Can i control living & dining room lighting separately?

Hi,

I have a combined living/dining room with separate light fittings for the living and dining room areas. The problem is that both areas are controlled by the same single light switch. How much work would be required and what would the cost be to remove the single switch and install two separate switches to control both areas individually.

Thanks

Asked by Akeem on 25th Nov 2019
Expert Trade Answers
"You wouldn't need to install two separate switches just replace the existing 1-way switch for a 2-way switch. Hire a competent electrician to do this minor work. Expect to pay no more than 60 - 80 not including materials (light switch)"
Answered on 10th Apr 2020 - Member since Dec 2019 - report
"It will mean opening the ceiling to run a separate switch cable to the separate the light controls."
Answered on 25th Nov 2019 - Member since Mar 2017 - report
"Hi,
Yes it's possible to split the switching of the two lights.
The process is not straight forward and depending on the position of the other switch and the accessibility of the cabling will determine the cost.
I couldn't give a price without seeing what the job entails."
Answered on 25th Nov 2019 - Member since Mar 2019 - report
"Hi, what's your walls structure? The price is going to depend if it is brick or plaster board."
Answered on 25th Nov 2019 - Member since Sep 2019 - report
"Hi, hope you are well Akeem.

The combined living/dining room may require additional cable to be installed to allow lights to be separated or it could be just a case of changing the switch. All depends on the existing wiring.
Thanks,
Liam at LSB Electrical."
Answered on 26th Nov 2019 - Member since Nov 2019 - report
"It depends on the type of construction of your house. One solution which would not cause any disruption would be the use of smart light bulbs and a remote control. Hard wiring a second switch would cost in the region of £150."
Answered on 26th Nov 2019 - Member since Nov 2019 - report
"Hi,
If the lighting circuits that supply the two fittings have been done in conduits it shouldn’t be that hard. It really depends on the wiring. I hope this has been of some use."
Answered on 29th Nov 2019 - Member since Nov 2019 - report
"Hi Akeem,

Two possible solutions to this one. We could split the supplies to the switching by running additional cables as per previous answers.
Though we could potentially use smart switching to achieve the same for you without the disruption.

Hope this helps,

Martin @ Mohawk ."
Answered on 12th Jan 2020 - Member since Jan 2020 - report
"Option 1
Chase walls, lift carpets etc. 1 to 2 days work depending on your room layout. Might require a plasterer to fill chases and painting afterwards.

Option 2
Wireless switching (hard-wired). NOT WiFi!
3-4 hrs work

Any local competent electrician will be able to give you a price"
Answered on 28th Mar 2020 - Member since Jan 2018 - report
"This is possible without too much trouble. There would need to be a chase down one of your walls and possibly some floor boards to be lifted above the fitting but should be able to be done for under £300 roughly."
Answered on 13th Jan 2020 - Member since Nov 2019 - report
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