Any tips on changing light bulbs in a high fixture without a ladder in a safe way?
Asked by Josefine Nielsen 
5 months ago
Last Updated: June 14, 2024
Hey there, first-time homeowner here! Just moved into this place and realized that two out of three bulbs in this super high light fixture are burned out. Any suggestions on how I can 1. Identify what kind of bulbs it needs and 2. Replace them? I’m pretty short, so climbing up a ladder is not my idea of a good time. Plus, I don’t really have anywhere to store a ladder afterwards. And the thought of it being near the staircase is a bit nerve-wracking – I definitely don’t want any ladder-related accidents!
Having a home warranty is a good idea. You just need to pay the service fee and they will send someone to take care of it.
Knows that light bulbs are not included in any home warranty or insurance.
Just needs to mention that the light is not working. They’ll replace the bulbs for her. Who knows if the light really works?
Got caught for fraud. Hilarious, right? 😉🤣
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It’s almost like you have to get a Home Warranty, right?
If you’re purchasing in this economy, , you should definitely be haggling for a deal.
Haha, “You should have” 😂😂😂
Hey, ! ‘t hate on the player, hate on the game.
Having a ladder at home can be very useful. They resemble Candelabra bulbs… If you had a ladder, you could upgrade that ‘chandelier’ to a more modern and attractive fixture.
Suggested using a fixture with replaceable bulbs and an extension rod.
You can usually rent a ladder from most home improvement stores. That’s probably your best option for changing the light bulbs.
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Hey , can you explain how that would work with this light?
He jokingly suggested drilling a hole through the roof and angling it downwards 😂
You can easily find extension poles at most stores.
Can you explain how that method would be effective for this light?
Hey, mentioned that those won’t work if the lightbulb is pointing up.
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It might be worth paying a handyman $200 to take care of it for you.
You’ll definitely get good use out of a ladder now that you’re a homeowner…
I would hire an electrician to adjust the height of the light fixture for safety reasons, that way you won’t have to stress about it moving forward.
It’s simple, just make sure to get the right ladder. lol
Having a ladder will be useful for when you need to go back up and replace the battery in the smoke detector. 🙂
You might have trouble using an extension pole since the bulbs are inserted from the top. Better to get a ladder or hire a handyman.
This is the solution you’re looking for! Check it out: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Designers-Edge-Light-Bulb-Changer-Kit-6-Piece-E3001/205482829
Nope. Candle style bulbs. Unless you’re suggesting we drill a hole through the roof and point it down 😂
If this pole can’t go up there and hit us with a 180, it’s not going to work.
If you don’t have a ladder or an 11-inch extension pole, you’ll have to resort to living by candlelight lol
I bet she has a brighter home. As a homeowner, I’ve definitely faced some fears. Climbing up a tall ladder was one of them.
Maybe you could rent an 8-foot ladder. Or perhaps consider purchasing a Little Giant ladder.
Hey , do you know where I can rent a ladder from? I checked online but I’m not sure. I was thinking maybe Lowe’s or Home Depot offer rentals.
Hey , you also have the option to purchase it, use it, and then return it.
You can find rentals at Menards, Lowes, or Home Depot.
That’s the kind of thing I would rent from Home Depot.
Having a ladder is way more cost-effective than hiring someone to replace those cheap $2 light bulbs up high. It’s a lifesaver for homeowners. And if you’re into DIY projects, make sure you have a ladder and a sturdy step stool ready to go.
I own a step stool and a small ladder but they don’t quite do the job of helping me reach high places. Another problem I face is not knowing what size ladder I would need to reach those heights.
Did you know there are apps that can calculate how high your ceiling is? It’s like having a virtual measuring tape! With that information, you can choose the perfect A-ladder – a ladder that can lean against a wall and form an “A” shape while being extendable. No need for a ladder that touches the ceiling, just one that helps you reach it.
The only problem is that none of the walls are near the light.
An A-frame ladder doesn’t require a wall for support, .
Oh, okay . That’s perfect, haha.
Believe me…I am terrified of heights so I’ve done a ton of digging. Bought the incorrect items and returned them multiple times before figuring it out.
I own a gorilla ladder. It’s as tall as a step ladder when stored, but can extend to 18ft. They also have models that reach up to 23ft, depending on your needs. It’s really been a worthwhile investment.
Thank you, !
Consider hiring a professional window cleaner to keep your windows sparkling. Request a quote that includes chandelier cleaning and bulb replacement for added convenience. Maintain a regular cleaning schedule with them.
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As a homeowner, it’s a good idea to invest in a ladder.
You might want to consider getting a ladder…. although I would suggest replacing it with a lower light fixture for convenience down the line, and to modernize the look.
I was thinking the same thing. Just a little short on cash at the moment. I really don’t want to deal with climbing up that high to replace a light bulb.
Hey , you should definitely consider checking out factory direct appliance if you’re in the area. Also, ask about their next clearance event. I managed to snag an $800 entryway light for just $40 there. All I had to do was buy a downrod on Amazon for $8 because it was the display model. By the way, congratulations on the new home!
Thanks a bunch, ! That deal is truly amazing.
Hey , have you thought about putting a long cord on it and securing the cord to a wall tie? My sister did that with a super heavy candelabra, and it worked great!
About the marketplace, I was actually selling a light fixture that hung too low and I kept hitting my head on it every time I entered the room, haha. So, I replaced it with a shorter one. Interestingly, the same light fixture is priced at nearly $300 at Home Depot, but I was selling it for $100 or best offer, or willing to trade for some help. Maybe she can find something for free, trade, or at a very cheap price.
