Here is the problem, condo suite ceiling are concrete NO DRYWALL. I know the ceiling can be drop inorder to install the potlights. The builder can do this however IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE...does anyone know whether a private contractor/electrician can acheive the same result? Which is the better option, with builder or hiring privately. Thank you so much.

First, welcome to the pool.

Now on with your question. If I bought a new car and wanted a trailer hitch installed as part of the deal, it would cost me more then if I went to a hitch place and had them do it.

The only savings I would see is that the price from the dealer would be included in the deal and therefore included in my monthly payments. I know this because I just did this. I am shopping around for the hitch and I will get it around half the dealers cost.

The same goes for you building contractor. Some of his profits are going to come form ad-ons like yours. You could possibly save some money shopping around and looking for a “Recommended” contractor to do the work.

Next worry I have is the ceiling height. Normal ceilings are 8 foot. If you cement ceiling is more then 8 foot, then you can drop down to the 8 foot mark.

Lastly, is this something that the condo will let you do? Sometimes even if you own your suite you have to get the OK for anything and everything you wish to do.

If you do go through with this, make sure you use recommended contractor and that they are licensed, bonded and insured to work in you community. Make sure, LOOK at the building permit that allows them to do this work. City can come in and ask to see papers and stop all the work until proper papers are filed and it is a lot hard to get after the fact. Jealous contractor will report any work being done to the city in hopes of getting them in trouble.

Make sure all work is done to code.

Good Luck.

Another, less expensive option is track lighting. I remember when this was all the rage.

thanks for the input. The ceiling is ONLY 8 feet but the builder can still drop the ceiling because I'm only adding the potlight around the sides...like rectangle. Is hard to explain. It is true i am taking a risk if i do the hiring since regulation/permits are most likely needed.
Track light is an option but the bulk add-on is still needed.