That brings up another important issue in planning stages, a budget. You will need to determine what total budget your willing to spend on this project. Without making a budget price can quickly escalate out of control. A kitchen project that started at an affordable $15,000 without budget parameters can quickly turn into an $80,000 renovation. This will likely end in frustration and no new kitchen. Set limits early and then work within those limits. When you have your spending limit figured out take off a percentage for unforeseen costs. They will almost always come about at some point. At least 15% in my estimation should be allotted for cost overruns, and that is pretty conservative.

If you do decide to do project yourself or become your own GC, make sure you will have time to do it. In most kitchens, especially in homes with children, not having a kitchen is a major inconvenience. A husband, who drags his feet getting a new kitchen installed, will find himself in doghouse faster than fido after he chews up couch! The best advice I can give you is to do your homework. There is so much great info available on internet today that it isn't too difficult.

Something to remember when you are planning this out is something called work plane. This is an area about 30" above floor. It is an area where most tasks take place.

The work plane is important because as distance between light fixture and surface to be lit decreases, so does that circle we spoke about. In a living room or den, designing lighting plan so that we have even light on floor is fine. In a kitchen though, this work plane becomes far more critical. This is why in a kitchen, keeping recessed lights about 4 feet apart, creates a pattern that is even on work plane with intense portion of circle.

There are some other things besides bulb and can that shape light pattern. The finish trim on recessed lights can vary pattern of light. A wall washer creates a half cone that can be directed at a wall or fireplace. A pin spot trim can direct light in a very narrow beam to light a small object.

This should give you a basic idea of what is involved when you undertake a recessed lighting layout. If you would like to learn more or have questions, please visit us at links below.