Builder's standard lighting

haywgl · Feb 25, 2008 10:53 pm

Hi guys!

Ok so we are considering building with M, and they have a current promo offering us 20 free dowlights - after looking at downlights and researching them, I must admit I am not overly fussed about them...

If you choose to just have standard light done by the builder and I right in saying it would just be a normal batton light bulb coming straight out of the ceiling?

The reason I ask, is that in out current house (fairly new townhouse) we have round holes in the ceilings and then a normal globe in the hole...I'm sure this isn't a downlight but I quite like the look of it, very easy to change a globe, cheap to replace globes etc....but is this a downlight? Or is is just a hole in the ceiling with a globe in it??

It is quite a big hole - say approx 10cm across....I only need one light per room which is why I am thinking they are not downlights as I have heard you need a certain no. of dowlights per sqm to adequatly light a room...

I hope this post makes sense and doesn't make me look too stupid :oops:

Cheers

ewan · Feb 26, 2008 1:35 pm

Downlights look like these:

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You are right in saying that you need a few to light up a room, probably about 2-4 is required to light up a room.

haywgl · Feb 26, 2008 1:49 pm

Thanks Ewan, I will try and take a pic of the ones we have when my husband gets home.

While ours has an outside shell like those, the globe is nothing like it. Ours just have a normal globe like those you buy in the supermarket stuck in the hole in the ceiling - not attached to the shell...

I hope I'm making sense...a picture will explain better, I'll get on it

ewan · Feb 26, 2008 3:13 pm

hmmm, something like this:

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These are about 15cm in diameter.

You can use one of these to light up a 3x3 room, but it wont be bright bright.

3timesbuilda · Feb 26, 2008 3:58 pm

haywgl

I think you are refering to the same thing we have in our rental. I think they are supposed to be a kind of spot light but without being able to move them.

They are basically a recessed light. We have 4 in a large room and in each one we have a regular light bulb. We have replaced the bulbs with fluorescent bulbs that look incredibly similar to regular incandescents (similar to CFLs but enclosed and within the spacial limits of an incandescent). Each one is 11W giving about 40W equivalent. With higher power, we probably could use less.

Downlights tend to be halogen (tiny fluorescent versions are now available) and are what builder will most likely be offering. Take some photos of your lighting and show them to your builder. They will probably charge a small fee but should be able to accomodate.

haywgl · Feb 26, 2008 4:56 pm

Thanks for your help guys, the outside shell looks similar to your second pic Ewan, but the globe is different, also the interior or our shell is just painted white.

3XB- Yep i think you get what I am saying, I would be happy to go for downlights if they were cheaper but I would prefr to go with cheaper standard lighitng and spend the money elsewhere, will bring it up with my builder (when we pick one)

MICA · May 03, 2008 12:04 pm

Hi there haywgl,

Quote:

would be happy to go for downlights if they were cheaper but I would prefr to go with cheaper standard lighitng and spend the money elsewhere, will bring it up with my builder

Lighting is so important, and only in recent times have people started to place so much emphasis on this topic.

Keep in mind, lighting is no less important than the tiles or carpet you choose. How much time did you spend on the tiles & carpet?

Lighting creates mood, atmosphere and ambience to any room.

There is nothing wrong with cutting corners, but not with important things.

Hope this helps.

Rachelle · May 03, 2008 12:27 pm

I'm seeing Spam.