Your new home is almost move-in ready – but before you celebrate, take a moment to think about lighting. It’s an easy feature to overlook, yet it plays a major role in how your new space looks, feels, and functions.
Ask About the Light Bulbs
Builders often install a standard set of bulbs, usually chosen for cost or code compliance – not efficiency or ambiance. Before you close, ask:
What type of bulbs are installed in each fixture?
Are there LED upgrades available?
Which fixtures are compatible with smart bulbs?
A few small choices now can make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient for years to come.
Your Main Options
Incandescent: The familiar bulb, now updated for better efficiency. Still, they burn out quickly and use more energy.
CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamps): Recognizable by their spiral shape, these use about 70% less energy than incandescents. They’re a solid step up but take time to reach full brightness and must be handled carefully due to trace mercury content.
LED (Light-Emitting Diodes): The top choice for most new homes. LEDs use about 90% less energy and can last a decade or more.
Why Builders Prefer LEDs
“LED bulbs generate less heat and use less energy than incandescent bulbs,” says Mark Funk, vice president of Bellago Homes. “We use LED bulbs in most lighting applications in our new homes now.”
LEDs come in multiple shapes, brightness levels, and color tones – from crisp daylight for kitchens to soft warm hues for bedrooms. And while the initial cost is higher, LEDs save money long-term through lower energy bills and fewer replacements.
Designer Jackie Graniczny of Sublime Homes adds: “Once homeowners realize that LEDs last longer and require less maintenance – especially for fixtures installed high – they see it’s worth the investment.”
Smart Lighting for Smarter Homes
More buyers today are asking for smart LED bulbs, which sync with apps or voice assistants. You can turn lights on before you get home, dim them remotely, or adjust color temperature to match the time of day – all from your phone.
Bottom Line
Lighting is more than an afterthought – it’s a long-term investment in how your new home lives and feels. When finalizing your build, talk to your builder about:
Upgrading to LED or smart bulbs
Matching bulb color to room purpose
Future-proofing fixtures for smart home integration
Choosing the right bulbs now ensures your new home shines bright – efficiently and beautifully – from day one.
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Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.