www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

I've recently purchased a new flat and in the front room ceiling there are 15 (3 rows of 5) small recessed lights, about 100mm each in diameter. I want to get rid of these lights and replace with 2 normal light fittings, one at each end of the room.

So, I'm after advice really on the best way to cover these holes up, and whether this job is do-able by a novice DIYer or should I be calling in the professionals?
And if so, would anyone be able to give a ballpark figure of how much this would set me back, because if it's too much then I'll just live with the existing lights.

Thanks in advance,
Bob

Hi Bob,

Welcome to the forum.

I don't blame you for wanting to remove those spotlights, I don't like them either.

What you can do is measure the holes and get a holesaw the same size and some plasterboard, then cut out some circles using the holesaw.

When getting the plasterboard get it a bit thinner than what is used now on the ceiling, then there will be a slight indent that needs filling later.

Now get some 2 inch by one inch timber about 5 or 6 inches long, put plenty of instant grab adhesive on one side and push it through the hole where the spotlight was removed from, pull the piece of wood down so that it sticks over the hole and then insert your circle, this should be a good fit.

If the adhesive does not work well, you may need to use a couple of drywall screws to hold it all in place.

When it has set you can either fill the hole with plaster or some filler, then sand it smooth once the filler/plaster has gone off.

I hope this makes sense, if not please say!