We just had a post recently here from someone putting in recessed lighting in a new home being built, and they wanted to charge $250 per light. I would think a retrofit could be even more. Those were some special kind of light, though, so it's possible the materials cost was what drove that number. Labor costs are astronomical in some areas right now in terms of remodeling. You might try hiring an electrician directly instead of going through a company that supplies a multi-service remodeling package. That will save some.

You wouldn't dream of telling the painter you've commissioned to paint a portrait of Uncle Charlie to hurry up, but somehow you don't have the money for the artists who fish wire with little drywall damage. Don't feel badly; they don't want you either.

It's nearly impossible to determine a fixed price to retrofit recessed lights before doing the work unless you want an astronomical price tag. This type of work is typically billed on a time-and-materials basis.

Ask around for referrals for electricians who are willing to do small jobs. If you have a flexible schedule, tell the electrician he can put you as a fill in job. Also tell him if you want this done soon or some longer time period. Have the area cleared out and a defined project, like 3 lights in this space and 2 over here, but not so rigid in the details that you end up actually costing more. Being an easy customer to work for will increase your chances of getting a good job at a reasonable price. If you have a very rigid schedule with limited availability, expect to pay for the privilege on having the project done at your convenience, not his.

I would be very cautious of any young guy who is willing to give you a fixed price as he might not have had enough jobs with hidden surprises. If you find someone you are comfortable with, you should be able to get a reasonable expectation of the cost in advance. Not a fixed fee but more like the fixtures will cost this much, other materials will be about this much and it will probably take me a couple of hours so you are looking at somewhere around $X, unless I find some safety issues that I need to fix. That is as close to a fixed price you will likely get unless the bid is from a cocky youngster or expensive enough to still make money despite the obstacles that may exist. If you find the right person to do the work, the time and material billing won't be a problem.

Ours is a new built and I recently got quote (last month) for 250 per light. Retrofit price would be more with drywall and paint touchup. You also want to make sure they're providing the same kind of light as there are various kinds out there.

Thank you all for the information, this is helpful. Its been years since I’ve had it done. Half the lights they installed they were able to get the wires fished and lights up very quickly. That’s why I‘m having sticker shock of $200-$250 per light.

Joesph, what I didn’t include in my post was that when I had 6 lights added I was charged by the hour and it included their lunch break and drive time, that was not ok. They left to get 2 more lights (their mistake not mine) and took 1.5 hours to drive 20 mins to pick up the lights. Hence my desire to avoid by the hour work.

Travel time is legitimate billing. The men are paid so the company has the expense.

Some companies charge travel time and others don't. In my experience, larger contractors and commercial contractors are more likely to charge travel than individuals or small firms. Some tradesmen here will charge a fixed trip charge to cover the travel cost and the setup time then charge by the hour after 15 or 30 minutes. I prefer the flat charge method as it is easier but if you are in a difficult location, expect to pay actual charges. Usual practice here is smoke breaks and coffee breaks are on the clock but lunch breaks are unpaid. Some contractors have lower hourly charges and bill more hours while high hourly charges may not mean the highest bill if you only get charged for actual time worked.

All fees and charges should be clear upfront before the work is started and you can negotiate what is included and what is separate charges before the deal is made. Small guys are much more likely to make a deal than larger companies but you can always ask. As for being billed for their mistakes, I understand that doesn't seem fair on a small job and I would ask for a discount. You are presumably paying a high rate to cover the various expenses and profit that make for a professional organization and you should receive a professional service. Professionals have a well stocked service truck and bring extra material to avoid those situations as returning to the shop isn't productive for anyone.

I’m shocked to read trip charges can be typical. If it is a far away/out of city limits location I understand. Wr had previously used the electrician to finish a basement and maybe because it was a larger job there wasn’t a trip charge. All good info, thank you again!