Who to Call to Install Recessed Lighting

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you’re wondering who to call to install recessed lighting, the most reliable answer is an electrician with electrical expertise who handles wiring, layout, and safe installation. Electricians complete recessed lighting safely and smoothly, limiting ceiling and wall damage while wiring your fixtures. 

This guide explains the best pro to hire, other options, how the work gets done, and costs.

Benefits of Hiring an Electrician to Install Recessed Lighting

An electrician is the best choice because recessed lighting requires new wiring, careful layout, and controlled cuts in finished surfaces. A pro prioritizes safety, follows proper testing, and keeps damage to a minimum. You get a clean finish and confidence that everything is wired correctly and tested before completion.

Here are some of the top benefits of hiring a licensed pro:

• Installs new wiring safely to avoid fire or injury

• Minimizes ceiling and wall damage when cutting access holes

• Plans fixture layout for even spacing and coverage

• Completes the job smoothly for peace of mind

• Wires a new circuit to the service panel if needed

• Connects fixtures correctly and installs trim cleanly

• Follows safety precautions and performs voltage checks

• Tests every light and installs new bulbs before completion

• Navigates can vs. canless choices and depth preferences

• Reduces the risk of insurance issues from DIY wo

Can I Hire a Handyperson to Install Recessed Lighting?

You can hire an electrical handyperson to install recessed lighting, but with caution. This project involves planning the layout, running wiring, cutting access points, and limiting drywall repairs—areas where mistakes are costly. 

Always confirm substantial electrical experience before proceeding. Ask about similar projects, wiring runs, and repair capabilities. The upside of hiring a handyperson is availability and single-source convenience. The downside is increased risk with complex wiring, as improper work can be dangerous. 

Always interview and assess electrical experience before hiring. If you want extra peace of mind, hire an electrician near you to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

How Do Electricians Install Recessed Lighting?

Electricians follow a structured process to protect your home and ensure safe results:

1. Pre-check to verify circuits can power the lights, plan layout, select fixtures, and follow safety precautions

2. Cut holes for recessed fixtures and any wall openings needed to access pathways

3. Rough in electrical wiring and connect to each fixture

4. Mount fixtures into cutouts and install trim

5. Wire the light circuit to the service panel if adding a new circuit

6. Finalize by installing bulbs and fully testing the operation

How Much Does Installing Recessed Lighting Cost?

Recessed lighting installation costs $100 to $300 per fixture for most homeowners. Your choices and site conditions drive the price per light. 

Costs vary depending on whether the fixtures are can or canless, how deep you want the lights recessed, whether insulation is needed, and the extent of drywall repair after wiring and access cuts. These factors influence labor time and materials per fixture.