We often wire new homes and when we do we try to get a feel of how much the customer is trying to spend. Most of our customers have a budget and I always strive to keep the customer within their budget. I see so many homes these days built that truly skip out on the lighting budget. I personally feel this is a huge mistake. This is why I created a list of things that are truly necessary to make your house really stand out, without breaking the budget:
Undercabinet or Undercounter Lighting: Whatever you prefer to call it, undercabinet #lighting is essential to really make a kitchen have that extra pop to it. Its one of those things, where you don’t realize what you were missing until you actually have it. Not only does it make the kitchen look extra special, but you will finally be able to truly see your work space while preparing meals. I really hate to see homeowners spend so much time picking a fancy backsplash only to skip out on lighting it up. You should highlight it with good lighting. Otherwise what is the point? The best part of undercabinet lighting is it serves a purpose other than just fancy lighting. It truly makes a difference when your working in the kitchen. If you really want a happy wife, don’t skip out on #undercabinet lighting. For a medium sized kitchen, you would be likely to spend $500, but trust me when I say you won’t regret this decision.
Exterior Lighting: If you want the neighbors to truly be jealous add some properly placed lighting on the exterior. Generally, this is done by either placing up lighting or down lighting on the front of the house.
If you go with #uplighting you just strategically place light fixtures down low on the front of your house. Your electrician should have experience with the placement. Stay away from placing the lighting underneath the windows. It is best to place them in between windows to avoid light shining into your home at night. Also, stay away from using double flood lights. You only need to use a light with a single head on it. You’re only trying to add accent lighting. It is not to light up the whole entire house. The effect of light mixed with darkness will create a far greater look.
The other option is #downlighting. This effect is usually done with placing recessed lighting in the eaves. This option also has a great look, but I find often find the eaves will not allow this type of lighting. For example, if the eaves are to narrow, or if you have gables on the front of the house. Again, be sure to not shine the lights directly over the windows. This is a mistake I see far to often.
Not enough can be said about how amazing this can make your home look at nighttime. I can guarantee that at night time you will be one proud homeowner when you pull up to your nicely lit home.
Recessed Lighting in Bedroom: The light on the fan just doesn’t cut it. I can’t stress this enough. If you want to guarantee a bedroom to be dark and gloomy don’t have recessed lighting. It’s that simple. Generally speaking you will probably spend an extra $250 per room for four recessed lights. If you want to save some money you could just have two lights in the room. It won’t be as nice, but it will definitely be better than the old light kit of a fan.
Recessed Lighting in Bathrooms: I constantly have customers request just a vanity light and then ask if that will be enough light. My answer for 99% of bathrooms is “no”. The reason being that almost all vanity lights have some sort of light diffusing globe, which limits the amount of light. If your looking to save money, just stick to the master bathroom at the very least. The master bathroom is not a place you want to skimp on.
As always #MatrixElectric can help with any of these design tips in person. If you are located in the #DFW area contact us online. We would love to help with the design of your lighting and electrical needs.
Matrix Electric Company, Inc is a family owned business that has been serving #DFW since 2004. The right choice for your electrical needs!