Kitchen lighting installation in Fairborn runs $450 to $2,800 depending on fixture count and whether we're running new circuits. A straight recessed-light retrofit (converting old cans to LED or adding 4 to 6 new recessed on existing circuits) runs $450 to $900. A full three-zone rewire with new switches, dimmers, and under-cabinet runs $1,800 to $2,800. Most jobs take 1 to 2 days.
The common kitchen lighting mistake in Fairborn ranch homes: everything on one switch at 3,000K. A properly lit kitchen has three zones on three circuits. Ambient (recessed LEDs across the ceiling, 3,000K, dimmable). Task (under-cabinet LED strip over the counters, 3,500K, separate dimmer). Accent (pendants over the island or dining area, 2,700K, warmer for mood, on its own dimmer). Separating the circuits lets you cook at full brightness and eat at 20%, which the one-switch setup cannot do. Also matters for resale, which local Greene County agents flag when a kitchen feels dim on a showing.
On recessed lights, the swap from old 6-inch cans with incandescent bulbs to 4-inch or 6-inch LED trim kits is one of the biggest visible upgrades you can make for $450. Look for 90+ CRI (color rendering index) so skin tones and food look right, and 800 to 1,000 lumens per fixture. For a typical 12x15 Fairborn ranch kitchen off Park Hills, 6 recessed on a 4-foot grid is the right count. Spacing too far apart creates shadow pools between fixtures.
Pendants over an island are where most budgets go off the rails. Designer pendants from Visual Comfort or Hinkley run $300 to $700 each, and a 7-foot island usually wants 3 of them. If you're budget-conscious we recommend the Costco West Elm clear-glass series (around $90 each) which looks 80% as good as Visual Comfort at 20% the price. Hanging height in Fairborn kitchens with 9-foot ceilings is 30 to 36 inches above the counter surface, center of pendant. Any higher and you lose the task light cone.
What we handle
Recessed LED Retrofit
Swap existing 6-inch cans for LED trim kits, 4-inch for tighter spacing. 90+ CRI, dimmable, 2,700K to 3,000K.
New Recessed Light Install
Cut new openings, run wiring through attic or floor joists, patch and texture drywall, dimmable switch.
Island Pendant Installation
Mount 1 to 3 pendants over an island at proper 30 to 36-inch hanging height. Dimmer on its own circuit.
Under-Cabinet LED Strip
Hardwired or plug-in LED strip under the upper cabinets. Separate dimmer. 3,500K color temperature for task.
Dining Area Chandelier
Install a new chandelier or semi-flush mount over a breakfast nook or dining table. Includes a UL-rated support box.
Three-Zone Dimmer Wiring
Separate ambient, task, and accent lighting onto three dimmer circuits, Lutron Caseta or standard dimmer switches.
Emergency Fixture Replacement
Same-week replacement of a failed or sparking fixture, plus GFCI check on nearby outlets. 2 to 4 hours on site.
Commercial Kitchen Lighting
Short-term rental and small-food-service kitchen lighting along the US-444 corridor. Higher lumen output and tamper-resistant trims.
How the job goes
1. Lighting Walkthrough (30 to 45 min)
Walk your kitchen, look at the existing fixtures, measure counter runs for under-cabinet, check attic access for new recessed, note the panel for new circuits.
2. Plan and Fixture Pick
Lay out the recessed grid on a sketch, pick fixtures and color temperatures, confirm the three-zone split.
3. Rough-In (Day 1, 4 to 6 hours)
Cut openings, run wiring, install junction boxes. Drywall gets cut as neatly as possible to limit patch work.
4. Trim and Fixture Install (Day 2)
Install trim kits, hang pendants, mount under-cabinet strip, wire dimmers. All splices go in covered junction boxes per NEC.
5. Patch and Clean (Day 2 end)
Drywall patch and texture around recessed cuts, color-match paint, vacuum fixture dust. One follow-up visit to re-aim any adjustable fixtures.
What's included
- Free in-home lighting walkthrough and sketch
- Fixture consultation with brand and color-temp picks
- Drywall cuts and patch and texture at every opening
- UL-rated support boxes for pendants and chandeliers
- Lutron Caseta or standard dimmers (per spec)
- Separate dimmer circuits for ambient, task, and accent
- All splices in covered junction boxes per NEC code
- Color-matched paint touch-up around patches
- Final clean and dust removal
- 1-year written workmanship warranty
What it costs
Fairborn kitchen lighting installs typically $450 to $2,800. Recessed retrofit $450 to $900. Full three-zone rewire $1,800 to $2,800. Pendants $250 to $800 each installed.
| Job | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Recessed LED Retrofit (per can) | $75-$135 | Swap existing 6-inch incandescent cans for LED trim. Includes dimmable driver. |
| New Recessed Light (per can, cut and run) | $150-$225 | Cut new opening, run wire, patch and texture. Price depends on attic access. |
| Island Pendant Install (per pendant) | $180-$280 | Hang height setting, UL support box, wire to dimmer. Fixture extra. |
| Under-Cabinet LED Strip (per linear foot) | $30-$55 | Hardwired strip with dimmer. Cut-in power source behind cabinet, no visible cord. |
| Dimmer Switch Install (per circuit) | $95-$140 | Lutron Caseta smart dimmer or standard dimmer. Includes wire-nut reconfig for 3-way if needed. |
| In-Home Lighting Walkthrough | Free | With any lighting quote. No deposit, no credit check. |
Ranges are typical for Kitchen Lighting Installation jobs in Fairborn and confirmed with an exact written quote before any work starts.