Old Castle Renovations Blog

Lights

Choosing lighting for a renovation project is one of the bigger challenges experienced by most homeowners. Our customers tell us it is very hard to imagine what light fixtures would be best in their new space until the renovation is almost complete. So we thought we should write.

Contractors may seem to be pressuring for no apparent reason when they’re encouraging homeowners to make choices about the finishes… but there are reasons!

The best way to describe the process is – layers. A renovation is like a puzzle, fitting a whole bunch of pieces together, working towards producing a seamless finish. The layers need to be done in a particular order and account for the final location, numbers, and types of amenities seen on the ‘face’ of the finished renovation. Renovations require building from the inside out.

Within the stages of layers, is the framing, reinforced beams in open concept rooms, electrical, plumbing, insulation, drywall, painting and finally, installation. The contractor needs to know what type, number and location of lighting because they need to know where to run the electrical through all these layers:

• where to install the electrical boxes for light switches on the walls
• where to install pot light and hanging light boxes in the ceiling
• how many electrical circuits to create to accommodate lighting and appliances
• whether the electrical panel can handle the electrical needs of the renovation
• knowing all this so they don’t have to go backwards and cut drywall and run wiring, which lengthens the renovation time and is more difficult work.

Consider lighting in four layers – the focal light fixtures setting the tone for décor or style, the supporting cast of multiple smaller lights, the hard working task lights, and then the lights for ambience. Most LED lights can be dimmed. This is good to know because you can plan locations of light switches to provide ambient or safety lighting depending on your needs.

Knowing your lighting needs allows the electrical to be built into the budget and flawlessly integrated into the ceiling, walls and island. Carefully considered lighting gives a polished feel to the renovation and is an important ‘finish’ to consider in your renovation plans.

Old Castle Renovations knows lighting and has the experience to answer your lighting questions. Give us a call for your next renovation project.

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