The focal point in a room is often a chandelier, especially in a dining room, and today it’s often used by designers as a dramatic statement of a lighting scheme in a room. The chandelier is an element that illuminates and enhances a room scaled to the size of the space. It can be a streamline contemporary fixture for the foyer or a traditional two-tier, nine-light design that serves as both form and function in a room.
If you are confident doing electrical projects and have electrical tools, you can replace an old chandelier with a new one, assuming the wiring is sound and you’re replacing it in the same location.
To replace an old chandelier with a new, moderately priced six-light fixture in the same location, an electrician will charge $303, which includes labor and material. If you have experience doing electrical work, you can do the job for $210, the cost of the fixture, and save 31%. You’ll need two ladders — one for you and the other for a helper, who should hold the chandelier you’re removing and then secure the new one you’re installing. A chandelier isn’t necessarily heavy, but it’s cumbersome and fragile, and you don’t want to drop either of them.
When doing any electrical work, remember to turn off the power at the circuit panel before you begin. If there’s any doubt in your mind, hire an electrician to make the swap. Another option is to use the installation service at the retailer where you buy the chandelier.
To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and m.diyornot.com on smartphones.
Pro Cost — DIY Cost — Pro time — DIY Time — DIY Savings — Percent Saved
$303 — $210 — 1.5 — 2.8 — $93 — 31%
