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Electrician wearing gloves installing a ceiling pendant light

Durham Lighting Installation That Puts Light Where You Need It

Replacing a light fixture or adding light where you need it? Brian Electric LLC installs chandeliers, pendant lights and motion sensor lighting for homes in Durham and nearby towns. We look at the wiring and mounting first, then give you a clear price before any work starts.

  • Licensed in North Carolina
  • Free installation estimates
  • New fixtures and replacements
Call Now · (984) 271-2113

Lighting for Your Home

Light Fixtures We Install

One old fixture to swap, or a whole room that needs more light? These are the lights we install most often for homes in Durham, NC and nearby towns.

  • Chandeliers and Pendant Lights

    For dining rooms, entryways and kitchen islands. A heavy fixture needs a ceiling box rated for its weight, so we confirm that before anything goes up.

  • Recessed and LED Lighting

    Even light across a kitchen, living room or hallway, plus LED strips under your cabinets. Where the lights go matters more than how many you add.

  • Motion Sensor and Security Lights

    For driveways, garages and side doors. The light comes on when someone walks up and turns itself off after a set time.

  • Ceiling, Vanity and Wall Lights

    Trade a dated ceiling light for a new one, add vanity lights over the bathroom mirror, or put up wall sconces beside a bed or fireplace.

  • Hallway, Stair and Closet Lights

    Light for the places you walk through in the dark. A switch at both the top and bottom of the stairs is one of the most useful upgrades.

  • Dimmers and Light Switches

    Dimmers, three-way switches and smart switches. LED bulbs need a dimmer made for LEDs, or they can flicker and buzz.

Dining Rooms, Kitchens and Entryways

Chandelier and Pendant Light Installation

A chandelier over the dining table or a row of pendants above the island can change how a room feels. Hanging one safely takes some planning. For chandelier installation in Durham, NC, it comes down to three things.

Weight and Ceiling Support

A standard ceiling box holds up to 50 pounds. A heavier fixture needs a box or brace rated for its weight. If yours is not, we add one.

Hanging Height and Spacing

Over a dining table, the bottom of a chandelier usually sits 30 to 36 inches above the top. Pendants over an island are spaced so the light falls evenly on the counter.

Wiring and Dimmers

Most swaps use the wiring already in the ceiling. A new spot needs a wire run and a switch. Want a dimmer? We match it to the fixture and bulbs you picked.

Hands fitting a new LED light into the ceiling of a home

Tell Us About Your Fixture

When you call, have the fixture model or a photo of the box handy, plus your ceiling height. For a heavy chandelier or a tall foyer ceiling, we sort out ladders and support ahead of time.

Call About Your Chandelier

Outdoor Lighting and Controls

Motion Sensor and Security Lighting

Coming home to a dark driveway or fumbling for keys at the side door gets old fast. A motion sensor light fixes that. We install them across Durham and the Triangle, whether you are replacing an old outdoor light or adding one where there was none.

Driveways and Garages

Light the path from your car to the door. One floodlight over the garage can cover the whole driveway if it is aimed right.

Doors and Side Entrances

A light by each door lets you see the lock and who is outside. Side doors and back steps are the ones people forget.

Porches and Walkways

Steps and paths are easier to walk at night. We aim the light down at the ground, not into your neighbor's windows.

Set Up for Your Space

Motion Sensor, Dusk to Dawn or a Switch?

A motion sensor turns on when it sees movement. A dusk-to-dawn light stays on all night. A plain switch is on only when you want it. Many homes use a mix, and we can help you pick.

Call About Outdoor Lights
Sensor Coverage
Once the light is up, we walk the area and adjust the range. It should catch someone coming up the drive, not cars on the street or branches in the wind.
Timing and Switching
You choose how long the light stays on after it trips. Many fixtures also have a daylight setting, so they stay off during the day.
Fixture and Wiring
Outdoor lights must be rated for wet locations. If there is no power where you want one, we run a new line and include it in your price.

Ceiling Lights and Task Lighting

Recessed, LED and Under-Cabinet Lighting

Many older homes in Durham, NC have one light in the middle of the ceiling and dark corners everywhere else. Recessed lights, LED upgrades and under-cabinet lights put the light where you use it.

