Quick question on Downlights

[Taylortwocities]

He wants to buy them because they are £1.50 each/ That's the consideration. There are many more, as we are all pointing out.
Major consioderations with new constructions are architectural and regulatory. Saving a few quid a fitting isn't in the equation.

 

[flameport]

We just saw some on clearance in B&Q which seemed a bargain, 10 Chrome downlights for £15.

They are not a bargain.

Even if you could fit them and still comply with building regulations (which is extremely unlikely), the amount of electricity they will waste will be many times greater than the apparent savings between purchasing them and installing proper lighting.

Further, if spending many thousands of pounds on an extension, trying to save a few quid by purchasing crappy lighting from B&Q is complete nonsense. Fit rubbish like that and you will be regretting it for years, as you will have to replace the lamps every week, your electricity bill will be significantly greater and the room won't even be illuminated properly.

 

[dingbat]

In my dictionary:

downlight down lite, n, fire hazard.

It IS possible to install downlights safely, although that seems to be beyond the coordination capabilities of the various disciplines involved in the overall construction process.

But, whatever the pros and cons of the lights themselves, the quality of their light, the installation process, the installers, the requirements of the Building Regulations and the Wiring Regulations, etc, one thing is certain: buying the lights because they are cheap is a sure-fire way of getting off on precisely the wrong foot with everybody involved.

Wait until after the holidays, when sales-fever has subsided and pay a proper professional the right money to do a safe job. (The right money is, by the way, much, much more than you may be thinking. If the installer will do it cheaply he doesn't know what he is doing.)