This marks the initial step in our journey to prepare for remodeling our home. Ceilings play a crucial role in the purchasing process, guiding your product search and narrowing down the myriad of options.
First, we need to determine the ceiling heights for the rooms where you intend to install fixtures or fans:
- Foyer
- Great room
- Outside entry
- Bedroom (Take note if your junction box's intended use is positioned over your bed, in which case, measure from the top of your bed to the ceiling).
Fixtures intended to be installed above specific items should be measured from the top of the counter to the ceiling. These items may include, but are not limited to:
- Vanity (if using a pendant)
- Table
- Island
While not applicable to everyone, if your fixture is to be installed on a sloped ceiling, this must be taken into account. In such cases, it is advisable to determine the degree of the slope at which it will hang. Many fixtures come with a "hang straight" feature on their canopy, which allows for self-correction to a certain extent. Fans, however, often require the purchase of a "sloped ceiling canopy kit" if the angle exceeds a certain threshold. Fixtures suspended by wires or chains generally do not require special considerations for hanging. Be sure to review the product "Spec Sheets" to obtain accurate information on these factors.
Understanding the height of your home's ceilings is crucial for several reasons when preparing for a purchase:
Determining the required length of the downrod, especially if the standard 6 inches provided is insufficient. Ensuring you have enough chain or wire to hang your fixture at the correct level, and assessing whether the standard amount provided is adequate. Purchasing a "sloped ceiling" canopy kit if it's necessary for your home. No one wants to find themselves in a situation where they're with an electrician in their home, stuck on a ladder, only to realize they're missing a crucial piece needed for the new addition to their home. It's best to obtain these measurements beforehand and review the product spec sheets to avoid such scenarios.