Thinking about upgrading your home lighting with pot lights? You’re not alone. Recessed lighting, commonly known as pot lights, has become a go-to choice for homeowners across Montreal and the surrounding regions. It’s sleek, modern, and adds instant sophistication to any space. But before jumping in, one key question comes up: how much does it cost to install pot lights in Montreal?
At Okla Électrique, our team of residential electricians has installed thousands of pot lights in homes, condos, and commercial properties throughout Montreal, Laval, and beyond. In this complete guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from pricing to permits, and from planning to installation.
What Are Pot Lights and Why Are They So Popular?
Pot lights are recessed ceiling fixtures that sit flush with the ceiling, giving your space a clean and minimal look. They’re perfect for:
- Kitchens and dining rooms
- Living rooms and basements
- Hallways and staircases
- Bathrooms (with moisture-resistant versions)
- Outdoor soffits and overhangs
Homeowners love them because they offer:
- Even, focused lighting
- A modern, high-end look
- Increased home resale value
- Energy efficiency, when paired with LED bulbs
They’re also ideal for rooms with low ceilings where hanging fixtures feel bulky or out of place.
What Affects the Cost of Installing Pot Lights in Montreal?
When homeowners start planning a pot light installation, one of the most common questions we hear at Okla Électrique is: “How much is it going to cost?” The answer isn’t always simple, because a number of site-specific and design-related factors influence the final price.
Let’s walk through the key elements that affect pricing and what you can expect when hiring residential electricians in Montreal, Laval, or the surrounding areas.
1. Number of Pot Lights
This is the most obvious variable. Naturally, the more lights you want, the more materials and labour will be required. But it’s not just a linear increase.
Typical ranges:
- Small rooms (bathroom, hallway): 2–4 pot lights
- Medium-sized rooms (kitchen, bedroom): 4–8 pot lights
- Large spaces (living rooms, basements): 8–12+ pot lights
Important Note: Most electricians, including Okla Électrique, offer volume pricing. That means the cost per light goes down when you install multiple lights in a single project. For example, installing 10 lights at once may cost less per light than installing 4 now and 6 later.
Installing multiple lights at once also reduces disruption and saves time, especially in furnished homes.
2. Ceiling Type and Accessibility
Your ceiling’s structure can make a big difference in labour costs. Some ceilings are straightforward to work with, while others pose challenges that require more time, planning, and care.
Easiest ceiling type:
- Flat, drywall ceilings with attic or top-floor access
These allow for easy drilling, wiring, and placement.
More complex ceiling types:
- Textured ceilings (e.g., popcorn or stipple): These need careful cutting to avoid visible damage. Sometimes we recommend smoothing these ceilings as part of the upgrade.
- Vaulted or cathedral ceilings: These add height and angle challenges. Running wires may require attic or rafter access.
- Insulated ceilings: Common in top floors and basements, these require careful insulation handling to avoid compromising energy efficiency or fire safety.
- Drop ceilings or suspended panels: Typically easier to access wiring, but may require specialty fixtures or bracket supports.
At Okla Électrique, our residential electricians inspect your ceiling type during your free quote appointment and walk you through any extra considerations involved.
3. Electrical Access and Existing Infrastructure
The complexity of your home’s existing wiring setup is another major factor.
Simplest scenario:
- You already have ceiling lights in place, and you’re replacing them with recessed lighting.
In this case, the wiring is already nearby, and our electricians can often tie into existing junction boxes.
More complex scenarios:
- You’re installing lights in a room with no ceiling fixtures (e.g., older homes).
- Your home has limited attic access or metal conduit systems instead of modern wiring.
- You’re placing lights in multiple levels of a house that require fishing wire through joists or tight spaces.
These conditions require more labour, precise planning, and potentially additional tools or devices to run new lines without damaging walls or ceilings.
Pro Tip: Whenever possible, we use techniques that minimize drywall disruption. Our goal is clean work with little or no patching required.
4. Bulb Type and Fixture Choice
When choosing pot lights, the bulb and trim style you select play a big role in both performance and cost.
Most popular today:
- LED pot lights: Highly energy-efficient, long-lasting, and available in a wide range of colour temperatures and brightness levels.
