On the surface, the idea of changing the ugly bathroom light fixtures seemed reasonable. The existing ones were awful - two white plastic bubbles that looked as if space aliens left them. I envisioned replacing them, and fantasized about lying in the bathtub under something cascading, sparkling and romantic.
Finally, I headed to the lighting store. I showed a lighting designer a picture of the two pathetic lights over my bathtub.
"Simple swap," she said. "No problem." She helped me pick two fun metallic chandeliers with crystal pendants.
"Can I install them myself?"
"People do it all the time. Instructions come in the box."
The instructions in my box read: "All electrical components must be installed by a licensed electrician."
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Eventually, I scrambled up the ladder and pulled out an old fixture. Beneath it was a coffee-can ensemble, some wires, and a hole much larger than the ceiling attachment of my new fixtures. Now what?
At Home Depot, electrical pros Doug and Bruce took me on like a cause. I'd brought one new fixture along with pictures of the old fixtures and the ceiling hole. They sold me two Recessed Fixture Converter kits and talked me through the installation as if I were 5. They made me promise to call if I ran into any trouble. I called within the hour. "You said the converter was supposed to attach to existing brackets, but my can lights don't have brackets. Only this springy thingy."
"Your can is very unusual," Doug said.
"Excuse me?" This sounded personal.
"Let me look into it." He called back to say I should call an electrician.
I called my local handyman, Mike, who's too polite to say he's sorry he met me. Most homeowners are stressed and neurotic when they call him. I'm all that plus on deadline. "I'm writing this week's column about how easy it is to glam up a room by swapping out ugly, boring light fixtures," I told him. "Something along the lines of, 'You can change your room - your life - in an hour. It's easy. If I can, you can.' But I can't."
When he saw my predicament, he said, "You have very unusual cans."
"So I've been told."
"They'll take some modifying." He took the can lights and converters to his home workshop, where he drilled holes to attach the parts. The next day, he mounted them so securely they would support a trapeze act. Then he hung the new fixtures, which looked stunning. For the first time, I walked into my bathroom and said, "Ahhh." With a little happy dance, I ceremoniously threw the old bubble fixtures in the trash.
Bliss.
Next morning, Mike called. He'd got to thinking, he said. "Your new fixtures aren't to code."
"I was so much happier before you said that."
"Light fixtures need to be 8 feet above the tub's rim or specified for damp locations."
"I can put in a GFCI circuit protector," he offered.
Then I wondered for the thousandth time: Is home improvement worth it?
Don't let my experience discourage you from upgrading ugly light fixtures. But do know this before you start:
• Is it worth the trouble? Despite my headaches, I still believe that changing ugly, boring or dated light fixtures is a fabulous way to upgrade. Some insist it's easy.
• Switching is easier than adding. Changing an existing fixture is easier than adding one where no fixture exists. Creating a new location often involves running new electrical and cutting holes in the ceiling or wall or both. If that's involved, hire a licensed electrician.
• Shop around. Before buying a fixture, look at different styles online and in showrooms. Pick one that goes with your home's décor and will do the job you want: aid tasks, add mood, be decorative. Pick a finish that will get along with other finishes in the space.
• Try it on. Before you install, hold the fixture up to be sure it's a fit. Be sure the seller has a good return policy.
• Ask questions. Don't assume those selling light fixtures will disclose potential problems - like needing a converter kit, or running into code violations. If you have a question about whether something is to code, call your building department.
Syndicated columnist Marni Jameson is the author of the just released "House of Havoc," as well as "The House Always Wins" (DaCapo Press). Contact her through www.marnijameson.com