Recessed Lighting

Even lighting across the room

Good for kitchens, living rooms and hallways. Joists, insulation and attic access decide where each light can go, so we map that out before cutting any holes.

If insulation touches the fixture, it needs to be IC rated. We use the right type for your ceiling.

LED Fixture Upgrades

Replace older fixtures

Swap old fixtures for LED ones that use less power and last for years. Pick warm light for living spaces or cooler light for a garage or workshop.

Light color is listed in Kelvin. Around 2700K feels warm. 4000K and up looks crisp and white.

Under-Cabinet Lighting

Light the surface you work on

With only a ceiling light, you stand at the counter in your own shadow. Lights under the cabinets put the light right on the surface you work on.

Hardwired lights can run off a wall switch, with no plug-in cords showing.

Have a Room in Mind?

Tell us the room and whether the lights will replace old ones or go in new spots. We will set up a free estimate and walk the room with you.

Plan Your Lighting

Plan the Work

Replacing a Fixture or Adding New Lighting?

Swapping a fixture and adding a light in a new spot are two different jobs. A swap is often a short visit. A new spot means running wire and adding a switch. Knowing which one you need is the first thing we sort out on an estimate in Durham.

Existing Location

Replace an Existing Light Fixture

The new light goes where the old one was. If the box and wiring are in good shape, the job is usually quick.

  • Take down the old fixture and look at the wiring
  • Make sure the box can hold the new fixture's weight
  • Hang, connect and test the new light

Not every swap is simple. Old cloth-covered wiring, a cracked box or a much heavier fixture can add work. If so, we tell you before we start.

New Location

Add Lighting Where There Is None

There is no wire in the ceiling or wall yet. We bring power to the spot, add a box and put the switch where you want it.

  • Pick where the lights and switches go
  • Find a path for the wire through the attic, walls or crawl space
  • Make sure the circuit has room for the new lights

Running wire sometimes means a few small holes in the drywall. Before work starts, we talk about any permit and who will patch and paint.

Installation Costs

What Affects Lighting Installation Costs?

There is no single price for light fixture installation in Durham, NC. A simple swap costs far less than three new recessed lights in a finished ceiling. These four things make the biggest difference.

When you call Brian Electric LLC, tell us how many lights you want, how high the ceiling is and whether they replace old ones or go in new spots.

Call for a Free Estimate

Already picked a fixture? Send the model or a link, and we can give you a closer price.

  1. Fixture Type and Quantity

    One ceiling light is a small job. Several pendants, or a chandelier that arrives as a box of parts, take more time to put together and hang.

  2. Ceiling Height and Access

    A vaulted ceiling or tall foyer may need scaffolding. A cramped attic slows down any new wiring.

  3. Wiring and Controls

    Using wiring that is already there costs less than running new wire. Adding a switch, dimmer or motion sensor adds to the job.

  4. What Is in the Ceiling Now

    A loose box or a scorched wire may need repair before the new light goes up. If we find something, we show you and price it before doing it.

How It Works

From First Call to Lights On

Most lighting jobs follow the same four steps. You know the price before we start, and nothing gets cut or wired without your OK.

Before We Arrive

  • Clear a path to the room and to your electrical panel
  • Keep the fixture box, parts and instructions together
  • Decide where you want switches and dimmers
  1. Tell Us What You Want

    Call and tell us the room, the fixtures and roughly where they should go. Photos of the space and the fixture box help a lot.

  2. Get a Free Estimate

    We look at the ceiling, wiring and access, then give you a price. Extra work, like a new switch or a stronger box, is listed up front.

  3. Installation Day

    We turn off power to the circuit, hang the fixtures and make the connections. Floors and furniture stay covered, and we clean up after.

  4. Test and Walk Through

    We flip every switch, try the dimmers and test any sensors. Then we show you how the controls work and answer your questions.

