Plaster or ceiling lights

renfirsttimebuy

Hi all...
Some advice- I want add new lights on my ceiling (currently only one in the living room). I am also getting ceiling plastered. Which should I do first? Thank you! 

If i did do lights second- would I need to plaster again. The idea was to move in (live in it) and then decide where lights best will go.... Advice needed! Don't want to waste money!

Plastering easier when no furniture! What do you suggest? 

lesalanos

You would need to fill any holes left from the original light which may be difficult to match perfectly.

You will need to have access to the wiring through lifting the upstairs floorboards when you change them too. 

For me if you know you want to change them at some point then look at the options now before plastering.  You can always change light fittings afterwards

Martin_the_Unjust

Basically it's get the wiring in place for the lights were you want them, get ceiling plastered, fit new lights.

FreeBear

Downlights ?

There are recommended spacings dependent on room size. If you are not sure the positioning will suit you, cut the holes, wire them in (use plug in connectors if you can), and see what the lighting is like. Bear in mind, the position of furniture and colour of walls/ceiling can make a big difference to the perceived light levels. Once happy with the lights, disconnect them, remove all furniture and flooring, and get the plasterer in. Do not underestimate the amount of mess that they will make, including in the hallway & stairs. One final point - Do not let them tip waste water down your drain. It could well cause a blockage.

renfirsttimebuy

Thank you all! 

Lighting first.....l will work on position on furniture. Light is soooooo important to me. Need to get it right. 

Then plaster 

Thank you!!

fenwick458

need more info. new lights, what does that mean? are you simply replacing 2 light fittings, with newer ones? or are you adding extra lights, or installing multiple recessed downlights?

renfirsttimebuy

Well at the moment there is only one light in the centre of the living room. I want to get rid of that and then place more lights to define areas...e.g. 1 for sofa area, 1 for dining area etc.

fenwick458

electrician first and last. do the new lights require a new switch?
If i was doing the job I would cut holes in the ceiling to run cables, run the cables to new switch/light etc and leave temporary lights hanging down from the ceiling.
then the plasterer goes in
then you wait till it's dry & pain it
then get the electrician back to fit the lights & switches

ceredigion

If lighting is that  important to you and you are getting contractors in , discuss with your electrician the feasibility of having 5amp sockets installed and switched from a multi ganged switch. It is so convenient. 

renfirsttimebuy

@ceredigion I will research that tonight!