Where lighting is concerned, the approach to remodeling is significantly
different from new construction. In both instances, however, you'll find
considerable expert help available and easy to get from manufacturers, lighting
consultants, or electrical contractors.
When remodeling, the basic lighting system usually remains in place. Typical modifications include rewiring for better control, substitution of more efficient light sources for less efficient ones, and relocation of existing fixtures to get better lighting on the task, and to eliminate glare, shadows, and unnecessary high or low levels of light. Nonetheless, when it comes to remodeling, what is in place is a major consideration in what, if any, changes can be made.
New construction gives you the opportunity of designing a lighting system to meet the task or working needs of the people who will occupy the space in question without consideration of an existing lighting system. Here, the lighting designer has greater flexibility to choose light sources and fixtures for maximum efficiency, color, style, architectural features, etc.
New construction also presents some basic problems. One of these is that the position of work stations seldom is known before a building is occupied and, in many cases, the type of work to be performed in a given space also is unknown. The same applies to the color and texture of walls and floors, furniture and furnishings to be used, all of which influence design of the lighting system.
Until recently, lighting design problems associated with new construction made it virtually impossible to design a non-uniform lighting system. And even when the needed information was available, use of a non-uniform system was considered risky because tasks performed in a given space often are changed. New types of lighting systems have been introduced, however, that enable the designer to specify a flexible system that can be adjusted from time to time, whenever the need arises. One of these systems, the most popular, uses a dropped ceiling. Fixtures are sized to fit into standard ceiling panel modules so they can be moved, added or removed with little difficulty for the life of the system. Another type of system has both task and general lighting built into a furniture system. As desks are moved, the lights move with them. Although this approach has merit, it requires a deviation from customary wiring practices (under floor instead of the usual above ceiling), and has tax and depreciation implications as well.
There may be state or local codes with lighting efficiency requirements you must meet for new construction or remodeling. Some codes set limits in terms of watts per square foot of building area (for example, maximum two watts/sq. ft.). Make sure you meet the code requirements-but don't stop there. The code will define the minimum acceptable level of energy efficiency, but you should be able to design your new lighting to meet your needs with even greater efficiency and electric bill savings.
And Furthermore . . .
