ᐅ How many LED recessed ceiling lights are recommended?

I’m curious about how you arrange for the LEDs. Do you work with a general contractor (GC) or use an open tender through architects? We also wanted LED lighting, but for example, 7 LED spotlights for stair lighting were quoted at €1500 including installation. That wasn’t worth it for us, and we’re still considering whether we can do it ourselves or arrange it another way, since we will be building with a GC.

We hire the trades separately. Currently, only the shell builder is working. Once it comes to the ground floor ceiling, three trades will work together. After the formwork is set up and the lower layer of steel reinforcement is in place, the installer must lay the ducts for the ventilation system. This means the shell builder will have a break of half a day or a full day. This is also when the electrician comes in to install what I would call "placeholder boxes" and lay empty conduits for the wiring. After that, the shell builder can place the upper layer of steel reinforcement and pour the concrete ceiling.

We are still evaluating electricians’ offers; based on an initial quote, the cost is about 90 EUR gross per recessed light in the concrete ceiling (including the described preparation, wiring, fixture, and bulb installation); about 33 EUR gross per recessed light in the wooden ceiling on the upper floor, since it is less complex. A recessed light at the staircase is comparable in work and cost to a power outlet, according to another electrician’s explanation. A price of 215 EUR per staircase light seems like a bad joke.

We are planning to build with a general contractor. The recessed ceiling lights are to cost 31 euros per finished hole in the ceiling. The light fixtures still need to be purchased separately, which probably won't cost that much.

Best regards,
Sabine

It depends on the spotlight.

Our general contractor wanted a full 150 € (about 160 USD), which seemed very high to me, especially since we are building with a timber frame structure and installing the wiring involves very little effort. However, we are now doing the electrical work ourselves, of course under professional supervision.

Sascha aus H schrieb:
I’m curious how you arrange the LEDs. Do you work with a general contractor (GC) or hire independently through architects? We wanted LEDs too, but for example, 7 LED spotlights for stair lighting were quoted at 1500€ including installation. That was more than we wanted to pay, so we are still considering whether to do it ourselves or contract it differently since we are building with a GC.

It’s best to discuss this directly with the electrician. Often, prices are lower when arranged directly through the tradespeople performing the work.
Our additional cost for 5 x 3-watt step lights including bulbs was 500 Euros net. => We felt it was worth it.