Lighting Installation
in Los Angeles

A permit from LADBS or your local building department is required when installing new recessed lighting where none previously existed, as this involves running new wiring through ceilings and walls, adding new switches, and connecting to the electrical panel — all of which require a permitted electrical inspection. Replacing existing recessed light fixtures with new ones using the same wiring and junction boxes typically does not require a new permit. However, there is an important safety consideration specific to recessed lighting: the current California Electrical Code requires that all new recessed light fixtures in insulated ceilings be IC-rated (Insulation Contact rated) and airtight to prevent heat buildup and energy loss. Non-IC-rated fixtures installed near insulation create a fire hazard. We handle the permitting for all new recessed lighting installations and ensure all fixtures meet current code requirements.

In most cases, yes — we use techniques that minimize drywall damage when installing recessed lighting in existing finished ceilings. For single-story homes with accessible attics, we can install new recessed lights from above by working in the attic space, cutting only the small circular hole needed for each light fixture from below. This approach avoids any need for large drywall patches. For second-story rooms or homes without attic access above the installation area, we may need to cut small access holes in the ceiling or wall to run wiring, but we typically keep these to 4 inches or less and patch them afterward. For vaulted or cathedral ceilings without attic access, wiring is fished through the ceiling cavity using specialized tools, and any access holes are kept to a minimum. We take care to patch all access holes professionally and leave your ceiling looking clean and finished.

Yes — we install a wide range of smart lighting systems and controls for Los Angeles homes, including smart dimmers and switches from Lutron Caseta, Leviton Decora Smart, and Kasa, Wi-Fi-connected bulbs and fixtures from Philips Hue and LIFX, motorized blinds and automated shades, and full-home lighting control systems like Lutron RadioRA 3 for larger projects. Smart lighting installation often requires a neutral wire at the switch location — which many older Los Angeles homes lack — and we can evaluate your existing wiring to determine compatibility. For homes without neutrals at switch boxes, we can install smart switches that do not require neutrals (such as Lutron Caseta), or run new wiring. We also set up the system configuration, including scheduling, scenes, voice control integration with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, and remote access through your smartphone. All smart lighting installations are fully permitted and inspected.

Yes — we design and install outdoor landscape lighting systems for Los Angeles homes, including pathway and walkway lighting for safety and aesthetics, accent lighting for trees, shrubs, and architectural features, patio and deck lighting for entertaining, driveway and gate lighting for security and curb appeal, and low-voltage lighting systems that are energy-efficient and require less conduit and trenching than line-voltage systems. Outdoor landscape lighting installations require GFCI-protected outdoor outlets, weatherproof junction boxes, and appropriate outdoor-rated wiring and fixtures that can withstand Los Angeles's varying weather conditions. We handle the entire process from fixture selection and placement planning to trenching, wiring, installation, and final testing. All outdoor electrical work must meet the California Electrical Code requirements for outdoor and wet-location installations, including proper conduit burial depth and weatherproof connections. We provide free on-site consultations to plan your landscape lighting design.