Charlotte Lighting Specialists Charlotte, NC

Charlotte lighting experts discuss bathroom lighting trends

What services do you offer?

David Long: "We offer installations, repairs and advice if the customer is unsure of what they want done."

Bob Saye: "We do some remodel and renovation work, but mostly smaller jobs replacing or adding fixtures."

Joanne Dennis: "We sell lighting for the entire home, and lamps, mirrors and ceiling fans."

What are the trends right now?

Long: "Nickel, recessed and fluorescent lights."

Saye: "Lately we've been converting recessed lights back to pendant type lights."

Dennis: "Everyone is looking for brushed nickel. Chrome is also becoming popular again."

What's a typical budget for bathroom lighting?

Long: "$800 for lights and installation."

Saye: "Cost always varies depending on quantity and complexity."

Dennis: "It varies, but usually around $80 to $100 per fixture."

How do you charge – by the hour or by the job? How much?

Long: "We charge hourly – $89 for one electrician, $129 for electrician and helper."

Saye: "Our hourly rate is $90."

Dennis: "We don't do installation, so the price depends on the fixture."

Lighting showrooms can be overwhelming. How do you help people make a decision or do they typically already know what they want?

Long: "People usually already know what they want, but we do give them suggestions as to what would work best for them."

Saye: "Most customers know what they want and some are done with that decision-making process prior to calling us."

Dennis: "We try to narrow it down to the most important fixtures. From there, they have a formula to follow and the decisions are based on color and shape."

What are some issues home- owners need to know about that they often overlook?

Long: "Sometimes the circuits that they already have can't handle additional lighting."

Saye: "Don't compromise or cut corners to get to a budget point."

Dennis: "You have to consider the wiring in the home. A lot of people overlook that."

What's the most elaborate/unusual/expensive lighting fixture or lighting system you've sold and/or installed?

Long: "I did a job for a customer who wanted me to go and pick out the lights for their home. The lights ended up being around $50,000, and they were very pleased with my choices and work."

Saye: "We installed a 200-pound glided gold chandelier in a two-story foyer. It came semi-assembled from the customer's previous out-of-state residence in a large wooden crate."

Dennis: "We have some Fine Art fixtures that are just beautiful. They are handmade in the USA and run anywhere from $200 to $20,000. The most expensive piece we've sold was $5,000."