Thinking of Installing Motion-Sensor Lights? Here’s How Much It Costs
What Does It Cost to Install Different Types of Motion Sensor Lights?
Motion-sensor lights come in a variety of styles and pricing ranges, from ornamental to those that also function as security cameras.
Installation of Outdoor Spotlights with Motion Sensors
Similar to the spotlight you may see at a performance or show, motion-sensor spotlights cast beams of light in one direction. After installation expenses, a motion-sensor lighting typically costs roughly $40, or around $200 total. You may pay anywhere from $15 to $65 for the light and $50 to $250 for labor, depending on how big and powerful the light is.
These spotlights often stretch out a little more and illuminate a single direction rather than being as focused and simply illuminating a tiny circle. These lights come in handy for rooms of the house that are difficult to see from the front, which usually includes the side of the house near the garage or the trash cans.
Installation of Motion-Sensor Floodlights
The price of motion-sensor floodlights ranges from $30 to $400, and the final cost, including installation, is between $250 and $600. The majority of people often associate outdoor lights with motion sensors with the floodlight. These lights, which illuminate a considerably wider area than spotlights do, are essentially a collection of tiny lights pointing in different directions.
Motion-Sensing Decorative Lights
Who says that in order to make your house secure, you need to install big, ugly motion-sensor lights? There are many choices for ornamental motion-sensor lights that complement other outdoor lighting systems. Expect to pay, on average, between $40 and $110 for the light alone and between $250 and $350 when labor is taken into account. You merely need to be conscious of the fact that ornamental lights won't likely be as brightly lit as other floodlights.
Motion-Activated Smart Lights
Installing outside lighting and security cameras are two of the finest methods to increase the security of your house. These two security measures are combined into one by smart motion-sensor lights. Each light should cost between $100 and $300. After installation, your total cost will likely range between $200 and $500.
Depending on your choices, these smart lights may give you warnings whenever the lights turn off or just when the camera spots something on the screen.
Cost Breakdown for Installing Motion Sensor Lights
Your motion-sensor lights may be made to your specifications by selecting the bulb type and even how the motion sensor operates. You should also think about the source of electricity for these lights.
Type of Light Bulb
Although LED and incandescent light bulbs may be familiar to you, there are many different kinds of light bulbs available. Your motion-sensor lamp will cost more or less depending on the kind of light bulb you choose. The following are typical light bulbs for motion-sensor lights:
| Light Bulb Type | Cost per Light Bulb |
|---|---|
| Fluorescent | $2 – $15 |
| Halogen | $3 – $12 |
| Compact fluorescent lights (CFL) | $3 – $15 |
| LED | $5 – $50 |
| High-intensity discharge (HID) | $10 – $30 |
Labor
Hiring a local certified electrician or outdoor light fixture installation is a good idea when installing anything electrical so that you can put your faith in their capable hands. An electrician may be hired for this task for $50 to $150 per hour.
Sensor Class
Similar to light bulbs, there are a variety of sensors available on the market for your motion-sensor lights. These might be as basic as microwave or vibration sensors or as sophisticated as tomographic or remote sensors. Different sensors and lighting setups will cost anything between:
| Sensor Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Microwave | $30 – $50 |
| Vibration | $30 – $50 |
| Passive infrared | $30 – $100 |
| Automatic | $30 – $100 |
| Ultrasonic | $40 – $100 |
| Area reflective | $40 – $100 |
| Duel sensors | $50 – $300 |
| Remote sensors | $50 – $500 |
| Tomographic | $300 – $1,000 |
Energy Source
Hardwired power supply, battery-powered power delivery, and solar-powered power delivery are the three major methods of power delivery available. Every option has advantages and disadvantages, so you should think about things like your preferred level of maintenance and the precise location of the motion-sensor light.
Here is a short breakdown of the prices for each electricity source:
Per lamp, hardwired: $15 to $200
Powered by batteries: $20 to $100 per lamp
Solar-powered lights cost $25 to $300 each.
Enhancements and Unique Features
Don't want your dog to turn on your lights when they go outside to use the restroom? The ability to switch on the light and change the settings as you see appropriate can also be something you want. Regardless of the special feature, charges will go up.
The following prices are typical for upgrades:
Sensitivity to pets: $15–$40 additional
Arcs for floodlights: $50–$100 more
Custom settings cost $50 to $200 more.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Motion Sensor Lights?
You might be able to install battery-powered or solar-powered lights yourself if you're comfortable with a drill and the many bits that come with it. Hardwired motion-sensor lighting should not be installed by you since you run the danger of getting shocked.
You may save $50 to $150 in labor costs by installing these motion-sensor lights yourself by spending an average of $150 to $300. You'll probably need the following tools for this installation:
Drill: $80-$200
Drill bit properly: $5 to $15
$100-$200 for an 8-foot ladder
Hammer: $5 to $20.
Screw anchors cost between $1 and $5 each box.
Having a helpful buddy is priceless.
Expense of Do-It-Yourself Motion Sensor Light Installation vs. Hiring a Professional
If you don't need to buy supplies, installing motion-sensor lights yourself typically costs around $225. A certified outdoor lighting firm will set you back $425 to hire them. Although a $200 potential savings is alluring, you run the risk of not installing the equipment properly, which might potentially result in damage to your house.
You may think about doing the installation yourself if the motion-sensor light is battery- or solar-powered and is in a place where it is simple to install, such a porch or deck. It is preferable to leave this task to the pros if it is hardwired or located in a challenging space, such as a garage or two-story home.
How to Install Motion-Sensor Lights While Saving Money
There are various strategies to reduce the cost of motion-sensor lights that don't always include selecting less expensive models. Installing the motion-sensor light where an existing light is now or was before is one of the finest methods to do this. The majority of the wiring in these locations is already installed, therefore additional work won't be necessary.
Another alternative is to speak with your home security provider to see if there are any choices you can add to your monthly subscription in lieu of paying the whole price up front.
