Inspection report: light fixture not working.
A light does not turn on, is loose, or is missing its cover. Sometimes it is just a bulb; sometimes the fixture has failed. Here is what the finding means, whether it is worth fixing for the sale, and what it costs. Send us the report and we price the whole list.
- Published range
- $65 to $175For a like-for-like fixture replacement. HomeGuide 2026, national.
- Tru Service
- From $165One price for the whole report, before any work starts.
Fix or leave: fix (check the bulb first).
A dead light reads as a dark corner in photos and a question in a showing. Swapping a failed fixture on existing wiring is a short job.
How reports word it
Light fixture not working- “Light fixture inoperable”
- “Fixture loose at ceiling”
- “Missing globe / cover at fixture”
- “Light did not respond to switch”
Inspectors phrase it differently. If the line on your report reads like one of these, this is the page.
What the fix usually is
- Rule out the bulb and the switch first
- Re-secure a loose fixture to its box
- Replace a failed fixture like for like on the existing wiring
- Tell you up front if it needs an electrician instead
What it costs
HomeGuide’s 2026 national range is $65 to $175 for a like-for-like fixture replacement. Bay Area labor runs above national numbers. Tru Service work for this starts from $165 (light fixture and ceiling fan installation), and a report gets one price for the whole list, in writing, before any work starts.
- Bulb, repair or a new fixture
- Who supplies the fixture
- Ceiling height and access
What to send
The summary pages of the report and the photo page for this item. A phone photo of the pages is enough to start. Add the property city and the date your repair window closes. We give a ballpark within 24 hours. See how to turn a report into a priced fix list.
Questions
How much does it cost to fix "light fixture not working" on an inspection report?
HomeGuide's 2026 national range is $65 to $175 for a like-for-like fixture replacement. Bay Area labor runs higher than national numbers. Tru Service work for this starts from $165, and a whole report gets one price, in writing, before any work starts.
Does it have to be fixed before closing?
That is between the buyer and seller in the repair request. Our read: fix (check the bulb first). A dead light reads as a dark corner in photos and a question in a showing. Swapping a failed fixture on existing wiring is a short job.
How fast can it be done?
Send the report or a photo of the summary pages. We give a ballpark within 24 hours, walk it, price the whole list on site and work to the date in your contract.
Other common findings
Most reports have several of these. Send the report, and we sort it into what to fix and what to leave, then price the fix pile as one list. Anything that belongs to another trade, we flag before you approve it.
Common report findings
One priceWhere we workServing the South Bay, including San Jose (including Willow Glen and Almaden), Santa Clara, Campbell, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Los Altos, Mountain View, Milpitas and Fremont.Service areas
We find it and we fix it.
On your date.
Tru Service works for homeowners, real estate agents, property managers, designers, architects and builders. We walk it within 24 hours. You get the price on site. We can start on the spot. The first walkthrough is free.