I'm looking to switch all my batten lights to LED downlights once my home has finished building. The builder wanted $120 for each downlight(!)?
What are some good priced options, and does anyone have a sparky contact that can charge p/hr to have them swapped out?
I have been looking at 120 degree wide angle LEDs throughout but not too sure where to go from here as there are so many downlights to choose from.
I'm in Melbourne.
it depends on what socket you are using. If its GU10 then you dont need a transformer, if its MR16 then you do need a transformer. Replacement sockets can be found in bulk on ebay and preferably for best light dont got below 9W. I currently have 9W,12W and 15W leds downlights installed and they provide enough light
Batten socket that is a typical 'freebie' install won't fit any downlight replacement globes, only a bayonet type globe.
The builder is probably charging for installation costs. Yeah, it's a bit rich, but by the time you pay a sparky to get up there and change over the batten to a GPO (power point socket) and fix it all it will add up pretty quick.
Maybe Instead of getting them to install batten fittings, get them to install a GPO for the lights, then you can DIY the lights by plugging into a standard socket, might mean climbing into the roof though.
Your builder thinks that since you have already paid tons of thousands, you may be able to afford $120 for each down light. Masters had a LED light sale (which included downlights) and apparently it is pretty easy to install.
Im not so sure getting a sparky to do it after the fact would be a great deal cheaper. I think $90 per light supply/install is average here in WA so a saving of $30 per light (which I guess all adds up). To get the cost down you might consider cutting out the holes yourself. If buying the materials you might also want to get some surface sockets so the downlights can just plug right in (remember to put them near to the hole so you don't have to go into the roofspace to change them in future). A wholesaler should be able to supply these sockets cheaply and good quality downlights for $15-$20 a piece.
Yeah I did consider getting the builder to do it, but with a double story house, we had to get them to install all the ground floor lights due to no access to the space between the floors, so we thought might as well get them to do the whole house at the same time.
It was $55 for each batten light, whereas the downlights were going to cost us $120 each.
Its a pretty big house and with about 80 batten lights all up @ $120 each it would cost us close to $10k to do LED downlights for the whole house, so it made sense to swap them over after handover!
It would cost an extra 5200 by the builder to get them fitted now. It'll probably cost more to get a sparky in after with all the fittings too. You have to get some lights installed when you get the house finished either way.
Get your builder to install a GPO where you want to change the lights over first up. Get them to install battens where you are prepared to change them over later or get them to fit the down lights downstairs and leave the upstairs for later if you will have way access to the ceiling for wiring later.
A good quality LED downlight starts around $50. It depends on how many Lumens, wattage, colour, dimming option, etc. Then you also need to consider how many downlights per sqm or per room. The cost includes the LED driver as well.
Have a look around at your local lighting shops and get an idea on the brands and models. They generally carry quality brands because of the replacement warranty.
Get a sparky to supply and install the sockets in the roof cavity if you want to do the rest yourself (cutting the holes and install the downlights)
A lot of replies seem to be missing key points. Changing from a general light to a downlight requires an electrician. You can't do it yourself.
Decide the kind of downlights you want. Do you want to see the light chip or do you want a full diffused luminaire. The second option is way cooler - it's what I recommend.
The minimum specs for a 2.7 metre ceiling would be 700 lumens. If you have higher ceilings, get brighter lights. The price of LEDs is coming down significantly. Save heaps by buying from stores that aren't major chains.
I also recommend buying a downlight that comes with a power cable. It requires the electrician to install a GPO in the ceiling. But it also means that you can change over the lights by yourself in the future. If you don't get lights with a power cable, you must call an electrician to change the light every single time one blows. OUCH! (unless you buy the light chip version of the downlight on my first link).
Get a few quotes from electricians. Some will charge by the hour, some by the light. Your installation may be non-standard which could increase costs.
Good luck
Hey this is an excellent reply! Thank you so much!
When you say installing a GPO in the ceiling, if I use a dimmable downlight, will it still be dimmable with the plug?
The GPO just provides standard 240v, it's the dimmer at the switch that does the dimming. Make sure the light fitting you buy is compatible with the dimming switch though.
Thanks for saying thanks.
It's the type of job you can get a fixed price quote for. Look online for the lights, ensuring they meet Australian standards. Then get a quote from 5-6 sparkies. Cash payments would entice people. Sort of job an apprentice would do in a weekend.
I just replaced the globes with the Philips leds that were on here for $1.50 each. Note. Some leds don't draw enough current,so you may need to run several leds of one transformer, some just work with a straight swap….. as for $120 each..pffft