How much does it cost to install recessed lighting in a living room?

Installing recessed lighting in an Ottawa living room typically costs $150-$250 per light, with most living rooms requiring 6-8 lights for proper illumination - expect a total project cost of $1,200-$2,500 including materials, labor, and ESA permits.

The cost breakdown depends on several factors specific to your situation. New construction or renovation where the ceiling is already open runs significantly cheaper at $100-$150 per light, since electricians have easy access to run wiring. However, retrofitting recessed lights in an existing finished ceiling costs more ($150-$250 per light) due to the additional work of cutting holes, fishing wires through finished spaces, and patching any access points.

Material costs vary based on your choices. Basic LED recessed lights start around $25-$40 each, while premium options with dimming capabilities, color temperature adjustment, or smart home integration can run $60-$150 per fixture. Most Ottawa homeowners choose quality LED fixtures in the $40-$80 range for living rooms, as they provide excellent light quality and last 15-20 years.

ESA permit requirements add $100-$200 to your project cost in Ontario. Installing recessed lighting typically requires running new circuits or extending existing ones, which requires an ESA permit and inspection. Your licensed electrician will handle the permit process, but factor this into your budget. The permit ensures the work meets Ontario Electrical Safety Code requirements and protects your home insurance coverage.

Circuit considerations significantly impact costs. If your living room's existing lighting circuit can handle the additional load (typically 6-8 LED recessed lights draw about 60-80 watts total), the installation is straightforward. However, if you need a new dedicated circuit from the panel, add $300-$600 to the project cost. Many older Ottawa homes require new circuits since original wiring wasn't designed for multiple recessed lights.

Labor timing affects your final bill. A typical living room installation takes 4-6 hours for an experienced electrician, assuming standard ceiling height and reasonable access. Complex layouts, cathedral ceilings, or homes with challenging access (like multiple floors above) increase labor time and costs.

Smart home integration is increasingly popular in Ottawa. Adding dimmer switches runs an extra $100-$200, while smart switches compatible with Alexa or Google Home add $150-$300. These features significantly enhance your living room's ambiance and energy efficiency.

For your specific living room project, request quotes from ESA-licensed electricians who can assess your ceiling access, existing electrical capacity, and optimal light placement. Electrical Ottawa connects you with vetted professionals from the Ottawa Construction Network who provide transparent pricing and quality workmanship for your recessed lighting installation.

---

Find a Licensed Electrician

Electrical Ottawa connects you with vetted, ESA-licensed electricians from the Ottawa Construction Network:Ottawa Electrical Contractors:

• Faulkner Electric
• Marcel Electric
• Home Town Electrical Services