Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Pine Lighting works directly with property management companies across BC, providing lighting consultation, fixture specification, and sourcing support for apartment buildings, condo developments, and multi-unit residential properties. Our showrooms are in Surrey and Kelowna, and we serve property managers throughout the Lower Mainland, Okanagan, and surrounding regions. 

We work with property managers at every stage: from new developments that need a full lighting spec before construction is complete, to existing buildings that need fixtures updated, replaced, or standardized across suites and common areas. If you manage residential buildings in BC and lighting is something you're actively dealing with, we're the right call. 

Pine Lighting consults on lighting for apartment buildings, condo developments, strata properties, and mixed-use residential projects. This includes individual suite lighting, building common areas, lobbies, corridors, amenity rooms, parkades, and exterior entry and walkway lighting. 

We work with property managers who are speccing lighting for a new development, upgrading fixtures in an existing building, standardizing lighting across a portfolio of properties, or trying to improve how a building presents to prospective tenants. The scope can be a single common area or an entire building because we size the engagement to the project.

Yes. Developing a full building lighting specification is one of the core services we offer to property managers and developers. A building spec covers fixture selection, colour temperature, light levels, and fixture placement for every area of the building: suites, corridors, lobbies, amenity spaces, parkades, and exterior. 

A consistent spec ensures the building reads as intentionally designed rather than assembled fixture by fixture, and it simplifies procurement, maintenance, and future replacements. Contact us to discuss your building and we'll outline what a specification engagement looks like for your project.

Yes. Pine Lighting can develop standardized fixture packages for property managers who need consistency across multiple suites or across an entire building. A package approach means every unit has the same fixtures, the same colour temperature, and the same finish, which simplifies installation, reduces maintenance complexity, and creates a cohesive look throughout the building. 

For property managers overseeing multiple properties, we can also work toward consistency across a portfolio. This is so that your buildings share a recognizable standard rather than accumulating mismatched fixtures over time. Book a consultation to discuss your properties and we'll put together a recommendation.

The most effective lobby lighting combines a statement fixture (ex. a chandelier or pendant) with layered ambient and accent lighting that makes the space feel intentional and welcoming. The entry is the first impression a building makes on residents and prospective tenants, and flat overhead lighting alone doesn't achieve that. 

For most condo and apartment lobbies in BC, we recommend a warm colour temperature (2700K–3000K) to create an inviting feel, a scaled decorative fixture appropriate to the ceiling height, and wall sconces or accent lighting to add depth and eliminate the flat, institutional look that comes from recessed lighting alone. If your lobby has a double-height ceiling, that's an opportunity for a larger statement piece. We can assess your space and recommend a layered approach that fits your building's aesthetic and budget. 

For residential corridors, flush mount or semi-flush ceiling fixtures at consistent intervals are the standard approach, paired with a colour temperature of 3000K–3500K for clean, comfortable visibility without feeling clinical. Wall sconces can be added in wider corridors or elevator lobbies to break up the run and add warmth. 

The most common corridor lighting mistake is spacing fixtures too far apart, which creates uneven light and dark zones between fixtures. A proper layout accounts for ceiling height, corridor width, and the spacing needed for consistent light levels throughout. We can review your building's corridor dimensions and recommend a fixture type and layout that solves this properly.

For apartment and condo building exteriors, the most effective approach combines wall-mounted lanterns or sconces at building entries, pathway and step lighting for walkways and parking areas, and flush-mount or pendant fixtures for covered entry canopies. All exterior fixtures should be rated for BC's wet climate conditions. 

Colour temperature for exterior lighting on residential buildings is typically 3000K. That's warm enough to feel welcoming rather than institutional and bright enough for safety and visibility. Motion-activated options are appropriate for secondary entries, parkades, and utility areas. We can advise on fixture selection, placement, and energy-efficient options suited to the scale of your building and the specific areas you're working with.

Consistent colour temperature across all suites requires establishing a single colour temperature standard in the building spec and procuring all fixtures and bulbs to that standard from the outset. The standard is typically 2700K–3000K for living areas and bedrooms, and 3000K–3500K for kitchens and bathrooms.

The problem most buildings encounter is accumulation: fixtures get replaced one at a time over the years, sourced from different suppliers, and colour temperatures gradually drift apart. Suites end up with mismatched light that tenants notice but rarely complain about directly. The fix is a defined spec that gets applied consistently at every replacement, not just at initial build-out. We help property managers establish that spec and maintain it over time.

Yes. Amenity spaces are one of the areas where lighting has the most direct impact on how a building competes in the market, and we consult on lighting for gyms, resident lounges, co-working rooms, rooftop patios, and other shared spaces in multi-unit buildings. 

