Licensed C10 Electrician License #1137497 Retrofit & New-Construction Cans LADBS Permits Handled 5.0 Stars on Google (818) 588-7819
LED Lighting Services

Recessed Lighting Installation in Los Angeles

LED Guys is a licensed C10 electrical contractor installing recessed LED lighting throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley — retrofit downlights into existing ceilings, new-construction can housings, and wet-rated fixtures for bathrooms and covered patios. We handle the LADBS permit, plan spacing so you don't end up with dark corners, and leave you with dimmable, code-compliant lighting.

Call (818) 588-7819 Request a Quote
5.0
Google Rating
C10
Licensed #1137497
10+
Years Experience
24/7
Emergency Service
5.0
Google Rating
C10
Licensed #1137497
10+
Years of Lighting Experience
24/7
Emergency Service
Why LED Guys

The Recessed Lighting Specialists Los Angeles Trusts

Recessed lighting is the single upgrade that changes a room the most — but done wrong, it means dark corners, mismatched color temperatures, or a ceiling full of drywall patches. LED Guys plans fixture spacing before we cut a single hole, so you get even, layered light instead of a scattered grid of cans. Every job uses LED retrofit or new-construction housings rated for your ceiling condition — IC-rated where there's attic insulation above, wet-rated over tubs, showers, and covered patios. For under-cabinet and shelf lighting, see our LED cabinet lighting page, and for strip lighting basics read the LED strip light guide.

We've installed recessed lighting in older bungalows in Hollywood, mid-century homes across the San Fernando Valley, full remodels in Calabasas, and new construction throughout Los Angeles County. Whether you're swapping out old incandescent cans for efficient LEDs, adding lighting to a room that never had it, or wiring a whole house during a remodel, every circuit we add is permitted through LADBS and inspected before we call the job done.

Dimmers and smart controls are part of the estimate, not an afterthought — we check compatibility up front so your new recessed lights don't buzz or flicker on the dimmer you already own, and can wire in compatible smart dimmer switches if you want app and voice control.

Permit Authority
LADBS & City/County Building & Safety
Fixture Ratings
IC-Rated, Wet-Rated & Standard
Installation Types
Retrofit & New Construction
Typical Job Time
Most Rooms in a Single Day
Dimmer & Smart Control
Smart Dimmer Compatible
Service Areas
Los Angeles & San Fernando Valley
The Process

How Recessed Lighting Installation Works With Us

A straightforward four-step process from your first call to the final walkthrough — no surprises, no delays.

1

On-Site Estimate & Layout Plan

Jorge visits your property, assesses ceiling type and attic access, draws the fixture layout for even coverage without dark corners, and provides a written flat-rate quote before any work begins.

2

Permit Pull (When Required)

New circuits get an LADBS electrical permit filed and scheduled on your behalf — you don't have to chase paperwork or inspectors.

3

Installation Day

Our crew cuts, wires, and mounts each fixture, patches and touches up drywall around retrofit cans, and installs your dimmer or smart control.

4

Final Walkthrough & Inspection

We test every fixture and dimmer setting with you, schedule the city inspection where a permit was pulled, and hand off your sign-off documentation.

Layout & Design

How We Plan Your Recessed Lighting Layout

Spacing, color temperature, and fixture sizing determine whether the finished result looks deliberate or accidental. Here is what goes into every layout we draw before cutting a single hole.

4″ / 6″

4-Inch vs. 6-Inch Fixtures

6-inch cans produce a wider beam and cover more floor area per fixture — the standard choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens with 8 to 10-foot ceilings. 4-inch fixtures produce a tighter beam, better for hallways, closets, and accent zones where a cleaner ceiling look with more fixtures is preferred. We recommend based on ceiling height and how the room is used.

SPC

Spacing Rules

A reliable rule of thumb: space fixtures apart at half to two-thirds of the ceiling height. For a standard 8-foot ceiling that means roughly 4 to 5 feet between fixtures. Keep the first row at least 2 feet from the wall to avoid scalloping — half-circles of light on the wall that signal poor layout. We draw the grid on-site before drilling, because fixing bad spacing afterward means drywall patches.

