complex wiring systems may require professional assessment and handling.
  • Upgrading to Smart or Recessed Lighting
    These modern fixtures often involve intricate installations; this situation isn’t necessarily outside the realm of DIY, but it should give one at least some pause.
  • Compliance with Electrical Codes and Permits
    If you feel that local electrical codes and permits might be an issue, professionals ensure that all such requirements are met, reducing the risk of future compliance issues and possible fines.
  • Ensuring Safety, Long-Term Reliability, and Peace of Mind
    Again, this gets generally at your level of comfort doing this kind of work. If you’re really not sure how you feel about tackling an electrical project, at least you know that lighting installation services are always nearby and ready to step in: minimizing potential hazards and ensuring the longevity and proper functioning of your new fixtures. You also know that a good shop will always back up its work.

Light Fixture Installation Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional

  • DIY Costs
    Expenses might include purchasing the necessary tools and peripherals, such as screws, nuts, and bolts. Another “expense” to consider is personal time investment, i.e., what activities are you giving up to spend an evening or part of a Saturday on a ladder trying to splice together wire? There’s also the possibility you may botch the job, leading to the need to call in a pro to clean up the mess.
  • Professional Costs
    The cost to hire pro lighting installation services varies based on the project’s complexity and location. On average, electricians charge between $80 to $195 per hour. Specific installations, such as a light fixture installation, could run higher.
  • Potential Savings vs. Risks
    While DIY can certainly be cost-effective, improper installation may result in safety hazards or additional repair costs, negating your projected labor savings.

D.I.Y. or P.R.O.?

Don’t let your blogger’s hesitancy to read a wiring diagram or screw in a lightbulb put you off from tackling your own light fixture installation. Deciding between DIY and professional lighting installation services depends on the project’s complexity and your overall comfort with electrical work. For straightforward light-fixture replacements and those with the requisite skills, DIY can be an economical and even rewarding choice. But for intricate installations, uncertain wiring conditions, or to ensure compliance and safety, hiring a professional may be the prudent option. Assess your project’s specific needs and your own level of proficiency to make an informed decision that ensures both safety and satisfaction. And if and when you’re ready to hand off installation for that lovely new lighting fixture, the professionals at Holtzople are always just a phone call or email away.