Monthly Home Repair Series · 2026-12-07
Light Fixture & Chandelier Installation in New Orleans (December 2026)
December is fixture season — dining room chandeliers, entry pendants and porch lights all get upgraded before holiday company. Here is how HandyHal installs indoor and outdoor light fixtures across New Orleans on existing wiring.
Swapping a fixture on existing wiring
A like-for-like swap is the most common job: kill the breaker, confirm it is dead, remove the old fixture, check the box and mounting strap, wire the new fixture and secure it. Older homes often have ungrounded boxes or brittle cloth wiring at the box — we tell you before we touch it and refer out anything beyond a fixture swap.
Chandeliers and heavy pendants
Fixtures over 50 lb need a rated box, the same brace box we use for fans. In 12-foot dining rooms we set the bottom of a chandelier 30–36 inches above the table and shorten the chain on site. Ladder work on high ceilings is included.
Outdoor, porch and gallery lighting
Porch sconces, gas-lamp-style lanterns and flood lights are installed with wet-rated fixtures and sealed gaskets — humidity and driving rain get into anything less. Motion sensors and dusk-to-dawn photocells are set up the same visit.
Dimmers, smart switches and pricing
Dimmers and smart switches are a quick add-on when the wiring allows. Light fixture installation runs $55–$165 per fixture on existing wiring, quoted flat-rate upfront.
How to book
Text a photo of the current fixture and the new one to 504-222-2969 or choose Light Fixture Installation in Book Online. Next month: appliance installation — dishwashers, over-the-range microwaves and wall ovens.
Key takeaways
- Like-for-like swaps on existing wiring are quick and flat-rate
- Chandeliers over 50 lb hang from a brace box; bottom 30–36 inches above the table
- Outdoor fixtures must be wet-rated and gasketed for New Orleans weather
- $55–$165 per fixture, dimmers and smart switches as add-ons
FAQ
Do you run new wiring for a fixture?
No — we install on existing wiring and switches. New circuits are electrician work we refer out.
Can you hang a chandelier on a 14-foot ceiling?
Yes, ladder work and chain shortening are included.
Do you install outdoor lights?
Yes — porch, gallery, garage and flood lights with wet-rated fixtures.
How do I get a free quote from HandyHal?
Call or text 504-222-2969 with a short description or a photo of the project, or use the Book Online button on handyhal.com. We serve New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, Harvey, Marrero, Chalmette, Westwego, Terrytown and Belle Chasse with fast, free, flat-rate quotes.