They cost a bit more upfront than halogen or incandescent, but they last longer and save significantly on your energy bill.
Other options:
- IC-rated fixtures: Required for use in insulated ceilings (to prevent overheating).
- Gimbal or adjustable pot lights: Slightly more expensive but ideal for sloped ceilings or accent lighting on art or décor.
We recommend dimmable LED lights for most homes; they offer the best blend of comfort, energy efficiency, and modern style.
5. Dimmers and Smart Home Controls
Want more control over your lighting atmosphere? Adding dimmer switches or smart features is a great investment, but it does increase the overall cost.
Standard dimmer switch:
- Simple and affordable
- Great for living rooms, bedrooms, or dining rooms
- Adds an average of $60–$120 per room, including installation
Smart dimmers or home automation integration (e.g., Lutron Caséta, Google Home, or Alexa compatible):
- Allows you to control lights remotely via the app or voice
- Can be programmed with schedules, scenes, or motion sensors
- Typically adds $120–$200+ per room, depending on the brand and setup
At Okla Électrique, our residential electricians are experienced with all major smart lighting platforms. We’ll help you choose the right controls for your lifestyle and ensure everything integrates smoothly.
Average Cost to Install Pot Lights in Montreal
Here’s a rough pricing guide for homeowners in the Montreal area:
| Installation Type | Price Per Light (CAD) |
| Basic install (open ceiling) | $120 – $150 |
| Retrofit install (closed ceiling) | $150 – $250 |
| High ceilings or complex layouts | $200 – $300 |
| Dimmer switch (per room) | $60 – $120 |
| Smart dimmer or app control | $120 – $200 |
So, for a standard room with 6 pot lights, you can expect to pay between $900 and $1,500, depending on layout and finish.
Pro Tip: At Okla Électrique, we offer package pricing and discounts for multi-room installations. Ask about our bundles when you get your quote!
Do You Need a Permit to Install Pot Lights in Montreal?
For most residential pot light installations, a permit is not required if a licensed electrician does the work and no major structural changes are made. However, if you’re upgrading your electrical panel or adding multiple new circuits, permits and inspections may be needed.
Rest easy, Okla Électrique handles all code compliance and paperwork for you. Our residential electricians are fully licensed and insured, and we never cut corners on safety or legal requirements.
Can You Install Pot Lights Yourself?
Technically, yes, but should you? Probably not.
DIY pot light installation might save you money in theory, but mistakes can be costly or dangerous. Incorrect wiring could result in:
- Short circuits
- Fire risks
- Voided home insurance
- Failed home inspections
Hiring a professional residential electrician ensures your installation is safe, clean, and code-compliant. Plus, we guarantee our work.
How Long Does Installation Take?
Most pot light jobs are completed in 1 day, especially if it’s one or two rooms with easy access. Larger homes or jobs involving attic access or complex wiring may take 1–2 days. At Okla Électrique, we respect your time. Our crews arrive on schedule, work efficiently, and clean up when the job’s done.
How to Plan Your Pot Light Layout
Not sure where to put your lights? Here are a few rules of thumb:
- Space lights 4–6 feet apart
- Keep at least 2 feet from walls
- Use dimmers in living areas for mood control
- Place lights in front of key features like counters, artwork, or built-ins
When you book with Okla Électrique, our electricians will help you design a layout that maximizes both aesthetics and functionality.
Why Choose Okla Électrique for Pot Light Installation?
There are lots of electricians in Montreal, but not all are created equal. Here’s why homeowners trust Okla Électrique:
✅ Friendly, knowledgeable residential electricians
✅ Transparent pricing with no surprise fees
✅ Clean, professional workmanship
✅ Code-compliant installations
✅ Local service in Montreal, Laval, and surrounding areas
Our team lives where you live. We know the homes, we know the neighborhoods, and we treat every house like it’s our own.
Pot Lights Are Worth It When Done Right
Installing pot lights is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your home’s look, boost functionality, and even increase resale value. But like any electrical project, doing it right matters.
Whether you’re upgrading one room or your entire home, Okla Électrique is your go-to team of certified, trusted residential electricians in Montreal.
