Delmar, DE · Electrical Services
A single fixture swap and a full kitchen lighting redesign are two different jobs. We handle both. For Delmar, DE homeowners, we install light fixtures cleanly and correctly — from swapping out a chandelier to redesigning how an entire room is lit.
We handle recessed cans, pendants, under-cabinet LEDs, dimmable smart systems, and adding ceiling fixtures to rooms that never had one. The wiring, box installation, and drywall patching are all included. When we're done, the finished result looks like it was always meant to be there.
No Existing Wiring? No Problem.
A room that runs entirely on floor lamps wasn't finished with overhead lighting in mind. Getting a ceiling fixture into that room means running cable, installing a proper box, and adding a wall switch — it's a wiring job, not just a hanging job. The result is a room that works differently from the moment you flip the switch.
Many Delmar homes built in the 1970s and 1980s were finished without ceiling fixtures in bedrooms and living rooms. It's one of the most common lighting requests we get. Here's what's involved:
Recessed lighting looks simple when it's done right. Getting it there takes correct spacing, the right housing for the ceiling type, and trim that fits the finish cleanly. A can that's too close to the wall washes it instead of lighting the room. A housing that isn't IC-rated in an insulated ceiling is a code violation and a fire risk.
Delmar homes with finished attic spaces above living areas need IC-rated recessed housings. We select the right housing before we cut a single hole. Spacing, trim style, and fixture diameter all get confirmed against the actual ceiling before installation begins.
Pendants & Chandeliers
A standard ceiling box is rated for a light fixture, not a heavy pendant or chandelier. Hanging a fixture that exceeds the box's weight rating from a standard box is how fixtures come loose from ceilings. The fix is a fan-rated box or a fixture-rated box anchored directly to framing — not a brace that relies on drywall for support.
Kitchen island pendants and dining room chandeliers are common upgrade requests in Delmar's older ranch and colonial homes. We assess the box before the new fixture goes up. If it needs to be replaced or reinforced, that happens first.
Under-Cabinet LEDs
Overhead kitchen lighting doesn't reach the countertop directly under the cabinets. That's where most prep work happens, and it's usually the darkest spot in the room. Hardwired under-cabinet LEDs fix that — they put direct light exactly where you're working, run off their own dedicated switch, and don't occupy a single outlet.
Kitchen remodels across Delmar regularly include under-cabinet lighting as part of the electrical scope. When walls are already open for outlet or circuit work, adding the under-cabinet wiring at the same time is straightforward. We run the cable, install the switch, and mount the LED strips so the finished install looks intentional — not retrofitted.
Dimmable & Smart Systems
A dimmer or smart lighting system only works correctly when the fixture, the bulb, and the switch are all compatible with each other. Mismatched components cause flickering, buzzing, or controls that don't respond reliably. We assess the existing setup before recommending any device — not after the switch is already on the wall.
Older Delmar homes may not have a neutral wire in the switch box, and many smart dimmers require one. Some don't — but selecting the right dimmer depends on knowing what's in the box first. We check the wiring before we specify the device so you get a system that actually works.
Patching Included
Running cable through a finished wall or ceiling sometimes means opening drywall to get there. Some electricians leave that patching to the homeowner or a separate contractor. We don't. Drywall opened during a cable run gets patched before we consider the job complete.
In Delmar's older homes, fishing cable through finished walls is often the only way to reach a new fixture location without tearing out large sections of ceiling. That work leaves small openings that need to be closed cleanly. The patching closes the wall correctly so there's no visible evidence of the work that went into getting the light where you needed it.
Customer Reviews
"Simmons was great. I called due to lights going out and sparks coming from panel. They answered right away, and sent someone to fix the issue within a few hours. Simmons provides excellent service with reasonable fees. I will use them again."
Kim Neal
Google Review
"Quickly responded to my request for a quote. The crew arrived early & immediately started working. They were courteous, competent & professional. Job was properly completed within the estimated time frame. Very happy with the work done. Highly recommend."
Mike Davis
Google Review
"They rearranged their schedule to accommodate us. They sent an electrician named Ryan. He was most professional and very neat. We had a fantastic experience with Simmons Electric!"
Kelly Mitchell Ward
Google Review
FAQ
Any room can get a ceiling fixture — the route and difficulty depend on attic access, wall construction type, and the location of the nearest circuit, but there's always a path to get wiring where it needs to go.
A general starting point is one can for every four to six square feet of ceiling area, but actual spacing depends on ceiling height, fixture diameter, and whether the layout is designed for general lighting, task lighting, or both.
Only if the existing box is fan-rated — standard light fixture boxes aren't designed to handle the movement and weight load of a ceiling fan, and using one is a safety issue.
Not always — whether they can share an existing kitchen circuit depends on the total load already on that circuit, and we confirm that before connecting anything.
No — dimmer-compatible LEDs are required for dimmable circuits; using a standard LED on a dimmer causes flickering, buzzing, and shortened bulb life.
A standard six to eight can installation in a room with attic access above typically runs a half to full day, depending on how much circuit work is involved alongside the fixture install.
Ready when you are
Licensed master electrician. Honest pricing.
A locally owned family business serving Delmarva since 1985.
