ArcaMax

Walk through any lighting section of a home center today, and you’ll see an expanded and stylish selection of fluorescent fixtures. There’s no comparison of what you’ll see displayed to the utilitarian kitchen, bath and laundry rooms of yesterday. You’ll find a large selection of fluorescent fixtures that meet Energy Star standards of efficiency in a range of sizes and styles that have never been so diverse, making them a good choice for any room in the house.

To replace an existing ceiling fixture with a new 36-inch, two-tube fluorescent one, an electrician will charge $241, which includes labor and material. If you have electrical skills and tools, you can make the swap for $95, the cost of the fixture, and save 61%. You’ll need the basics: electrical tape, a screwdriver, a pair of wire snippers and, of course, a ladder. It helps to have someone on hand to hold the old fixture you’re removing, and the new one you’re installing while you work on the ladder.

Installing the new fixture is the reverse of removing the old one, so pay attention to the wires as you disconnect them. Don’t forget to turn off the power to the circuit serving the light at the main service panel before you begin — sage advice for doing any electrical work around the house.

Plan ahead: If you are painting the ceiling as part of the project, remove the old fixture and paint the ceiling before installing the new fixture.

Pro Cost: $241 — DIY Cost: $95 — Pro time: 0.9
DIY Time: 1.3 — DIY Savings: $146 — Percent Saved: 61%

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To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and m.diyornot.com on smartphones.

©2025 Gene and Katie Hamilton. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.