Expect to pay between $100 to $480 per fixture, or $360 on average, when having recessed lighting installed by a pro. At the average price, the project runs about $2,160 for six fixtures. The total varies depending on the type of housing, trim, and bulbs you select.

How much does it cost to add lights to a basement?

Expect to pay between $100 to $480 per fixture, or $360 on average, when having recessed lighting installed by a pro. At the average price, the project runs about $2,160 for six fixtures. The total varies depending on the type of housing, trim, and bulbs you select.

Can I wire my basement myself?

YES! You can legally wire your own basement. If you weren’t sure…now you know YOU CAN. You don’t have to have an electrician’s license, or need to be certified in electric or anything like that to wire your basement.

How do you put lights in an unfinished basement?

Since unfinished basements are often damp and cold, fluorescent tube lights should probably be avoided. The Build Direct blog advises you steer clear of bare incandescent bulbs. They provide a harsh, yellow light that isn’t welcoming. Instead, opt for soft white bulbs that provide a warmer light.

How do you run electrical wire in an unfinished basement ceiling?

Basically staple all parallel runs 1.25″ away from the joist edge. All perpendicular runs should pass through a bored hole 2″ from the edge of the joist. Support wire every 4-6′ with either staple or through a bored hole. Staple wire within 12″ of entering a box or bend.

How can I cover my basement ceiling?

Cover the Ceiling with Fabric Staple sheets or other fabric to the floor joists overhead, allowing them to billow down in tufts. This technique softens the space while hiding the mess above. For a more dramatic effect, use colorful parachutes or sail shades.

Can lights in exposed basement ceiling?

Recessed Lighting for an Exposed Basement Ceiling. Recessed lighting can still look amazing in an unfinished basement. … Recessed lighting is installed between the ceiling joists using recessed lighting housing. The trim type determines the amount of light put out.

What is code for electrical outlets in a basement?

Standard basement electrical outlet height is 15” as per the NEC – National Electrical Code. This measurement is taken from the bottom of the receptacle box to the level of the floor below. There are no special guidelines for basement outlet height as per the NEC – they are the same height as any other floor.

How do I make my basement lights brighter?

1. #1. Paint Your Walls with a Light Color.
2. #2. Choose Light Wood Flooring.
3. #3. Use the right Lighting and Layer them.
4. #4. Choose Bright Colored Furniture for Contrast and Added Brightness.
5. #5. Consider Natural Plants.
6. #6. Don’t Forget the Mirrors.
7. #7. Consider Shiny Metal Accents.
8. #8.

Can you run outlets and lights on the same circuit?

Yes, you can. The average home uses an indoor distribution board that houses the breakers of the majority of circuits in the home. A circuit controlled by a 15A circuit breaker (which a lot of contractors use for general lighting) can also accommodate outlets.

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What kind of electrical box do I need for basement?

Metal boxes should be used: When metal-sheathed cable or metal conduit is running in or out of the box. For interior exposed application such as in an unfinished basement or mudroom where there’s no drywall.

Can you add electrical outlets to unfinished basement?

In an unfinished basement you will need the circuit to have a GFCI breaker or a GFCI outlet that feeds the other outlets.

How do I run Romex in my basement?

Running Romex Wire in Basement You will have to drill a hole in the floor plate (attic) and roof or wall plate (basement) to run the wire. Make sure it is in the same wall cavity as the outlet you are trying to run the Romex to, since you can’t leave it exposed. To run the wire through this hole, use a coat hanger.

How much does it cost to wire a basement?

Wiring a Basement Typical costs for wiring a 1,000 square-foot basement area runs from $800 to $1,500, depending on the number of recess lights and bedrooms in basement. The lower price range is for large open spaces; the higher costs are for basements that are subdivided into separate rooms.

How bright should basement lights be?

Light Where You Need It You should look for 75 to 100-Watt incandescent lamps, but we want to stop thinking of lights in terms of wattage, so let’s look at Lumens instead. For the newer lamps, that means you want lights with a Lumen output of 800-1200 Lumens (typically a 13-Watt LED will yield within that range).

