In about a weeks time, construction will begin to expand my kitchen. This will involve moving an outside wall and completely rebuilding the existing parts from scratch (floors, ceilings, drywalls, electricty, tiles, cabinets, etc.)
My design calls for 15 recessed lights to be implemented, using 3-zones. Although I do have a budget, I want to see if I have any other options besides what is being suggested by my general contractor.
I know many folks are using the EuroFase products as a good, decent solution. I am especially aware of their GIMBAL MR16 , 12V GIMBAL HOUSING/TRIM KIT product:
http://www.eurofase.com/products/browse.cfm?productID=0be0f41f-3048-8bc6-c33f-501b98b58e40
It will run me about $70 for each kit + light (not including installation costs). What concerns me is that I have heard from a few people that use them that the transformer often starts to develop a "noise" issue, which believe me, could become bothersome. These units are made in Canada thought.
So my questions are:
1) Is there another brand (include the model please) that's out there, which costs up to $100 that does a better job -- meaning a more consistent product? I am looking for the simple, classic white trim to go with the recessed light.
2) Generally, what is the difference in light output (lumen) between a 120 volt bulb or 12 volt bulb (MR16/C). For example, the wattage of MR16/C is 50 watts and so is on the GU10 type. But are both lights shining equally strong?
3) Again, this is lighting for the kitchen only. I want to have bright lights as I have a 9 foot ceiling there. I am not looking for soft white for this occasion. LED is out of the question.
4) Are there any companies that make a non-transformer 50-watt recessed lights that you would recommend? I know it rarely happens, but if the transformer goes bad, the ceiling will need to be cut open for repair/replacement.
I hope that you have some guidance for me. This is my first time doing such serious home improvement work and I want to make sure that it is done right.
Thanks!
My design calls for 15 recessed lights to be implemented, using 3-zones. Although I do have a budget, I want to see if I have any other options besides what is being suggested by my general contractor.
I know many folks are using the EuroFase products as a good, decent solution. I am especially aware of their GIMBAL MR16 , 12V GIMBAL HOUSING/TRIM KIT product:
http://www.eurofase.com/products/browse.cfm?productID=0be0f41f-3048-8bc6-c33f-501b98b58e40
It will run me about $70 for each kit + light (not including installation costs). What concerns me is that I have heard from a few people that use them that the transformer often starts to develop a "noise" issue, which believe me, could become bothersome. These units are made in Canada thought.
So my questions are:
1) Is there another brand (include the model please) that's out there, which costs up to $100 that does a better job -- meaning a more consistent product? I am looking for the simple, classic white trim to go with the recessed light.
2) Generally, what is the difference in light output (lumen) between a 120 volt bulb or 12 volt bulb (MR16/C). For example, the wattage of MR16/C is 50 watts and so is on the GU10 type. But are both lights shining equally strong?
3) Again, this is lighting for the kitchen only. I want to have bright lights as I have a 9 foot ceiling there. I am not looking for soft white for this occasion. LED is out of the question.
4) Are there any companies that make a non-transformer 50-watt recessed lights that you would recommend? I know it rarely happens, but if the transformer goes bad, the ceiling will need to be cut open for repair/replacement.
I hope that you have some guidance for me. This is my first time doing such serious home improvement work and I want to make sure that it is done right.
Thanks!