11

I have 2 ceiling lights in Wisconsin, USA that I would like to move slightly (one to be in the middle of our table and one to be in our entry way). Both lights need to move a few feet. This is not something I’m comfortable completing and I’m not sure how complex this project really is. I did some research and it seemed fairly straight forward so I reached out to both a handyman and an electrician. As you can imagine, I got 2 very different quotes (handyman= $500, electrician= $1600). I want this done correctly of course but $1000 difference is what’s holding me back.

Image of a lovely living room with two light fixtures on the ceiling

Please excuse the mess we just moved in 2 weeks ago and still unpacking! But we would like to move both these lights to the right in the photo (the left one centered over the table and the right one more so in the entryway nook)

Is this project something I should go with the electrician or is this something simple enough I can go with a handyman? Thanks!

MackM
  • 259
  • 1
  • 16
Leah
  • 111
  • 1
  • 3

3 Answers3

15

Someone not qualified as an electrician may not modify electrical power circuitry in your home. They'd also not be legally liable in the same way a licensed electrician would. Unless the "move" just involves drywall work and repositioning boxes (without modifying cabling), this is not a handyperson job.

The way I see it, you have several options:

  • Hire a licensed electrician. Your legal bases are covered and you can sleep well at night. Get more quotes to ensure a fair price.

  • Hire both. Have a handyperson open the drywall and deal with any obstacles. Have the electrician do a quick move. Then the handyperson can finish drywall and maybe hang the fixtures. This may save money.

  • Do it yourself. Some jurisdictions allow DIY electrical work of a person's own residence. The thinking is that you'll take appropriate care so as to not execute yourself (immediately or at a future date). By doing some research into house wiring fundamentals and asking questions here you can be reasonably sure of a safe outcome.

isherwood
  • 158,133
  • 9
  • 190
  • 463
7

Are you looking to have the old junction box obliterated and the ceiling refinished so there's no evidence of it? There's the difference in price.

The handyman is simply going to extend wires 3 feet from the old box, and either put a blank cover plate over the old box, or mud over the old box ( which is a dangerous code violation). Either way, the handyman lacks the licensure for the work, and probably, the insurance.

The electrician is prepared to go full monty and re-run the electrical wiring from the switch if need be, since it cannot be ascertained from photos which way the wires run. The electrician may also be tacking on to hire a subcontractor to wrap up drywall and paint work. That will be a first rate mudder/painter because it reflects on the electrician if it's done badly.

Harper - Reinstate Monica
  • 313,471
  • 28
  • 298
  • 772
0

Speaking from my experience, I had called a handyman and an electrician for a similar job (installing new ceiling lights on a false ceiling and changing another one). However, the honest handyman told me it's always better to call an electrician for such jobs. It involves careful wiring/rewiring. Long story short, I paid less than 40€ to the electrician (as labour cost) plus some material cost.

My suggestion, get a quote from another electrician. Ask the electrician to break the quotation down into individual costs (how he reached the $ 1600 figure), and see where you can negotiate/reduce the costs.

But as a long term solution, I would say don't change the lights, rather change the country.

Vaibs
  • 1