How to Quote LED Downlight Installation in Australia
Downlights look like the easiest quote a sparky writes — until a retrofit hits brittle wiring, a concrete ceiling and old halogen cans. Here's how to price downlight work so new builds and retrofits both stack up.
Downlights look like the simplest quote a sparky writes: count the holes, times by a rate. Then you get into a retrofit with brittle wiring, a concrete ceiling and old halogen cans to pull out, and the simple job isn't. This guide covers what a downlight quote should spell out, what the fittings and labour cost in 2026, and why new builds and retrofits are two very different prices.
What a downlight quote should spell out
The quote lives or dies on scope. Say exactly what you're installing before you price it:
- New install or retrofit — the single biggest driver of the labour price.
- Number and type of lights — dimmable or not, and the colour temperature the client wants.
- Materials — the fittings, cable, connectors and any dimmers, itemised.
- Safety items — fire-rated covers or insulation guards where the ceiling needs them.
- Compliance and certificate — the work must meet AS/NZS 3000, and the certificate is part of the job.
- Warranties — product warranty on the fittings, plus your workmanship.
What downlights and materials cost in 2026
A job of 10–15 standard downlights runs roughly $800–$1,800 installed, depending on access and ceiling type. The fittings themselves are a small part of that — here's what the materials cost.
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LED downlight (per unit) | $15–$50+ | Quality brands — Clipsal, Gerard, SAL National |
| TPS cable (per metre) | $1–$2 | For new runs where needed |
| Dimmer | $40–$100+ | Per circuit, if the client wants dimming |
| Fire-rated cover / insulation guard | $5–$15 | Per fitting, to meet building codes |
Buying in bulk brings the per-unit cost down on bigger jobs — worth factoring in when you quote a whole house.
Working out labour
Electricians charge $70–$120/hour. The time per light depends entirely on whether you're starting fresh or working around what's already there.
- New installs — roughly 15–30 minutes per downlight with open, accessible ceilings.
- Retrofits — 30–60 minutes each once you're pulling out old fittings or reworking wiring.
- Travel, setup and cleanup — real time that belongs in the quote, not swallowed by the install rate.
- Larger quantities — tiered pricing keeps you competitive without giving the job away.
New build vs retrofit
The same ten downlights can be two very different quotes. On a new build the ceiling is open, the wiring is fresh and access is easy, so the per-light cost is low. A retrofit means cutting into a finished ceiling, removing old halogen cans, and dealing with whatever wiring the last sparky left — plaster versus concrete alone changes the job. Price them on what's actually there, and always inspect first.
Old halogen fittings often need disposing of, and older ceilings can hide brittle insulation or even asbestos. A quick site inspection before you quote turns those surprises into line items instead of losses.
Common mistakes that eat your margin
- Quoting without a site inspection. Access, ceiling type and existing wiring decide the labour. Look before you price — a retrofit you assumed was easy rarely is.
- Vague scope. Not pinning down light count, type and colour temperature upfront leads to disputes and changes. Write it down and get it agreed.
- Forgetting disposal. Pulling out old fittings creates waste that costs time and money to get rid of. Add a line for it.
- Skipping safety items. Fire-rated covers and insulation guards are cheap but mandatory where the ceiling calls for them. Leave them out and you're back on site — or worse.
- No retrofit contingency. Older homes surprise you. Carry a 10–15% contingency on retrofits for wiring issues you can't see from the floor.
Pro tips for a downlight quote that wins
- Inspect the ceiling and wiring before you quote — access is everything.
- Itemise fittings and labour separately so the customer sees where the money goes.
- Sell the value: LEDs cut running costs and last for years.
- Carry a 10–15% contingency on retrofits.
- Name the brand and model of fitting to lock the scope and manage expectations.
- Stay current with AS/NZS 3000 so every install is compliant.
ServiceYak keeps your downlight, cable and labour rates in a reusable kit, so you can price a new install or a retrofit on site — fittings, safety covers and certificate included — and send the PDF before you leave.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to install LED downlights in Australia?
A typical job of 10–15 standard downlights runs about $800–$1,800 installed. Where you land depends on new build versus retrofit, ceiling type and how easy the access is — the fittings themselves are only $15–$50+ each.
Why do retrofit downlights cost more than a new install?
Access. A new build has open ceilings and fresh wiring, so each light takes 15–30 minutes. A retrofit means cutting into a finished ceiling, removing old fittings and reworking wiring — 30–60 minutes each, plus disposal and the odd surprise in older homes.
Do LED downlights need fire-rated covers?
Where insulation sits against the fitting or the ceiling calls for it, yes — fire-rated covers or insulation guards are required to meet building codes. They're cheap at $5–$15 a fitting, so quote them in rather than risk a callback.