Light Fixture Replacement
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Light Fixture Replacement
If you're renovating a home that's more than a few years old, you probably inherited a few outdated light fixtures. Replacing old light fixtures is the most dramatic improvement you can make to a room, and well worth the investment. Light fixture replacement is a complex task for even the seasoned DIY-er, so always hire a qualified electrician if you're inexperienced. Always follow these safety tips before attempting any installation.
Before selecting a new style light fixture to replace the old model, you'll need to 
know a few things about the existing fixture:
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How much wattage can the fixture accept? Take a look at the bulbs in the fixture, and their wattage. The new fixture you install should not exceed this total wattage.
If you need more light in the space, you can consider using compact fluorescent bulbs in place of incandescent in the new fixture; you'll get much more light for the amount of wattage required.
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Measurement of Canopy or Back plate. You will need to find a replacement fixture that has a canopy or back plate size that is at least as large as the original fixture, to cover the hole in the wall.
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The Wiring. It's always a good idea to observe how the existing light fixture is wired, to make wiring the new fixture a bit easier. You may even want to draw a sketch to help you.
- The approximate weight of the fixture. If you're not planning on replacing the junction box, you will need to choose a new fixture that is the same weight (or less) than the current fixture. Replacing a small ceiling light with a chandelier or ceiling fan can be done, but you will need to install a heavy duty junction box or special brace in the ceiling, mounted to the joists.
Once you have removed the existing light fixture, it is always a good idea to paint or wallpaper the area before you install the replacement (if this was part of your room renovation to begin with). All too often, people will paint or lay wallpaper around the light fixture; when they go to replace the fixture, they are highly limited in their choices by the size of the previous fixture's canopy or back plate.
Choose a light fixture replacement style that coordinates with the style and finish of existing fixtures in your home, and get ready to enjoy a huge improvement in your home's ambience and value!
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