CCT

Color Temperature by Room

2700K (warm white) works well in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas where warm light feels relaxing. 3000K (soft white) is a clean, modern choice for kitchens and bathrooms. 4000K (neutral white) suits garages, home offices, and workspaces where task clarity matters. Mixing temperatures in an open-plan space looks inconsistent — we keep color temperature consistent across connected zones unless you specifically want contrast.

CRI

Color Rendering Index

CRI measures how accurately a light source renders colors compared to natural daylight (CRI 100 = perfect). Standard LED fixtures run CRI 80 — acceptable for general lighting. For kitchens, bathrooms, art spaces, and anywhere color accuracy matters, we install CRI 90+ fixtures. Under CRI 80, paint colors, fabrics, and food can look flat or slightly off. Most homeowners do not know to ask for this until they see the result.

DIM

Dimmer Compatibility

Not every LED fixture works with every dimmer — mismatched combinations cause flickering, buzzing, or lights that will not dim below 30%. We specify fixtures and dimmers together from tested compatibility lists, checking no-neutral-wire support for pre-1980 LA homes and smart-home integration with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Alexa where applicable. We check existing dimmers before finalizing the fixture spec.

LA

Los Angeles Ceiling Conditions

Most pre-1980 LA homes have insulation in attic cavities above the ceiling — IC-rated housings are mandatory by code, not optional. Plaster ceilings in craftsman and Mediterranean-style homes require a core bit and careful backing to avoid cracking surrounding plaster. Mid-century modern homes with flat roofs and no attic access need slim wafer-profile canless fixtures. We assess the ceiling condition before the quote so the fixture spec matches your specific home.

All Services

Complete Electrical & Lighting Services

LED Guys covers every electrical and lighting need for residential and commercial clients throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.

Electrical Panel Upgrades

200A and 400A service upgrades for homes and businesses across Los Angeles. LADBS permits pulled, LADWP coordinated, most jobs completed in one day.

Electrical Services

EV Charger Installation

Level 2 home and commercial EV charger installation throughout Los Angeles. Panel capacity checks, dedicated circuits, and permit coordination for all major EV brands.

EV Charger Info

Recessed & LED Lighting Installation

Retrofit and new-construction recessed lighting, under-cabinet LED strips, cove lighting, and full interior LED retrofits for homes and commercial spaces across Los Angeles.

Interior Lighting

Commercial LED Retrofits

Energy-efficient LED upgrades for offices, warehouses, retail, and commercial properties throughout LA. Reduce energy costs and improve light quality with a licensed C10 contractor.

Commercial Lighting

Full Home Rewiring

Complete rewiring services for older Los Angeles homes with knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. Safe, code-compliant, and permitted through LADBS from start to final inspection.

Electrical Services

ADU & Garage Conversion Electrical

Licensed electrical work for ADU builds and garage conversions across Los Angeles. Sub-panel installation, new circuits, EV prep, and full permit coordination included.

Electrical Services

Dimmer & Lighting Controls

Dimmer switches, occupancy sensors, and lighting control upgrades for residential and commercial spaces throughout Los Angeles.

Interior Lighting

Landscape & Estate Lighting

Low-voltage landscape, pathway, uplighting, and estate exterior lighting installations for residential properties throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.

Interior Lighting

Recording Studio Electrical

Dedicated circuits, isolated grounds, and clean power installations for recording studios, production facilities, and media spaces throughout Los Angeles.

Studio Electrical

New Construction Electrical

Full electrical rough-in, trim-out, and panel installation for new construction homes and commercial buildings across Los Angeles County. All phases permitted through LADBS.

Electrical Services

Solar & Battery Backup Wiring

Electrical wiring and interconnection services for solar systems and battery backup units including Tesla Powerwall throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.

