Light fixtures & detectors · Twin CitiesSwapping light fixtures and smoke detectors
I replace dated or broken light fixtures and old or chirping smoke and CO detectors in houses, rentals and listings. It’s usually a small job, so it’s worth adding to whatever else you need done.
- Light fixture swaps
- Smoke and CO detectors
- Free estimates from photos
- Insured
What I replace
What I do, and what goes to an electrician
I take down the old fixture, put up the new one and make sure it works before I leave. Same with detectors. The old ones go in my truck.
I’m not an electrician. If a job needs new wiring or anything else that calls for a licensed electrician, I’ll tell you up front, and I can subcontract that part to a licensed pro when it makes sense.
- Ceiling light fixtures
- Bathroom and vanity lights
- Hallway and entry lights
- Outdoor light fixtures
- Smoke detector replacement
- CO detector replacement
While I’m there
- Paint the ceiling before the new light goes up
- Replace a toilet or sink
- Knock out the rest of the repair list
- Take care of the inspection report
- Get the unit ready for the next tenant
If part of it needs a licensed electrician, I’ll coordinate that too.
When people call
When this usually comes up
A detector that won’t stop chirping
One detector starts chirping in the middle of the night, and then you start wondering how old the rest of them are. I’ll replace that one and any others you want swapped while I’m there.
Getting ready to sell
Old fixtures look old in listing photos. An old detector is also an easy thing for an inspector to write up.
Between tenants
Turnover is a good time to check the detectors before the next people move in.
Fixture and detector questions
Questions I get about lights and detectors
Are you an electrician?
No. I do fixture-level work, like swapping light fixtures and replacing smoke and CO detectors. If a job needs a licensed electrician, I’ll tell you up front, and I can subcontract that part to a licensed pro when it makes sense.
Do you supply the fixtures and detectors?
I can, or I’ll put up the ones you already bought. Doesn’t matter to me.
Can you give me an estimate from photos?
Usually. Send a picture of each fixture or detector you want replaced and tell me how many there are. That’s often enough for a free estimate.
Is there a minimum?
Yes, $100. Swapping one detector is a small job, so if you’ve got anything else on your list, it makes sense to add it to the same trip.
Can you do this as part of a bigger job?
Yes. Lights and detectors go on the same estimate as the paint, the toilet or the rest of the repair list, and I take care of it all together.