Illuminating ideas
Why a pre- construction lighting plan is vital before moving- in date
Q: My husband and I have decided to sell our condo and move out of the city so we can have more space. Our new house hasn’t been built yet and will not be move- in ready until next spring. We still have to choose our finishes, but the model home has plenty of choices that we both like.
My question for you deals with lighting. We have an allotted number of recessed pot lights provided by the builder and there is an upcharge for every additional one we add. I appreciate proper lighting but do you think we should allocate funds this way or do it ourselves after the fact?
A: Congratulations on your new home. Anyone who purchases a new- build house faces the same quandary you and your husband currently have — how much money to allow for upgrades.
If you don’t already have one, ask your builder for an electrical or lighting plan. This will help determine where you should add additional lighting, and if you even need to.
Before you decide whether you or your builder will add additional pot lights, outlets and electrical boxes ( for overhead fixtures), first go room by room on your floor plan and create an ideal lighting plan to suit your family’s personal needs.
Try to approximate your furniture layout so you know if there will be plugs where you intend to place lamps. Consider whether to hang pendants over your bedside, or sconces in your bathroom instead of one fixture over the mirror. Because you have bought pre- construction, you are in the enviable position of more easily implementing your collected design ideas than if you purchased an already constructed home.
To determine whether you should allocate funds to the builder for your various add- ons or if you will have your own electrician do the work, submit your revised electrical plan to the builder for a quote. Then contact an independent electrical contractor and have him quote on the same upgrades, keeping in mind that he will be doing the work after the drywall is in and painted so you will have to allow money for repairs in addition to electrical costs.
An important question to ask yourself is whether this is your “forever house.” Take this into account when you review the quotes, because there’s no need to blow the budget on numerous electrical upgrades if you don’t intend on being there long enough to get value from your investment. You may still choose to add various lighting upgrades but perhaps not your entire wish list.
There are many very welldesigned light fixtures that don’t cost a fortune, and if I were in your position I would allocate a portion of the budget to upgrading fixtures.
Typically the light fixtures builders install lack inspiration and personality; instead of switching them out after the fact, ask whether they would install fixtures you provide. Don’t forget to include the overhead lights in the bedrooms and powder room, bathroom sconces and kitchen lighting.
For not a lot of money you can make a real difference to the finished look of your new home and you may find that your money is best spent this way.
Good luck. Send your design question to askjeffreyfisher@gmail.com.