Chandelier Installation
How much does it cost to install my new chandelier? This is a very common question we get and I’m sure there are many folks out there trying to figure this out as well, hopefully this little guide helps.
Chandeliers are some of the most expensive and often exotic fixtures that exist in residential homes. They range from simple 2lb hanging fixtures to 300lb crystal adorned pieces of art. Before we begin, make sure whatever company you have installing the chandelier is a electrically licensed with full insurance (use a handyman or moonlighter at your own risk). Chandeliers are heavy and they can fall if not installed properly!
So lets get to it: “How much to install (or replace) my chandelier?” I can tell you as a seasoned professional who has personally installed hundreds of chandeliers, it would be unwise and irresponsible to give a promised number when it comes to chandeliers. There are far too many variables, we can’t see through the phone to what your situation is. Here are some things to consider:
1.) Where is the chandelier located? Is it over a table with a regular 8-foot ceiling, or is it 20+ feet up in a foyer? Do you have a chandelier lift installed?
-If the chandelier is in a foyer and there is no chandelier lift installed, scaffolding needs to be erected in the foyer to safely install a new chandelier.
The good news is that a chandelier should last you decades and you don’t need to do it frequently. With that said, erecting scaffolding takes time and costs money. It is safe to assume at least $500.00 for just assembling and disassembling the scaffolding at the beginning and end of the day.
2.) How large is the chandelier?
-Bigger fixtures require more time, more intricate fixtures can take days (We have installed a 300lb chandelier with over 1500 crystals that took 2 whole days).
-Many small fixtures purchased at a local Home Depot or Lowes can often be installed within 1 or 2 hours provided the box and wiring is existing.
3.) Is there a switch leg and box installed for the chandelier?
-Running power and installing a switch leg to control the chandelier is a whole different topic, sometimes easy and inexpensive, sometimes difficult, invasive, and costly.
-An old box exists: Sometimes old plastic boxes are best to be replaced with proper fan/chandelier rated boxes that are rated to hold 150lb fixtures.
-A new box and wiring are in place: This is a common scenario with new homes. The building electrician will install blank covers and/or inexpensive “builders fixtures” and then another electrician will come in and install the customer purchased finishing fixtures.
Bottom line:
If you have a chandelier that needs replacing and you know the box is in good shape or you have a new box and wiring here’s a good rule of thumb that I’ve put together over the years and applies far more times than it doesn’t;
Expect the cost of installation to be close to the cost of the fixture that you purchased.
Perhaps this is the sole reason I sat down to write this up. If you just bought a $7000.00 chandelier, don’t expect to have it installed for $200.00, likewise if you have a $80 chandelier, it shouldn’t cost $500 to install it.
Hopefully this helped to shed some light on your chandelier buying and installing situation. Good luck!
Chandelier install with flame bulbs