Each amenity type has different lighting requirements. A gym needs bright, even light at 3500K–4000K for visibility and energy. A resident lounge benefits from layered, dimmable lighting at 2700K–3000K to feel residential and comfortable. A co-working space needs task lighting at desks and workstations with a neutral colour temperature that supports focus. We can assess each space and develop a lighting approach that makes your amenities feel intentional and well-considered. This directly affects how prospective tenants perceive the building. 

For rental suite bathrooms, a vanity light bar or pair of wall sconces mounted at eye level on either side of the mirror is the most effective approach because it provides even, shadow-free light for grooming tasks. A flush mount or recessed fixture provides general ambient light for the room. Colour temperature should be 3000K–3500K for a clean, bright feel without the harshness of cooler light. 

For property managers speccing bathrooms across multiple suites, durability and ease of replacement matter as much as aesthetics. We recommend fixtures with readily available replacement parts and bulbs, and finishes that hold up to the humidity of bathroom environments. We can recommend specific products suited to the scale of your building and your maintenance expectations.

For apartment and condo suites, we recommend ceiling fans with integrated LED light kits, remote or wall-control operation, and a DC motor for quieter performance and lower energy consumption. A blade span of 42"–52" works well for standard suite bedroom and living room proportions. 

For property managers speccing ceiling fans across multiple units, consistency in motor type, finish, and control method simplifies installation and reduces maintenance calls. We can recommend a specific model suited to your suite layouts and help you source it in the volume you need.

Yes. On-site consultations are available for property managers working on multi-unit residential buildings, common area upgrades, and building-wide lighting assessments. An on-site visit lets us evaluate ceiling heights, natural light, existing fixture placement, and architectural features in the actual space rather than working only from plans. 

For larger buildings or portfolio-level projects, an on-site consultation is the most efficient starting point. It will let us give you specific, actionable recommendations rather than general guidance. Contact us to discuss your building and we'll determine whether a site visit or an in-store planning session is the right first step.

Contact us directly to discuss your account needs. Property managers working on multi-unit projects or managing ongoing lighting requirements across a portfolio are the kind of long-term partners we're set up to work with. Reach our Surrey location at (604) 591-8895 or our Kelowna location at (250) 862-3245, or email us to start the conversation.

Ambient, task, and accent lighting are the three layers every well-lit space needs (and most homes and rental suites only have one of them). Ambient lighting is your base layer: general illumination for the whole space. Task lighting is focused light for specific activities like reading, cooking, or working at a desk. Accent lighting highlights architecture, artwork, or features worth noticing, and it's what separates a space that looks designed from one that just looks lit. 

Most residential suites are built with ambient lighting only (typically pot lights) which is why so many condo and apartment interiors feel flat or institutional. For property managers looking to differentiate their buildings, adding task and accent layers to common areas, lobbies, and amenity spaces is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the feel of a property without a full renovation.

For most residential suites and condo interiors:

• 2700K–3000K (warm white) is the recommended colour temperature.
• 3000K–3500K (neutral white) is more appropriate for kitchens, bathrooms, and corridors.
• 4000K or higher for parkades, utility rooms, and service areas. 

Colour temperature is measured in Kelvin and determines whether light feels warm or cool. Mixing temperatures across the same open-plan space creates a disconnected, unfinished impression. It's something tenants notice even if they can't name it. For property managers speccing lighting across multiple suites or common areas, picking one temperature and holding to it throughout is critical. We help property management teams establish a consistent spec so the building reads as intentionally designed from entry to suite.

For a chandelier or pendant over a dining table, add the table's length and width in inches. The sum is the ideal fixture diameter in inches. For a chandelier in an entry, lobby, or great room, add the room's length and width in feet. The resulting number, in inches, is a good starting diameter. 

A 36" × 72" table works well with a fixture around 108" wide, or a series of pendants that together span that width. For hanging fixtures in any walkable space, maintain at least 7 feet of clearance from the floor to the bottom of the fixture. In double-height lobby entries, you have more flexibility and a real opportunity to make a strong first impression with a statement piece. If you have floor plans or room dimensions, bring them to a consultation and we'll size it properly.

A common starting point is to divide your ceiling height by 2 to get a rough idea of how far apart recessed lights should be spaced. An 8-foot ceiling means lights every 4 feet. 

That said, pot light count is the wrong thing to optimize for. Pot lights handle ambient and task lighting well, but they can't replace accent or decorative fixtures. A space built entirely on pot lights will feel functional at best, generic at worst. This matters particularly for property managers and developers: suites and common areas that rely solely on recessed lighting meet the minimum but don't create the impression that attracts and retains tenants. Adding a pendant, sconce, or statement fixture in the right location (even on a budget) is what makes a unit feel like a home. We see buildings every year where 30 pot lights were installed and something still feels missing. That's a layering problem, and it's fixable. 

