November 6, 2025
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Construction

CountBricks: Cost to Install Motion Sensor Lights Explained

James Miller
Head of Sales

Why Homeowners Ask About the Cost to Install Motion Sensor Lights

Motion-activated exterior lighting is one of the smartest, most affordable upgrades a homeowner can make. It deters intruders, trims electricity bills, and delivers hands-free convenience every night. Yet the question every client asks first is simple: “What will it cost to install motion sensor lights?” CountBricks answers that question in minutes—backed by AI precision and decades of residential construction experience.

Five Core Factors That Shape the Final Price

1. Fixture Quality

• Builder-grade units start around $25 each and offer basic detection ranges

• Premium LED fixtures with smartphone integration can exceed $250 apiece

2. Wiring Conditions

• Swapping an existing light on a wired junction box is quick and inexpensive

• Running new cable through finished walls or long soffits increases labor hours

3. Mounting Height & Access

• Ground-level garages or porches require minimal equipment

• Two-story eaves often need scaffolding or boom lifts, adding rental fees

4. Control Preferences

• Basic on-board sensors are plug-and-play

• Linking lights to whole-house smart systems may require additional hubs, setup, and testing

5. Permit & Code Requirements

• Most municipalities classify fixture swaps as maintenance—no permit fee

• New circuits or exterior conduit can trigger electrical permits and inspections

Average Price Range on Recent CountBricks Projects

Across hundreds of suburban installations, CountBricks records a typical spend of $180 – $420 per fixture, all-in. The low end reflects a direct replacement using existing wiring. The high end covers premium fixtures, ladder time over 20 ft, and smart-home integration. Because every home is unique, CountBricks recommends an on-site or blueprint-based estimate before budgeting.

Sample CountBricks Cost Breakdown

1. Fixture: $115 (LED, 180° sensor, dusk-to-dawn mode)
2. Electrical supplies: $22 (wire nuts, caulk, junction box cover)
3. Labor: $145 (licensed electrician, 1.5 hours)
4. Smart hub pairing: $35
Total per light: $317

How CountBricks Delivers Accurate Numbers in Minutes

Traditional estimates rely on manual takeoffs, handwritten notes, and days of back-and-forth. CountBricks compresses that timeline into a real-time conversation:

• Speak your project details into the CountBricks mobile app

• AI scans live pricing from regional suppliers and labor databases

• In seconds, you receive a line-item proposal ready to send or sign

For contractors, that speed means winning more bids. For homeowners, it means transparency before a single ladder is set up. Explore the workflow at CountBricks.com/services.

Ways to Reduce Costs Without Cutting Corners

• Choose fixtures that match your actual coverage needs—oversized wattage wastes money
• Consolidate multiple installations into one visit to minimize labor mobilization fees
• Opt for LED units with built-in photocells to eliminate extra wiring for manual switches
• Schedule work during daylight to avoid premium evening rates
• Use CountBricks AI takeoffs to catch material overlaps and avoid over-ordering

From Estimate to Installation: The CountBricks Process

1. Voice-based intake captures scope in under 3 minutes
2. Blueprint or photo upload feeds our AI takeoff engine
3. Instant estimate sent to your inbox, branded with your logo if you’re a contractor
4. On-site verification by a CountBricks-vetted electrician
5. Clean, code-compliant installation and system testing
6. Digital invoice generated automatically for easy payment

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit?

Most retrofits don’t, but CountBricks checks local codes and adds permit fees when required so there are no surprises.

Can I supply my own fixtures?

Yes. CountBricks will still warranty workmanship, and real-time pricing recalculates instantly when “owner-supplied” is selected.

How long does installation take?

Standard replacements average one hour. Complex wiring or smart-home integration can extend to three hours per light.

Will the motion lights affect my electric bill?

LED fixtures draw minimal wattage and only illuminate when needed, often reducing exterior lighting costs by 70 %.

Ready for Precise Numbers Today?

Whether you’re a DIY-minded homeowner seeking clarity or a contractor quoting a subdivision, CountBricks delivers the fastest, most reliable answer to the cost to install motion sensor lights. Start your estimate at CountBricks.com/consultation and see why residential pros nationwide trust our platform.

Are you a construction professional? Use AI to build and edit full estimates, quotes and bids.

Case Spotlight: Fresno Bungalow Retrofit

When the Johnson family purchased a 1950s bungalow in Fresno, they loved the charm but worried about the dark side yard. They contacted CountBricks through the voice intake feature and described their goal: two motion sensor lights, Wi-Fi control, minimal wall damage.

AI Takeoff Results

• Existing porch light junction box identified via uploaded photos
• 38 ft of new 14/2 exterior-rated cable required for the second fixture
• Two 1,200-lumen LED floodlights with 270° sensors selected from local inventory

Instant Estimate

The platform generated a $612 proposal covering materials, labor, and a modest permit fee flagged by city code. The Johnsons approved electronically within ten minutes.

On-Site Execution

1. CountBricks electrician arrived with pre-picked materials and the AI-generated scope
2. Cable run concealed under existing eaves to avoid drywall cuts
3. Both fixtures installed, paired with the Johnsons’ smart-home app, and tested before dusk

Outcome & Savings

• Total install time: 3.1 hours versus the 5-hour manual estimate they’d received elsewhere
• Energy cost projection: $9 annually per light, down from $47 with their old halogen floods
• Insurance discount: 2 % off premiums thanks to enhanced security documentation supplied by CountBricks

What This Means for Your Project

Whether you’re updating a single porch light or illuminating an entire property, CountBricks scales the same efficient workflow. Our AI engine ensures current local pricing, our vetted pros ensure craftsmanship, and our automated paperwork keeps your project stress-free. Take the next step at CountBricks.com/portfolio to see additional residential lighting transformations.