Electrical Services

24/7 Emergency Electrical

Around-the-clock emergency electrical response for homes and businesses throughout Los Angeles. Tripped breakers, burning smells, power outages, and wiring hazards addressed immediately.

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Fixture Types

Recessed Lighting Fixture Types We Install

Not every ceiling calls for the same can light. Here's what we install and where each type fits.

01

Retrofit (Remodel) LED Cans

Install into an existing finished ceiling through a cut hole, held with spring clips — no ceiling demolition. The most common choice for homes across Los Angeles.

02

New-Construction Housings

Mount directly to ceiling joists before drywall goes up. Used during remodels, additions, and ground-up construction where the ceiling is open.

03

Low-Profile / Wafer LED

Ultra-thin canless fixtures that sit almost flush to the ceiling — ideal for shallow joist spaces or where attic clearance is limited.

04

Adjustable / Gimbal Trims

Tiltable trims that aim light toward artwork, accent walls, or task areas instead of straight down — common in living rooms and kitchens.

05

IC-Rated (Insulation Contact)

Required wherever the fixture housing sits inside insulated attic space, which is most Los Angeles ceilings — rated to safely contact insulation without overheating.

06

Wet-Rated / Damp-Rated

Required by code above tubs and showers, and for any exterior or covered-patio installation — sealed against moisture in a way standard dry-location cans aren't.

Verified Google Reviews

5.0 Stars — Verified Google Reviews

Real feedback from homeowners and business owners across Los Angeles who trusted LED Guys with their lighting and electrical projects.

★★★★★

"I recently hired Jorge to install LED strip lights for my custom cabinets, and I couldn't be happier. Professional, punctual, and incredibly skilled. The wiring was neatly hidden and the setup works seamlessly. Highly recommend for anyone looking for top-notch electrical work."

— AAdesign Firm
★★★★★

"Very knowledgeable and punctual. Easy to work with and reasonably priced. I will definitely use them in the future for all my lighting and electrical needs."

— Yacoub Kawaja
★★★★★

"Jorge is the man for any electrical work. He completed lighting installations for my shop and did an excellent job. Professional, efficient, highly satisfied. I highly recommend Jorge for any electrical issues or projects."

— Zubair Kohbandi
★★★★★

"You can't ask for a better electrician than George. He's reliable, communicative, on time, reasonably priced and a pleasure to work with. I've called George for multiple projects, including panel upgrades, recess lighting and even technical issues and he has performed like a champion every time."

— Paul H
★★★★★

"I've worked with many electricians over the years, and he's by far the best. His prices are great, he's always on time, reliable, and gets the job done without any issues. If you need an electrician you can truly count on, reach out to him — you won't be disappointed."

— Bardia Danesh
★★★★★

"LED Guys were awesome! They replaced and repaired my open sub panel quickly and made the whole process super easy. Friendly, professional, and explained everything in a way that made sense. Great to have peace of mind knowing the job was done right."

— Ryan Schneider
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BuildZoom.comGeneral Contractors in Van Nuys
Service Area

Serving Los Angeles & Surrounding Areas

LED Guys is based in Van Nuys and provides licensed C10 recessed lighting installation, LED retrofits, and electrical services throughout Los Angeles County, the San Fernando Valley, and surrounding communities.

FAQ

Recessed Lighting Installation — Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions Los Angeles homeowners and business owners ask most before scheduling recessed lighting.

