Replacing older lighting
Halogen downlights, fluorescent battens and older fittings run hot, fail often and use several times the energy of an equivalent LED. Swapping them out is one of the quickest improvements you can make to a home.
Where existing fittings are being replaced we check the condition of the lighting circuit at the same time — older lighting circuits sometimes have no earth at the switch, which limits what can be fitted.
Downlights done properly
Downlights are easy to get wrong. Too many and a room looks like an office; badly spaced and you light the floor rather than the worktop or the wall.
We set out positions with you before cutting a single hole, and use fire-rated fittings where they penetrate a ceiling that forms part of the fire separation between floors.
Kitchen and bathroom lighting
Kitchens benefit from layers: general ceiling light, task lighting over worktops and hob, and something softer for the evening. Under-cabinet LED strip is inexpensive and makes a noticeable difference.
Bathrooms have their own rules. Fittings must have an appropriate IP rating for the zone they sit in, and we will advise on what can go where — particularly around showers and above baths.
Hallways, stairs and feature lighting
Hallways and stairs are about circulation and safety, so two-way switching and sensible light levels matter more than drama.
Elsewhere, feature lighting earns its keep: wall lights, alcove and shelf lighting, pendants over an island, or discreet strip lighting to pick out an architectural detail.
Controls and dimming
Dimming needs matching components. A trailing-edge dimmer paired with genuinely dimmable lamps gives smooth control; a mismatch gives flicker, buzz and a short lamp life.
We can also fit smart switches, PIR sensors for cupboards and utility areas, and separate switching so one room can be lit several different ways.
Frequently asked questions
- Are LED downlights cheaper to run than halogens?
- Considerably. A typical LED downlight uses roughly a tenth of the energy of an equivalent halogen and lasts far longer, so replacement and ladder work also reduce.
- Can you fit lights in a bathroom?
- Yes, using fittings with the correct IP rating for the zone they are installed in. We will advise what is suitable for each position in the room.
- Why do my LED lights flicker when dimmed?
- Usually a mismatch between the dimmer and the lamps, or too low a load on the dimmer. Fitting a compatible trailing-edge dimmer normally resolves it.
- Do I need my ceiling replastered afterwards?
- Not for straightforward downlight installations, which are cut neatly to size. If fittings are being moved or removed, some patching may be needed and we will say so beforehand.
Where we work
We cover homes across east Birmingham and the surrounding towns. See the areas we cover, including Castle Bromwich, Shard End, Hodge Hill, Kitts Green, Stechford and Chelmsley Wood.