How many can lights in basement?

The number of recessed lights in your basement will depend on the overall size and shape. Our designers use a general rule that one recessed light will cover about 70 square feet. When determining how many lights will be needed it is also good to think about where the lights will be placed.

How many can lights do I need?

Total wattage divided by 60 watts (or whichever wattage you select) = total amount of recessed can lights. Example: 240 square foot room x 1.5 = 360 divided by 60 (the bulb wattage I’d like to use) = 6 recessed lights needed. ​Now we will calculate the spacing between each light.

What is the cheapest way to cover a ceiling?

1. Paint. It’s a great way to change the perception of your space. …
2. Tin Tiles. Hide damage and uneven surfaces with tin ceiling tiles that introduce a vintage vibe. …
3. Moldings and More. …
4. Tiles or Planks.

How can I finish my basement cheaply?

You can save on the cost to finish a basement by doing things not bound by codes: installing trim or doors, painting walls and woodwork, and installing flooring, says Buckeye Basements’ Jon Smith.

What color light is best for basement?

Cool white bulbs give off a friendly and inviting light that is perfectly suited for high-traffic areas of the home including living rooms, kitchens, basements and playrooms. Cool white light is also ideal for reading and completing tasks.

How do I make my basement feel like home?

1. White Walls. 1/24. White Walls. …
2. Glass Doors. 2/24. Glass Doors. …
3. Light Wood Flooring. 3/24. Light Wood Flooring. …
4. Trim Your Greenery. 4/24. Trim Your Greenery. …
5. Add Plants. 5/24. Add Plants. …
6. Use Different Light Sources. 6/24. …
7. Mirrors. 7/24. …
8. Chandeliers or Fancy Light Fixtures. 8/24.

How do I make my basement cozy?

1. Create a cozy den like space. …
2. Add a second living room. …
3. Divide up your space with sliding doors. …
4. Turn a small basement into a guest bedroom. …
5. Create a home gym. …
6. Create the ultimate games room. …
7. Turn a small basement into a home office. …
8. Use a small basement for storage.

Do you need GFCI in basement?

GFCI receptacles are required in bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, basements, laundry rooms and areas where a water source is present.

How far from floor should receptacles be?

Standard Height for Outlet Boxes The standard height for wall outlet boxes is about 12 inches from the top of the floor covering to the bottom of the receptacle box (or 16 inches to the top of the box).

How high should outlets be in an unfinished basement?

Outlet Height in a Basement That Is Unfinished It is 6 1/2 feet above grade. You should follow this requirement in an unfinished basement even if another outlet is within 6 feet of the one you’re installing.

How many circuits do I need for a basement?

You’ll need to add a 15- or 20-amp circuit breaker or two to your electrical service panel. Have a qualified electrician, licensed to work with high voltage, install the outlets, lights and circuit breakers. If you’re adding plumbing, that too will need to conform to local building codes.

How many lights and outlets should be on a circuit?

By rule of thumb, you would stick with 8 to 10 outlets and or lights per breaker.

Do I need a junction box to install a light?

The electrical box, or junction box, is a code requirement that was established to prevent fires and other electrical accidents. … You can’t install a light fixture without a junction box, but the fact that there’s no box at the spot where you want to install the light doesn’t mean you can’t install the light.

How many outlets does an unfinished basement have?

Section 210.52(G) stipulates that at least one receptacle outlet must be installed in each basement of a one-family dwelling. Since at least one receptacle outlet is required, it must be GFCI protected.

Can you use Romex in basement?

Romex is fine when it is inside a wall/ceiling/floor because it is protected from puncture/cuts/etc. but if it is just running along the exposed walls of a basement that is not up to code.

Why is Romex illegal?

Staffers there said house wiring known by the brand name Romex can be dangerous if the insulation is gnawed by rodents or punctured by nails. They said the flexible insulation on the cable lacks the protection of conduit, the rigid metal tubes that encase wires.