If there's one piece of advice I could give anyone buying commercial lighting, it's this:
Talk to a lighting expert. It takes five minutes.
I've been helping customers design lighting systems since 2010, and I've learned that most lighting problems don't happen because someone bought bad fixtures—they happen because nobody asked the right questions before the order was placed.
Whether you're building a new warehouse, upgrading an auto shop, or finishing your dream garage, here's the information that matters most.
Start with Ceiling Height
The first question we ask is simple:
How high are the fixtures going to be mounted?
Fixture selection starts here.
A light that's perfect for a 12-foot ceiling may perform poorly at 30 feet. The wrong fixture can create glare, dark spots, or uneven lighting that makes it harder to work.
Choosing the right fixture for the mounting height is one of the biggest factors in creating a space you'll enjoy working in every day.
Know Your Building Dimensions
Next, we need the length and width of the building.
With those dimensions and the mounting height, we can build a computerized lighting layout that shows exactly where every fixture should go.
Instead of guessing, you'll know what your finished space will look like before installation ever begins.
Think About What Happens in the Building
Not every building needs the same amount of light.
For example:
- Storage areas may only require around 20 foot candles.
- General workspaces often need significantly more.
- Detailed woodworking or precision work may require 100+ foot candles.
The right answer depends on what you're doing in the space—not what someone else installed in theirs.
Retrofit or New Construction?
One of the first things we'll ask is whether you're:
- Replacing existing fixtures (retrofit), or
- Designing lighting for a brand-new building.
That changes the recommendations.
Sometimes we can replace fixtures one-for-one. Other times, a completely new layout delivers better light while using fewer fixtures and less energy.
Choose the Right Color Temperature
For most commercial applications, I recommend 5000K.
It's crisp, bright, and makes it easier to see details.
Whether you're working on vehicles, manufacturing products, organizing inventory, or running equipment, 5000K has become the preferred color temperature for many commercial spaces because it creates a clean, daylight-like environment.
Consider Future Features
Lighting is more than simply turning lights on and off.
Many customers also ask about:
- Motion or occupancy sensors
- Emergency battery backup
- Exterior building lighting
- Office lighting
- Storage areas
- Future expansion
Planning for these features now is much easier than adding them later.
Why We Create Lighting Layouts
One of the best investments you can make before installation is a professional lighting layout.
Many electricians are excellent installers, but most don't have specialized lighting design software.
A computerized lighting layout helps everyone involved.
It gives the installer a clear plan, reduces installation time, minimizes guesswork, and helps ensure the finished space delivers the brightness you're expecting.
Most importantly, it helps you get it right the first time.
Final Thoughts
Good lighting isn't just about buying fixtures.
It's about designing a workspace that fits the way you actually use your building.
At PrimeLights, we've helped thousands of customers light shops, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, garages, and commercial buildings since 2010.
Every project is different, which is why we believe a short conversation before you buy can save time, money, and frustration later.
If you're planning a lighting project, we'd be happy to review your building dimensions, answer your questions, and create a lighting layout designed specifically for your space.
Call Your Lighting Expert Today! 512.843.1383
