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Need help w recessed lights - remodel lights vs putting in the joist?

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

I would like some guidance if anyone is familiar with recessed lights. I got some quotes for recessed lights in the living room. One was double the cost of the other. The expensive electrician said, make sure you ask whoever you choose if they are using remodel can lights vs. putting them all the way in the joist. I said, oh I know they were using remodel lights, thinking it't normal since this is a remodel. He told me that if you put remodel can lights, you're basically letting it sit on your ceiling and it will sag over time, and that's why he always cuts up more dry wall and put the lights all the way in the joist. I asked him if I could replace the lights when they sag and he said no.

So my question, if you've added recessed lights in your homes, how common is using remodel recessed lights vs. cutting open your ceiling and installing recessed lights in the joist? I know some people who's added recessed lights in, and I assume all of them were talking about remodel recessed lights since I heard no mess, small holes, etc. Are remodel recessed lights bad for your home? How common is it for them to sag? I'm not sure who to go with now! Any insight would be much appreciated. Link is of the remodel recessed light the less expense electrician would use. remodel recessed light

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Comments (5)

PRO
None
5 years ago
Nothing wrong with using remodel cans, make sure they are IC if they are touching insulation or non IC if the are not. They do not say over time they weigh nothing, and they also require no drywall repair.
S Y thanked None
ci_lantro
5 years ago
I used remodel cans in the basement years ago. No sag in the drywall. Recently replaced with thin LED lights; no can required.

If you have a second floor above your living room, I would use the ulta thin panel LED's that are packaged with a junction box. Very happy with the dimmable 'can killer' Torchstar LED's that I installed in the basement.
S Y thanked ci_lantro
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You guys rock. Thanks for the feedback and photos. You really think I should get a dimmer for the hall lights? Hmm... I'll mention that to DH. We're putting a dimmer in his man room. We were going to turn them on and off as we used it. I definitely think it will bug me to have the only hall source not coming from overhead with that long of a stretch. Kmcg - Do you know the wattage or your sconce? For the recessed lights, 6" would be the way to go, right? I saw they had "kits" but they looked different than the stuff being sold separate. I'll have to make a trip to Lowes over the weekend and see what they have. Roseabbey - I was thinking of using 3 recessed lights. I'm glad to hear that will be enough light. These are the photos I had in the other thread. This is looking down the one side of the basement. There's stuff beside and behind me. The wall on the right is 20'. (Count to the 4th column.) There will be a door at the end and two doors on the left. left side
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PRO
Charles Ross Homes
5 years ago
I've never had a remodel can cause a drywall sagging problem. If there is sagging, the cause is most likely with the ceiling construction not the installation of remodel cans.
S Y thanked Charles Ross Homes
greg_2015
5 years ago
That electrician was blowing smoke. Remodel cans don't cause the drywall to sag.

It would be pointless to rip down the drywall to install "new contruction" cans. The only time to use those is in new construction or if you are removing the drywall for some other reason. Otherwise, it's just needless damage and work.

Maybe he just doesn't like to be careful about damaging drywall or putting excessive holes in the walls/ceiling when running the wiring, so he uses this 'excuse' to justify his "bull in a china shop" technique.
User
5 years ago
Surface mount LED's that look like recessed are the way to go. If the electrician hasn't discussed those with you, he is just as incompetent as it sounds like he is. No one tears out a ceiling to run lighting. That's asinine.

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