Spec PlanR: Home Lighting

spec plan-R: lighting

Spec Plan Q: Planning Home Lighting

what you need to know —

You need to plan your lighting fixtures for every room and area in the home. This will include the type of lighting with its respective wiring and also lighting options that are plug-in such as table and floor lamps:

There are three types of lighting to plan for:

1) Ambient Lighting:

noted as general lighting - it serves as the primary lighting source for a room.

Examples include pendant lighting over a kitchen counter and floor lamps to light up a living room. More example of ambient and general lighting:

 

2) Task Lighting:

light that is used to perform a particular task such as reading a book or applying makeup.

Task lighting for a kitchen would include lighting under a range hood and kitchen cabinets to provide light for cooking and food preparation tasks:

 

3) Accent Lighting:

commonly referred as mood lighting and proving atmosphere. Example would be using a picture light to show off a piece of wall art.

Use accent lighting by adding a wall lantern to illuminate the wood paneling or directional task lights to highlight a brick wall.

view this post analysis:
	Lighting Ideas for Your Newly Built Home or Building

 

4) Viewing Lighting Elements By Room:

 

Visit our Home Improvement Showcase on:

additional information
	topics: home lighting
	planning: let there be light
	best sellers: lighting

spec plan-R: lighting

LED Lighting / Light Bulbs

Go With LED

LED lighting is the most cost-efficient lighting. It has a longer life and uses less electricity than incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs. And you can find many decorative bulbs that would fit in almost all lighting fixtures.

So when planning lighting fixtures for your home, look for fixtures and use LED lighting. These fixtures use less electricity that will save you in energy costs.

This illustration gives you an idea of the efficiency of LEDs

 

View Types of LEDs

 

spec plan-R: lighting

Getting Started

Step 1: develop the plan

• take a completed draft of the home lighting spec sheet to your architect or planner, who will then customize a remodeling plan or revise an existing plan that meets your specs.
  
• use your spec sheet and lighting plan to bid the construction project out to contractors

home lighting spec sheet

 

Step 2: get required building permits

• It will either be up to you or the contractor to obtain each permit.
  all about permits
• Check with your local jurisdiction regarding site and change permits:
  local government for permit information
• It would be good idea to purchase as reference an illustrated building code book to make sure your project is up to code:
  • building codes illustrated

Step 3: find pre-screened electrical contractors and other service providers

Find Electrical Services
	Electricians		Lighting Design
	Fans		Generators
	Electronics		Home Security
top-rated, pre-screened local contractors
	FREE: download contractor selection
enter zip code - powered by HomeAdvisor ™

spec plan-R: lighting

Related Topics

(opens new window)

Lighting Ideas for Your Newly Built Home or Building

Knowing All Types of Home Lighting Fixtures

The Evolving Styles of LED Lighting

Ceiling Fan Buying Guide: What to Look for When You Shop

How an Area Rug Can Add to Any Room Decor

Having To Decide On Ceiling Lighting

spec plan-R: lightings

Planning Forms plan and budget insulation needs and specs. home lighting spec sheet spec budgeting worksheet DYI estimates selecting your contractor contractor evaluation sheet working with your contractor managing your contractor Quick scroll to key resources below: analyze lighting interior lighting topics what's needed for lighting

navigation

Use side navigation to move to any section within our vast network. open side navigation View Next: plan S: garage, pathways plan T: green living plan U: other amenities