Cost depends mainly on how many cans you're installing, whether you have attic or crawlspace access above the ceiling, whether it's a retrofit into an existing ceiling or new construction, and any add-ons like dimmers or smart controls. LED Guys provides a written flat-rate quote before any work begins — no surprise fees.
In most of Los Angeles, new recessed lighting circuits require an LADBS electrical permit, since you're adding new fixture outlets and wiring. LED Guys pulls the permit, schedules the inspection, and gets it signed off as part of the job. Independent cities outside LA proper use their own building department — we verify jurisdiction before starting.
Retrofit (remodel) housings install into an existing finished ceiling through a cut hole, with spring clips that grip the drywall — no ceiling demolition needed. New-construction housings mount to the ceiling joists before drywall goes up, typically during a remodel or ground-up build. Most Los Angeles homes get retrofit cans; new-construction housings come up on additions and full remodels.
A rough rule of thumb is one 6-inch recessed light per 4 to 6 feet of ceiling space for general room lighting, though the right count depends on ceiling height, room use, and whether you're layering in task or accent lighting. LED Guys maps out spacing on-site so you get even coverage without dark corners or hot spots.
Yes — we install dimmable LED recessed fixtures paired with compatible dimmer switches, and can wire in compatible smart dimmers for app and voice control. If you're mixing recessed lighting with existing dimmers, we check compatibility first so you don't end up with flickering or buzzing.
Yes. Bathrooms above tubs and showers, and any exterior or covered-patio installation, require wet-rated or damp-rated housings and trims per code — standard dry-location cans aren't rated for that exposure. We also use IC-rated (insulation contact) housings wherever the fixture sits inside insulated attic space, which is required in most Los Angeles ceilings.
It depends on the room. 2700K (warm white) works best in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas where you want a relaxed, residential feel. 3000K (soft white) is a clean, slightly cooler tone that works well in kitchens and bathrooms. 4000K (neutral white) suits home offices, garages, and task-heavy spaces. Avoid mixing temperatures between connected rooms — the color shift looks unintentional and is hard to un-see once you notice it.
For most living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens with standard 8 to 10-foot ceilings, 6-inch cans are the standard choice — they produce a wider beam and cover more floor area per fixture, so you need fewer of them. 4-inch fixtures work well in hallways, smaller rooms, closets, and spaces where you want a tighter, more refined look. We factor in ceiling height, room dimensions, and intended use before making a recommendation.
Yes. Homes without attic access — common in mid-century modern and flat-roof construction throughout the San Fernando Valley — use slim, canless wafer-profile LED fixtures that install directly into the drywall or plaster ceiling without a traditional housing can. They're rated IC and are wired the same way as standard cans. The visible trim profile sits nearly flush with the ceiling surface.
Most single-room retrofit jobs are completed in one day. A full living room with 8 to 12 fixtures typically takes 4 to 6 hours including wiring, drywall touch-up, and dimmer installation. Whole-house projects with multiple new circuits and an LADBS permit are usually spread over two days — installation day plus an inspection window. We give you a time estimate alongside the price quote before scheduling.
Yes, as long as the existing fixtures are dimmable LED — not all are. Some older LED retrofit kits and incandescent-era fixtures are not rated for dimming and will flicker or buzz with a new dimmer switch. We check the existing fixtures before installing a new dimmer, and can replace non-dimmable fixtures with compatible dimmable LED modules where needed. We specify dimmers from tested compatibility lists for reliable dimming and smart-home integration.
Service Areas

Cities We Serve Across Los Angeles

Licensed C10 recessed lighting installation and electrical services available throughout these communities and all surrounding areas.

Sherman Oaks
Recessed Lighting
Burbank
Recessed Lighting
Studio City
Recessed Lighting
Encino
Recessed Lighting
Northridge
Recessed Lighting
Glendale
Recessed Lighting
Woodland Hills
Recessed Lighting
West Hollywood
Recessed Lighting
Pasadena
Recessed Lighting
Tarzana
Recessed Lighting
Chatsworth
Recessed Lighting
Reseda
Recessed Lighting
Canoga Park
Recessed Lighting
North Hollywood
Recessed Lighting
Calabasas
Recessed Lighting
Granada Hills
Recessed Lighting
Get Started

Schedule Your Recessed Lighting Installation in Los Angeles Today

Call or email LED Guys to schedule your recessed lighting installation. Retrofit and new-construction for homes and businesses throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley — LADBS permits handled, most rooms completed in one day.

Call (818) 588-7819 Request a Quote