That’s a great point. I love your perspective, haha.
Thank you so much!
Consider getting a Little Giant ladder. They can be folded up neatly if storage space is limited. You’ll probably find yourself needing it more than you think in the future.
Do you have smoke detectors there as well? I would recommend switching to the ten-year battery type! It may cost more to hire a handyman than to buy a foldable ladder 🪜
If you prefer the DIY route, investing in a ladder is a good idea. But if you’d rather not buy one, see if a neighbor is willing to lend you theirs.
From the position of the doors and railing, it looks like a foldable step ladder of about 3-4 feet should do the trick to reach it easily. I’m honestly not sure how serious this post is. 🤔😅🤨😂😂😂
I actually own a step ladder so maybe the angle in the picture makes it seem lower than it is. I’ve tried already but I’m short, as I mentioned, and even taller people couldn’t reach. So I’m just hoping someone might have a new idea.
You could try to find a ladder somehow… maybe buy one or borrow one. It’s really quite simple.
Hey Tina, I was curious if there are any other ideas besides the obvious. Thanks for the advice.
Hey , are you suggesting stilts? Using a ladder seems to be the only option unless you’re Spider-Woman.
Welcome to the world of home ownership! And yes, a ladder will definitely come in handy. 🤣
Even with a set of steps, safety is crucial. Climbing by a low balustrade can be risky without someone to secure the steps. Hiring a handyman to install a rise and fall pendant may be a safer alternative for changing bulbs.
Owning a home means needing ladders, unless you plan on paying others for help. It’s hard to estimate the cost of simple tasks like changing a light bulb or painting, but factoring in travel time and other expenses, it could add up to a few hundred dollars per visit. And if they come once a year, you might discover even more tasks that require a ladder.
Consider hiring a local or chain handyman for various household tasks
Personally, I say just go ahead and buy a ladder. As a homeowner, you’ll definitely find yourself needing it more often than you think.
I’ve heard about the Little Giant ladder. Although they fold up neatly, they can be quite heavy. If you’re not super strong or don’t have someone to help carry it upstairs, I’d recommend sticking with a two-sided ladder like this one.
You know, there’s actually a stick you can buy to replace light bulbs. I can’t remember the exact name though.
We know someone who has a 22′ Keller Kpro ladder that works great on stairs. When our light bulbs need changing, we pay him $25 to replace all of them. I tried using a bulb changing extender in the past, but it didn’t work well for me. Good luck!
The only option with that fixture is using a ladder unfortunately. Trade it for a sturdy one and then you can attach an extension pole with a suction cup to reach it. That’s how I manage to change the light bulbs in my recessed lights. They are approximately 20 feet high, I would say. Those are vaulted ceilings.
That’s what they call a contractor light. You could get a big light and pay someone to put it up for you
As a homeowner, you’ll find many occasions where a ladder is necessary. Invest in an aluminum one and keep it stored outdoors. If you really don’t want to purchase one, consider borrowing from a neighbor. By the way, congratulations on your new home!
Thanks !
Consider renting the tallest ladder available at Home Depot. I had to do this at my office to change lightbulbs in 22-foot high ceilings. We rented it for half a day for less than $100 a few years back. And if you opt for LEDs, they should last a long time without needing to be replaced.
Consider changing or adjusting the lighting fixture. If not, consider purchasing a ladder and taking precautions while using it. It might be a good idea to have someone help stabilize the ladder.
You could give one of these a try. I haven’t used them personally, but I’ve seen them at Lowe’s.
Hey, here! I have one of those and it’s really awesome. It’s the best purchase I made because it saved me from falling off a ladder. Plus, it comes with lots of attachments for different tasks.
Thank you everyone. The height may not be clear in the photo because even with my tall step ladder, I can’t reach it. I know it seems like a simple question, but I’ve never had to change a bulb that high before, hence the post.
If you don’t have a ladder, you have the option to rent one or hire someone who has a ladder to assist.
Here’s an idea that hasn’t been mentioned yet. If you feel comfortable, why not introduce yourself to your neighbors? You could ask if they happen to have a ladder and would be willing to help you change out the bulbs. My husband has often helped our neighbors with various tasks, so they might be happy to assist. If you’re skilled at something, offer to help them in return in the future. Having good neighbors and being a good neighbor is invaluable.
The process is similar to replacing the smoke detector battery. A folding ladder, such as a little giant, is highly recommended.
Looking to rent a ladder?
If it were me, I’d probably bring in a professional to switch out the fixture for a recessed light that allows for easy bulb replacement.
If you own a house, investing in a ladder is essential. It will come in handy numerous times down the road.
I recommend getting a ladder, especially a tall one that can be used for other tasks. Also consider replacing the light fixture with something easier to change.
How high is your ceiling?
Have you considered TaskRabbit? You can hire someone to do it for you. Also, try using LED bulbs for a longer lifespan. 😉
You can always find great deals on ladders at Harbor Freight. I got a 17-foot adjustable one that folds in half for just $99.
Hey, if you’re a new homeowner, remember to have a ladder handy along with other tools for taking care of your house. Get the ladder and get comfortable using it, you’ll need it more often than you think.
A reliable ladder is a must-have. Found a versatile one on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3S9nLqN.
In the future, you can simply hire someone to install a budget-friendly, longer fixture that is aesthetically pleasing. Top 2 choices.
Consider renting an A-frame ladder or scaffolding from Home Depot.