Good lighting makes a room easier to use and more comfortable to spend time in. Dr Watt installs and upgrades lighting for homes, shops and offices across the Sunshine Coast, from LED downlights and kitchen pendants to deck, driveway and garden lighting. Lior helps you plan the positions, brightness and switching around how you use each space, with careful cable routing and a tidy finish.
QLD Electrical Contractor Licence 82601 · 30+ years' electrical experience · Residential and commercial
Lighting work we do
LED downlight upgrades
Replacing older halogen downlights with suitable LEDs can reduce lighting energy use and the heat produced by the fittings. We assess the existing fittings, transformers, dimmers and ceiling cut-outs before recommending the upgrade. Where complete replacement is the best option, we select fittings to suit the existing openings where practical. If openings need resizing or patching, we explain the work and agree what finishing is included in the quote.
New downlights and feature lighting
We install new downlight layouts, pendants over benches and dining areas, under-cabinet strip lighting and lighting for stairs and hallways. We consider task, general and feature lighting together so the room works for everyday use.
Outdoor and garden lighting
Deck and patio lights, sensor lights for driveways and side paths, garden and path lighting, and lights for sheds and carports. We select fittings for the location, including exposure to rain, dust and coastal conditions. An appropriate IP rating is part of that selection, and materials, corrosion resistance, mounting and the manufacturer's installation requirements also matter.
Switches, dimmers and controls
LED-compatible dimmers, two-way switching, timers and sensor controls can make lighting more useful. We check compatibility between the light fittings, drivers and controls rather than assuming every LED will work with an existing dimmer.
Commercial lighting
Dr Watt installs and upgrades lighting for shops, cafes, offices, sheds and other commercial spaces. We consider the work being done, ceiling height, access and trading arrangements when planning the installation. See our commercial electrician services.
Planning your lighting layout
The right layout depends on the room, the fittings and the way you use the space. More downlights don't automatically mean better lighting.
- Positions and spacing: we consider ceiling height, room dimensions, furniture, cabinetry and the spread of light from the selected fitting. There is no single spacing rule that suits every room.
- Task lighting: position lights to illuminate benches, mirrors and work areas without putting your own shadow over the task.
- Brightness, beam angle and glare: choose the amount and spread of light for the job, while considering reflections and comfort when sitting or looking up.
- Colour temperature: warm white can create a relaxed feel and neutral white can suit task areas. We discuss your preferences and aim for a consistent result where rooms connect.
- Switching and dimming: separate lighting groups and suitable dimmers let you change the lighting for different activities.
- Insulation and installation: we check the selected downlight's insulation classification, required clearances and installation instructions, including any separate driver requirements.
We discuss proposed positions before cutting. Final locations may need adjustment for joists, existing wiring or restricted access.
What affects the price
- number and type of lights and whether existing openings can be reused
- ceiling height, roof access and cable routes
- any new circuits, switchboard work or extra switching
- the fittings, drivers, dimmers and controls selected
- outdoor cabling, trenching and reinstatement
- any ceiling repairs, patching or painting included in the agreed scope
We provide a written quote for the agreed work. If you want to supply your own fittings, discuss them with us before buying so we can check their installation requirements and suitability.
Lights flickering or dimming?
Flickering can be caused by an incompatible dimmer, a failing lamp or driver, a connection problem or another electrical fault. Changes during rain or when appliances start need investigation rather than an assumption that the light itself is faulty. Call Dr Watt to discuss the symptoms and arrange fault finding. See our electrical fault finding services.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put LED globes into my old halogen downlights?
Sometimes. The existing fitting, transformer, dimmer and replacement LED all need to be suitable for the combination. A globe-only change may be practical in some installations, and replacing the complete fitting may give a better result in others. We assess the options before recommending the work.
Do you supply the lights?
Yes. Dr Watt can supply suitable lighting or install customer-supplied fittings. Send the product details before purchasing so we can discuss mounting, dimensions, controls and suitability for the location.
How many downlights do I need?
That depends on the room size, ceiling height, light output, beam angle and the activities in the space. We plan the layout around those factors rather than using a fixed number of lights per room.
Can lighting be installed at the same time as ceiling fans?
Yes. Planning them together helps coordinate cable routes, switching and the positions of lights around the fan. See our ceiling fan installation services.
Do you patch the ceiling if the new lights are a different size?
We assess the existing openings and discuss whether resizing or patching is needed. The quote explains the repairs included and whether painting or other finishing needs to be arranged separately.
Planning better lighting for your home or business? Send Lior your suburb, photos of the room or existing fittings, and a brief description of what you'd like to improve. If you've chosen lights already, include the product details.