When homeowners research the cost to install recessed lighting, they typically find price ranges that swing from bargain-basement to luxury-level. That spread can be confusing, and generic online calculators rarely match actual jobsite conditions. CountBricks cuts through the guesswork with AI-driven voice estimating, live materials pricing, and blueprint takeoffs that reflect the specific layout of your home. Below, our residential team breaks down the dollars and cents so you understand where every penny goes.
Across Southern California and similar metro markets, most homeowners spend between $150 and $300 per can light, including materials and labor. Complete room packages often land in the $1,200–$2,400 range for eight standard 6-inch LED cans.
• Fixture quality and trim style – basic white baffles cost less than architectural square trims or smart RGB LEDs
• Ceiling access – open attic space is faster (and cheaper) than dense insulation or a finished second story
• Electrical circuit capacity – adding a dedicated line or new breaker panel raises total investment
• Dimmer controls and smart switches – upgraded controls can add $50–$150 per zone
• Local permitting – fees and inspection requirements vary by jurisdiction
A standard recessed lighting install is roughly a 60/40 split between labor and materials. Using CountBricks.com/services, our AI pulls real-time supplier pricing for fixtures, junction boxes, wire, and dimmers—no outdated catalog numbers.
• Labor: 1–2 licensed electricians, typical rate $85–$125/hour
• Materials: IC-rated LED cans $25–$60 each, 12-2 NM cable, wire nuts, staples, rough-in boxes
• Miscellaneous: dust containment, patch and paint, permit fees
• Asbestos or popcorn ceiling abatement
• Extensive drywall patching after fishing new wiring
• Upgrading aluminum branch circuits to copper for code compliance
• Unexpected joist or HVAC obstructions that force fixture relocation
Traditional estimating involves site walks, manual takeoffs, and hours in a spreadsheet. CountBricks compresses that timeline to minutes:
1. Open the CountBricks voice app and describe the room dimensions while you walk the space.
2. Our AI maps fixture spacing, locates joists, and highlights code-required clearances.
3. Real-time API calls pull today’s pricing from regional electrical suppliers.
4. Labor hours auto-populate based on ceiling height, access, and panel distance.
5. A polished PDF estimate—complete with scope, exclusions, and payment schedule—appears in your inbox.
Clients can approve with a single tap, triggering an invoice and scheduling module inside CountBricks.com.
Project: 12' x 18' living room, 8-foot ceiling, attic above
Scope: Install eight 6-inch IC LED cans, single dimmer, tie into existing 15A lighting circuit
Materials: $430
Labor: $720 (two electricians, 6 hours total)
Permit & Inspection: $120
Total: $1,270
Because CountBricks stores assemblies and regional productivity rates, similar rooms can be estimated even faster next time.
• Keep fixture count to the rule of thumb: divide ceiling height by two for spacing in feet
• Use IC-rated remodel cans to avoid extensive attic work when insulation is minimal
• Choose dimmable 2700K LEDs instead of color-tunable models if smart home integration is not required
• Bundle projects—adding recessed cans while re-wiring a kitchen remodel can cut labor overlap
• AI estimates verified by licensed electricians mean no surprises on invoice day
• Transparent material markups shown line by line
• Ability to tweak finishes in real time and instantly see price changes
• Digital change orders captured in the field—no more napkin notes
Ready for accurate numbers on your next lighting upgrade? Visit CountBricks.com/consultation, upload your floorplan, or start a voice estimate from your phone. Within minutes you’ll know exactly what it costs to install recessed lighting—and you’ll have the crew to do it right.
A recent CountBricks client owned a 1960s ranch in need of brighter, energy-efficient lighting. The home had low attic clearance and older aluminum wiring—both common obstacles that inflate costs when tackled the old-school way. Using our AI takeoff engine, we modeled joist spacing and detected that only two new circuits were required, not the four initially suggested by another contractor.
Original Competitor Bid: $4,800 for 12 LED cans
CountBricks Revised Scope: $3,350 for 12 LED cans
• $600 saved on unnecessary panel work
• 6 labor hours eliminated thanks to pre-planned wire paths
• Project completed two days faster, minimizing homeowner disruption
• Use our laser-scan import to align cans symmetrically around ceiling fans and beams
• Select 90+ CRI lamps inside the app for kitchens and art walls without driving cost through luxury trims
• Schedule installations during roofing or HVAC work to share attic access and reduce setup time
Every recessed lighting estimate becomes part of your project library. The next time you renovate a bedroom or finish a basement, simply duplicate the previous assembly, adjust room size, and generate an updated quote in seconds. Historical cost data also helps forecast utility savings when switching from halogens to LEDs—valuable intel when you plan future upgrades.
CountBricks empowers homeowners and contractors alike with precision budgeting and seamless project management. Start your estimate today at CountBricks.com/services and see how simple—and affordable—modern lighting can be.