Lighting decisions should be made before framing is finished. Ideally, they this should be well before drywall goes up. The most expensive lighting mistakes happen when fixture selection gets pushed to the end of a project, because by then the wiring, switch placement, and structural options are already locked in. 

For new multi-unit developments, this means involving a lighting consultant during the planning phase, not the finishing phase. For property managers taking over existing buildings or planning suite upgrades, the same principle applies: the earlier we're involved, the more options you have and the less you're paying to correct decisions made too late. If you're mid-plan on a project right now, contact us before you finalize anything.

Yes. Lighting is one of the most effective tools for changing how a space feels, especially in smaller suite footprints common in condos and apartments. Wall sconces and uplighting draw the eye upward and make ceilings feel higher. Accent lighting on walls or architectural features creates a sense of depth. Bright, flat overhead lighting does the opposite by making a space feel exactly as small as it is. 

For property managers, this has practical value: strategic layering in compact suites can meaningfully change how a space feels to a prospective tenant on a showing, and it influences leasing decisions in ways the prospect often can't articulate. It's one of the higher-return details in a suite presentation.

The most common mistakes are:

• using only pot lights with no pendants, sconces, or decorative fixtures
• choosing fixtures that are too small for the space
• mixing colour temperatures across the same open-plan area
• installing no dimming capability
• making fixture decisions after the walls are already closed. 

For property managers, there's an additional pattern worth noting: applying the same lighting specification to every space in a building regardless of function. Corridors, lobbies, amenity rooms, and individual suites all have different lighting needs. A single blanket spec produces spaces that feel generic, and generic doesn't attract or retain the tenants most buildings are competing for. All of these mistakes are preventable with an early-stage consultation.

Yes. Most fixtures Pine Lighting carries are compatible with dimmer switches, and dimmers are available for most residential and commercial applications. We can also advise on smart lighting integration and building-wide lighting control systems. 

Dimmers are one of the highest-value upgrades in any lighting plan. They change the entire character of a space and give occupants control over how a room feels at different times of day. For property managers and developers speccing lighting across an entire building, we can advise on control systems for common areas, parkades, and amenity spaces. This includes options that support energy efficiency and reduce long-term operating costs.

A free consultation at Pine Lighting is a no-obligation conversation about your project where you'll leave with a clear lighting direction. This will include fixture types, layering approach, what to watch out for, and what to prioritize. It is not a sales pitch. 

For homeowners, that means a practical plan for a room or full renovation. For property managers working through lighting for a new or existing building, it also covers fixture consistency across suites, volume sourcing, and how to develop a specification that works across the whole property. Consultations are available in-store, by phone, or on-site for larger projects.

A consultation is for anyone planning a renovation, new build, or multi-unit development. This includes homeowners, interior designers, contractors, and property managers responsible for lighting across residential buildings. 

If you manage condos or apartment buildings in BC and you're dealing with aging fixtures, inconsistent lighting across suites, or a new development that needs a cohesive lighting spec, that's exactly the kind of project we work on. You don't need to have it figured out before you call; that's the point of the consultation. 

A floor plan or room dimensions are helpful but not required. Photos of your space, a description of what you're trying to achieve, or even just a list of the rooms or areas you're working on are enough to get started. 

For property managers working across multiple units or common areas, a building layout or suite plan helps us give you much more specific guidance on fixture types, quantities, and specifications. The more context you bring, the more specific and useful the consultation will be.

Yes. On-site consultations are available for larger projects, including multi-unit residential buildings, commercial common areas, and full-building lighting upgrades. 

An on-site visit lets us assess the actual space (ceiling heights, natural light, proportions, and architecture) rather than working only from plans. For property managers, site visits are particularly valuable for lobbies, amenity rooms, and shared corridors where lighting has a direct effect on how the building is perceived. Contact us to discuss whether a site visit makes sense for your project.

Most in-store consultations run 30 to 60 minutes. Larger projects (including multi-unit developments, full-building specs, or phased renovation programs) may benefit from a longer initial session or a follow-up appointment. 

We size the conversation to the project. If you're managing lighting across an entire building portfolio, that's a different conversation than a single suite refresh, and we'll treat it accordingly. 

Online: Visa and Mastercard. In-store: Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, and e-transfer.

If your order hasn't shipped yet, contact us as soon as possible at (250) 862-3245 (Kelowna) or (604) 591-8895 (Surrey) and we'll submit a cancellation request. You'll receive email confirmation within 24 hours.

Please note: custom and built-to-order items cannot be cancelled. Once an order has shipped, it cannot be cancelled — see our return policy instead.

