Am in the process of finalising my electrical plan and my head is nearly done in with all the different options and types of lighting available!
My primary considerations for lighting are:
energy efficiency and running cost
aesthetics
and possible impact on insulation
I like the look of downlights but not happy about cutting holes in the ceiling to put them in, thereby making roof insulation ineffective. I've seen surface mounted downlights mentioned in this forum, and was wondering if this means there is no need to have holes in the ceiling? Has anyone implemented surface mounted downlights?
My builder has given me an allowance of 24 battens, but I am not sure if I can just get them to place battens all over the house, and then use those battens to install light fittings after handover? I like oyster lights, track based spotlights and pendants, but will these be able to use the battens that I get my builder to put in now?
similarly can I use builder provided battens for downlights (assuming I go for the surface mounted ones?), and Oyster lights?
I do also want to have under cabinet lighting, preferably LED (or CFL) - what I do I need to tell the builder at this point so that I can get these done after handover?
Opinions, advice much appreciated. I have been trawling the internet, and now have 'some' knowledge of energy efficient lighting, but really dont know much about what goes behind it.