nutherokie - thanks for your good wishes! I hope your build finishes up soon! trinitybay - Yes - it will be the best Christmas present ever! Even if it comes a little late :) So sorry that you were affected by Hurricane Ike. Glad to hear that you are in the process of rebuilding. Where have you been living in the meantime? I hope your build continues to progress and that you get back in your home soon. I have to take some current pictures this weekend and will post them soon.

Forgot to add that my main concern now with the 4" low-voltage (or any non-LED or CFL solution) is heat. However, when I was over at a friend's house checking out their low-voltage MR16 based setup they said (and demonstrated) how they only have to run their lights at about 60 to 65% under everyday circumstances. When they need more light at the primary task area (a large island) they just crank up the 4 cans covering it. Thus, I am assuming I will be able to do the same. I am also going to install the same Lutron Maestro dimmer solution they are using which "remembers" your last dim setting so just tapping it on will set it to 65% (or whatever I end up running for normal day-to-day lighting).

Several comments It may be easier to take down the existing ceiling and put up new sheet rock than to patch many holes. That should be something to discuss with your GC. Another factor is that the final location of the cans depends on the layout of the ceiling joists, ductwork, plumbing and anything else that could restrict the vertical height. If all the light is coming from the cans, you'd need either higher output lamps or more cans. Your electrician will gladly install all the cans you ask for given that the installation is usually priced per can (eg - ~ $100 labor charge per can for installation). Another way to look at lighting is to ensure that the important task areas are well illuminated and supplement the general lighting using pendants, cove lighting, UCL. UCL does a better job of illuminating the task areas than can lights. I used the 35 lumen per sq ft to get an initial estimate of the number of cans I needed. Some were eliminated to account for UCL output, other lights and practical constraints. I currently use the UCL more than the recessed lighting. .Remodel cans cost less than new construction cans. However, they are clipped onto the sheet rock unlike new construction cans which are nailed into the ceiling joists and therefore better supported. If there are a significant number of cans to be installed, the labor cost will be the largest component. In addition, the strength of the sheet rock is reduced when more holes are cut. Check out http://creebulb.com for more details on what is available from Cree.

Hi, Scott-- Great job so far - that island is killer! I think Design Construction is right about considering a longer, rectangular fixture to center over your extended sink area. What I'd also recommend is adding a can on the same circuit to above and just in front of your cutting area (so it won't cast those over-shoulder shadows when slicing and dicing). Dimmable together, they would help highlight both areas where you really want to be able to amp up the lighting when needed for intricate tasks, and bump them back down since the area is also open to a dining zone and possibly other living space, too. Cheers!