“How much will it actually cost me?” is the first question homeowners ask when they open a renovation brief inside the CountBricks platform. Motion-activated exterior and interior lights are one of the simplest, highest-ROI upgrades available, yet pricing can feel opaque. In this guide, CountBricks pulls back the curtain on every expense line—labor, materials, permitting, and smart-home integration—so you can budget with confidence and approve an estimate in minutes.
1. Fixture Cost
A basic hard-wired motion sensor floodlight starts around $45, while architectural sconces with dual-tech sensors and smart connectivity can reach $200 per unit. CountBricks connects directly to real-time supplier catalogs, so your estimate reflects today’s shelf price, not last quarter’s averages.
2. Wiring & Electrical Labor
Licensed electricians typically charge $65-$110 per hour depending on regional rates. A straightforward replacement of an existing light takes 30-60 minutes. Installing a new junction box, running conduit, or adding a circuit can extend labor to 3-4 hours per fixture. CountBricks voice workflows auto-capture these task variations so nothing is overlooked.
3. Smart-Home Integration
Adding Wi-Fi modules, syncing with a security system, or configuring voice control introduces both hardware and programming labor. Expect an additional $25-$75 in materials and 30-45 minutes of technician time per light.
4. Height & Access Factors
Second-story eave mounts, attic crawls, or masonry drilling slow productivity and may require lift rentals. CountBricks inserts access multipliers automatically once the technician notes site conditions during the on-site voice call.
5. Permit & Inspection Fees
Many municipalities waive permits for 120-volt fixture swaps, but new circuit runs often trigger a $40-$85 electrical permit. CountBricks’ postcode database flags jurisdictional requirements instantly so there are no surprise visits from code enforcement.
• Swap two existing porch lights with entry-level motion fixtures: $260-$420 total
• Install four premium smart floods on garage and backyard, re-run wiring: $980-$1,450 total
• Whole-home package of eight mixed fixtures, new smart hub, permit: $1,850-$2,600 total
1. You speak your project scope into the CountBricks mobile app.
2. Our AI converts speech to a structured task list and matches each task to live material prices.
3. Electrical labor standards update automatically based on your ZIP code and fixture count.
4. The algorithm runs local permit rules, adds mark-ups, and produces a branded estimate you can email or sign on-screen.
• Bundle multiple fixtures in one visit to reduce per-unit labor charges.
• Choose fixtures with integrated sensors to eliminate external modules.
• Position lights where existing power exists to skip new circuit fees.
• Approve the CountBricks estimate within 24 hours to lock in supplier pricing before market changes.
Does LED wattage affect price?
Lower-wattage LEDs generally cost the same as higher-wattage options; sensor and housing quality drive price more than wattage.
Can I install battery-powered motion lights to avoid wiring?
Yes, but battery models deliver lower lumen output and require frequent maintenance. CountBricks can price both options so you can compare lifecycle costs.
What if my electrical panel is full?
Adding a subpanel or load-shedding breaker raises project cost. CountBricks AI flags panel capacity early, preventing mid-job delays.
• AI voice estimates delivered same day
• Live supplier pricing, no inflated allowances
• Automated blueprint takeoffs for larger remodels
• Licensed, background-checked electricians from the CountBricks contractor network
• Transparent change-order tracking directly in your client portal
Ready to see your own customized numbers? Start a free voice session now at CountBricks.com/services, upload a photo of your existing fixture, and receive a detailed proposal before dinner. Precision, speed, and clarity—that’s the CountBricks promise for every residential project.
When the Harper family in Austin uploaded their 2,400-sq-ft floor plan to CountBricks, they wanted two goals: deter prowlers and keep utility bills low. Our AI blueprint takeoff identified optimal fixture points, then auto-generated a material list of four soffit floods, two walkway bollards with motion sensors, and two garage sconces.
• Material spend: $1,020 using negotiated CountBricks supplier rates
• Labor: 11 electrician hours at $85 per hour = $935
• Smart-hub integration: $140 hardware + 1.5 programming hours
• Permit: $65
• Total project: $2,160, delivered in one weekend
• Early photo uploads let electricians pre-fabricate junction boxes, shaving two on-site hours.
• Selecting unified fixture brands simplified app programming and saved $60 in adapters.
• Approving the CountBricks estimate within 12 hours locked in a promotional LED price that rose 8% the following week.
• Aim sensors away from trees to avoid false triggers that shorten lamp life.
• Use 3000-K LEDs at entries for warmer curb appeal, 4000-K in backyards for higher security visibility.
• Tie garage fixtures to your smart opener; CountBricks electricians can program scenes that welcome you home and shut off automatically.
Your project could be live on the schedule board by tomorrow. Open CountBricks.com/consultation, dictate your wish list, and watch a complete, itemized estimate arrive before your coffee cools. Residential upgrades have never been this clear or this quick.
