It depends on the fixture type, whether there’s existing wiring, and the complexity of the mounting. A simple one-for-one replacement — same location, existing junction box, no structural changes — is on the lower end. A chandelier that requires structural reinforcement, a new fixture location that needs a circuit run, or a recessed lighting layout with 6-8 fixtures costs more. We quote simple swaps over the phone. For chandeliers, new locations, and recessed layouts, we give a written estimate after an on-site look. No surprises on install day.

For a lightweight fixture under 25 pounds on an existing junction box with existing wiring, a handy homeowner can manage it. But heavy chandeliers — 50 pounds and up — are a different job entirely. They require a fan-rated or weight-rated junction box, structural reinforcement bolted to a ceiling joist, safe rigging at height, and proper wire connections. A 150-pound chandelier falling from a two-story foyer ceiling is not a risk worth taking. We handle the structural assessment, the box upgrade, and the wiring so the fixture stays where you put it.

A simple fixture swap — existing wiring, standard junction box — takes 30-60 minutes. Chandelier installations and new fixture locations (where we need to run wire and cut a ceiling opening) take 2-3 hours. A full recessed lighting layout with 6-8 fixtures and a dimmer takes half a day. We give you the time estimate before scheduling so you can plan around it. Most jobs are same-day — you have working lights before we leave.

Yes. Adding a new ceiling light means running wire from the nearest circuit, cutting a ceiling hole, installing a code-compliant junction box, and connecting the fixture. If there’s attic access above the location, the job is straightforward — we run the wire through the attic and drop it down. If the ceiling is finished with no attic access, we fish wire through the wall cavity or run surface-mounted conduit. Either way, it gets permitted and inspected.

For a simple fixture swap on existing wiring — taking down an old fixture and putting up a new one — no permit is typically required. For new fixture locations that involve running a new circuit, cutting into walls or ceilings, or adding a junction box, Fairfax County usually requires an electrical permit. The rule of thumb: if we’re adding new wiring, it gets permitted. We handle the permit process and schedule the inspection.

Yes — we install customer-supplied fixtures every week. We work with any brand, any style, any weight. Just make sure it arrives with the mounting hardware and instructions. If parts are missing or the manufacturer packed the wrong bracket, we’ll tell you before we start so you can get replacements. We don’t mark up fixtures — you buy what you want, we install it.

A standard junction box is designed for lightweight fixtures — typically up to 50 pounds. A fan-rated (or weight-rated) box is reinforced and mounted to the ceiling structure to support heavier loads and the vibration that comes with ceiling fans. If your chandelier weighs more than 50 pounds, or if you’re installing a ceiling fan, code requires a fan-rated box. We assess the existing box during the install and upgrade it if needed — it’s a common part of chandelier work.

Yes. We install IC-rated recessed housings (insulation-contact rated, required when insulation is present above the ceiling), wire them in series, and connect the layout to a compatible dimmer. We plan the fixture spacing to light the room evenly — not the builder-grade placement that clusters lights in the center and leaves the edges dark. A typical kitchen or living room layout with 6-8 fixtures takes about half a day.