Basement Lighting Plan

[Gunslinger08]

I'm trying to figure out how to light my basement, and I'd like some input. I want to use recessed lighting in most of the areas. Here's my basement plan, for you to markup if you want. I have 8' ceilings:

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/joshsquall/basement.png

Here's my current plan for lighting (I didn't line them up perfectly, but you get the idea):

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/joshsquall/with-lights.png

Here are the basics for each room:
- Theater: 3 rows of 2 in the main area, with 2 along the walkway from the door to the stairs to the back section of the basement. The 3 rows of 2 would be zone 1. The 2 walkway lights would be zone 2. All dimmable. I'm also thinking about putting 2 or 3 sconces on the wall, which would be a separate zone.
- Gaming Area: 4 in the larger area. 2 in the area near the door to the backyard. This would be zone 3 (or 4, if I use sconces in the theater). Also dimmable.
- Bedroom: Standard overhead fixture, wired for fan as well.
- Closet: Standard overhead fixture.
- Bathroom: 2 recessed lights in the 'hallway' area and 1 waterproof recessed light above the shower. Add an other fixture over the vanity.
- Utility: Naked bulb.

In the theater and gaming areas, I'm thinking about putting dimmers for all 3 (or 4) zones by the door to the stairs and by the back door. Make sense? Would I want switches anywhere else in that area? These are the switches I'm looking at: http://www.lutron.com/Products/Stan...Switches/DivaDimmerSwitch/Pages/Overview.aspx

Any input is appreciated. This is my first time doing this.

 

[postmortemIA]

My concern is cost. On a new build, I was quoted about $70 per recessed light, with installation. It would cost more if ceiling was already there. You have 17 lights, you might want/ have to reduce few. I am not sure why you need 3 in bathroom.

 

[bruceb]

Move the 4 in the Gaming area to the right a bit. No need for a light where there is a window. Remove 1 other light Gaming area and move the light by right wall so it is centered on the double doors and wall. For the Theatre do 2 rows of 3 lights each about 3 feet from rear wall and same from the TV or Projector screen. Space evenly left to right. This room you may want on a dimmer. Bathroom may need special fixtures designed for wet/damp locations to meet NEC Code. On the long part of the bathroom move both lights further to the Right with the 2nd one centered on the door to the bedroom. Center the other lamp as well.

 

[DrPizza]

It's pretty simple to install, but a big question, as raised by postmortem - are you doing it, or are you hiring it to be done? Hiring someone will be much more expensive.

 

[Sluggo]

Personally I think recess lights are crap in a home theater area, I much prefer wall sconces on a dimmer. The cans seem to be cast harsh glaring light that always seems to be in your eyes.

 

[Gunslinger08]

I'll be providing the lights, but paying someone to install/wire them. This is a completely unfinished basement, so it shouldn't be too difficult. Now that I think about it, I probably could get away with only 1 recessed light in the "bathroom hallway", since there will be a fixture above the vanity (top right corner of bathroom, facing the hallway).

I probably should have given some dimensions here. I forgot to label the plans. From the screen to the overhead beam is 12.5'. The beam/soffit is 3.5' wide, then it's 13' to the back wall. The front of the theater is roughly 12' wide. The back of the theater is about 14' wide. The gaming area is about 21.5' wide. Bathroom hallway is about 8' long.

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/joshsquall/with-lights-and-lengths.png