Hands removing an old brass porch light from the siding of a house
  • 5.0Google rating from 14 reviews
  • 15+Years of electrical work
  • NCLicensed electrician

Why Brian Electric

Why Durham Homeowners Trust Us With Their Lighting

A new light should look right, sit level and work every time you flip the switch. We plan the job with you, keep your home clean and test every fixture, switch and dimmer before we leave.

  • Licensed in North Carolina

    Hanging a light means working on live wiring. A licensed electrician makes sure every connection is safe and done to code.

  • 15+ Years of Experience

    Years of work in old and new homes around the Triangle means fewer surprises behind your ceiling.

  • Bonded and Insured

    Your home is covered while we work on ladders, ceilings and walls.

  • Clear Prices

    You get the price before work starts, including any new box, brace or wiring the fixture needs.

Customer Reviews

What Customers Say About Our Work

5.0

Read Our Google Reviews
  • Forrest B.Google review

    My wife and I can't say enough about Brian Electric. This was our third time hiring Brian to help with renovations. His work is exceptional and we are very impressed with his knowledge/quality of his work. We will definitely hire him again in the future!!

  • Bridget D.Google review

    Brian was amazing. He was able to come the same day I called. He was able to quickly diagnose and fix the problem. He was very informative and answered all of my questions. I will definitely recommend and will be using his services again.

  • Robert P.Google review

    Brian installed a Kitchen Light fixture over my Kitchen Island. He arrived on time, was very professional and had the experience and know-how to install what I would consider a difficult installation in a short amount of time.

  • Jackie V.Google review

    If I could give 10 stars I would. He was so helpful with my major project, and really looked out for my best interests. He even took on a spontaneous smaller project that popped up as he was finishing the larger one!

  • Robin L.Google review

    He came and installed a new light above our kitchen sink. Excellent work, prompt service and a truly good guy. What more could you ask for? We will definately call Brian for any work we may need in the future. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of quality electrical work!

  • Barbara M.Google review

    Brian traced down our light and receptical outage. He made the repair in under an hour and had our home in working order again.

  • De K.Google review

    I cannot say enough good things about Brian Electric. He's corrected other marginal work and has completed all sorts of jobs in the past with excellent craftsmanship. I only wish there was more of Brian to go around!

  • Martin M.Google review

    Brian Electric has provided us with quality, on-time service for all of our electrical needs in the house we moved into a year ago.

  • Robby C.Google review

    Super professional! Great quality work with attention to detail. Highly recommend. This is my new go to electrical contractor!

  • Brandon S.Google review

    On time, professional and excellent quality work. Brian Electric is one of the best electricians we've worked with.

Service Area

Lighting Installation in Durham and the Triangle

We are based in Durham and install lights in homes all over the Triangle. Not sure if we come to your town? Call and ask.

Neighborhoods We Serve

View All Service Areas

FAQ

Lighting Installation FAQs

Not sure what your project needs? Call with the fixture model and ceiling height, and we will tell you what comes next.

Call (984) 271-2113

Can you install a light fixture I have already bought?

Yes. When you call, share the model number, size and weight. We make sure the ceiling box can hold it and the wiring fits. Keep all the parts and the instructions with the fixture.

Can you add a light where there is no wiring now?

Yes. We run new wire from a nearby circuit and add a switch where you want it. Most of the time the wire goes through the attic or walls. If a small hole in the drywall is needed, we tell you first.

Can you hang a heavy chandelier on a high ceiling?

Yes. Tell us the weight and the ceiling height when you call. Heavy fixtures need extra support, and tall ceilings may need scaffolding. We plan both before the day of the job.

Can my outdoor light be swapped for a motion sensor light?

Usually, yes. If there is a working outdoor light, the new fixture can often use the same wiring. Some lights also let you add a separate sensor instead of replacing the whole fixture.

Will my LED lights work with my dimmer?

Not always. Older dimmers were made for regular bulbs, and some LEDs are not dimmable at all. A mismatch can cause flicker or buzzing. We look at both and tell you if the dimmer needs to be replaced.

How long does light fixture installation take?

A simple swap is usually a short visit. Several new lights that need new wiring can take a full day or more. You get a time estimate along with the price.

Call 24/7: (984) 271-2113