Is this the sort of thing you must get an electrician to do? We are getting the stipple taken off our ceiling and I don't want to put the ugly old fly catchers up afterwards. I would love to replace with just downlights in the lounge or get a couple of nice pendants. The hall and bedroom can just stay with the batten fixtures and I will keep looking for some nice shades. Can hubby do it or is it an electrician only. How much would it cost for that small job do you think?
martin11,
Jul 9, 5:51pm
Stipple Ceiling check that it does not contain asbsestos Lights should really be done by an electrician
vintage_betty,
Jul 9, 6:01pm
I thought so (re lights.) No asbestos, it was one of the first things we checked before buying the house. I am glad we don't have it - It is a horrible messy job in itself and we already found it difficult to find someone to do it. He already did the kitchen and dining room last year and the difference was amazing, I can't wait to see what it is going to look like in the rest of the house.
johotech,
Jul 9, 6:04pm
If your husband does it, it must be tested and certified by an electrical inspector. He certainly shouldn't attempt the work without some experience, and arranging the electrical inspector in advance so they can tell him how they want the work done.
So just get an electrician to do the work. They have the experience to suggest the best options for the lighting, and provide products that are reliable. If you just buy something cheap from a big shed, you will be replacing many of them again in less than 5 years.
captaingraham,
Jul 9, 7:03pm
Also, the new fittings may require an earth connection which may not exist in your present wiring. If you replace batten holders with downlights you will need extra lights so it becomes a job for an electrician.
vintage_betty,
Jul 10, 1:38am
Ah ok, thanks. Maybe we will just leave it anyway. It's not that I really reawant downlights, it's more that it is hard to find nice shades these days. There are many gorgeous pendants but not many batten ones. Will look a bit more.
kateley,
Jul 10, 2:08am
I really dislike downlights, but I agree that it is difficult to find shades. You can sometimes get pendant lights changed to fit a batten holder, tho. Also second hand shops (and Trade Me!) often have a better selection of shades than you can find new.
trade_menow,
Jul 10, 4:27am
does the house have 2 way switching . like switches at each end of the room where 1 flicks on and the other off and vice versa . if so the wiring can be tricky so best left to a electrician
johotech,
Jul 10, 4:43am
If you just want better light, there are some average looking "button" type LED fittings that can be easily installed on existing wiring. But they look quite boring, but lower profile than a batten holder & lamp.
ryanm2,
Jul 12, 10:13pm
There’s a lot to choose from on AliExpress, I purchased one of those mock duck feather type shades , my daughter loves it. Good downlights are great though , it’s just a shame there is so much cheap crap on the market. Recessed anti glare downlights are fantastic.
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