Typical costs
- Finished ceiling, 8+ lights: $150 – $250 per light
- Open ceiling during a renovation: $95 – $150 per light
- Exterior soffit lights: $175 – $275 per light
- Dimmer or smart switch: $90 – $180 each
What changes the price
Access
Joists running the right way and an accessible attic make fishing cable fast. Plaster ceilings, joists running against the layout, or a finished floor above take longer.
Number of switches and zones
Splitting a room into zones (e.g., kitchen perimeter and island) adds switches and wiring.
Fixtures
Slim wafer lights are cost-effective; trimless or adjustable gimbal fixtures cost more and take longer to install.
How many do you need?
Fewer than you think. A well-placed layout that washes walls usually beats a dense grid. A 12×14 ft living room often needs 6–8 lights.
Comparing quotes
Check that the permit, dimmers and patching of any access holes are included, and that fixtures are IC-rated and airtight where there's insulation above. More on our pot lights page.
Quick questions
Are LED pot lights worth it over regular fixtures?
For most rooms, yes: even, glare-free light, low energy use and no bulbs to replace for years.
Do pot lights need a permit?
New lighting circuits and added fixtures are electrical work that should be filed with ESA. We include it.
Can pot lights go in a bathroom?
Yes, with fixtures rated for damp or wet locations as appropriate, and on the right protection.