Online Orders - Please be aware that some items may have already shipped from our store or the manufacturer and be in route for final delivery to you. In such a case, cancellation fees may apply. Once an order has already shipped, it cannot be cancelled, rerouted or redirected. If you would like to return the item, you will need to follow our Standard Return Policy. Please do not refuse the delivery of non-damaged goods as this will result in up to a 50% restocking fee. A delivery refusal may also result in the loss of your product and may void any possibility of a refund. You may also be charged for shipping costs both to and from your address. Some items that are custom made or built-to-order cannot be cancelled.

Online Orders - If you are cancelling an order due to backorder, we recommend you first call us at 250-862-3245 OR email us at hello@pinelighting.ca  to verify the accuracy of the date before making your final decision. At times, manufacturers state items as backordered but have already shipped or are going to ship the items very soon. If the item is truly unavailable for an extended period, we sincerely apologize for the delay. Please note that since a cancellation request is time sensitive, please contact us immediatley regarding your intentions. 

Instore Orders - Please contact the branch and sales associate in charge of your order, they will assist you with the cancellation request.  

Lead times are listed on individual product pages, but these are estimates from the manufacturer. If your project is time-sensitive, call us before ordering — we can check real-time availability and advise on alternatives. We'd rather you know upfront than be surprised later.

Yes — and we strongly recommend it. Both our Kelowna and Surrey showrooms carry a curated selection of fixtures you can see and compare in person. There's a real difference between a fixture on a screen and one lit up in a showroom. Come in before you commit.

Small packages are delivered with UPS, Fedex, Purlator, Or Post Office 

Shipping is available in 3 delivery speeds: normal, rush and priority rush. Shipping is free for the normal delivery options.

The price of the other delivery options are calculated in the checkout process and depends on the size and weight of the item(s).

Large items will be delivered by a carrier by truck.

No — we're unable to ship to PO Box addresses.

Truck freight delivers to your curb or driveway only. The carrier will call to set up a delivery window (usually 2–4 hours during business hours). Make sure the contact number on your order is accurate.

When your delivery arrives: inspect the packaging before the driver leaves and note any damage on the delivery receipt — even if it looks minor. Take photos. Forward photos and notes to hello@pinelighting.ca as quickly as possible.

Do not refuse delivery of undamaged goods — refusals can result in restocking fees up to 50%.

We'll contact you by phone or email when your order is ready. Orders arranged for pickup are charged in full when the merchandise arrives at the showroom.

PINE LIGHTING strives to provide its customers with the most accurate information on product availability using the tools and resources made available by the manufacturers we represent, lead times are posted on the individual product pages, but these are estimates only.

Estimates are based on the assumption that the item you have selected  is currently in stock with the manufacturer and the manufacturer's typical speed at which orders are processed and shipped.

Normal deliveries usually ship in 3-4 weeks. Rush deliveries usually ship in 2 weeks. Priority rush deliveries usually ship within 1 - 2 weeks. If your purchase/project is time sensitive, we strongly suggest that you contact the store at (250)-862-3245 to inquire about expedited shipping services. 

PINE LIGHTING is not responsible for any costs associated with shipment delays.

For standard parcels: the carrier will leave a notice and attempt redelivery or hold the package at a nearby pickup location.

For large freight: if the carrier can't reach you, you may be responsible for storage fees or return freight charges. Make sure your contact number is current.

Standard (free): Small packages ship via UPS, FedEx, Purolator, or Canada Post. Most standard orders ship within 3–4 weeks.

Rush and Priority Rush: Expedited options are available at checkout. Rush typically ships in 2 weeks; Priority Rush in 1–2 weeks. If your timeline is tight, call us first — we can advise on the best option.

Large items ship via truck freight (curbside delivery). The carrier will contact you to arrange a delivery window.

Stock items can be returned within 30 days in original, uninstalled condition with original packaging and receipt.

Not eligible for return:

• Clearance and sale items
• Special or custom orders
• Installed, assembled, or modified items
• Items without original packaging
• Light bulbs, parts, and shades
• Large orders (6+ of one item, or invoice over $1,000)

If you're unsure whether an item is returnable, ask your salesperson before purchasing.

Call us at (250) 862-3245 to start the process. We'll issue a Return Goods Authorization (RGA) number with return instructions. Returns sent without an RGA number or to the wrong address are subject to a 50% restocking fee.

Ship the item back in original packaging using a trackable carrier and email your tracking number to your store contact. Refunds are processed once the item is received and inspected, less any applicable restocking and freight costs.

Contact us within 2 business days of delivery with photos and a description. For freight deliveries, note any damage on the bill of lading when you sign — even if the box looks only slightly damaged. This protects you.

We'll repair or replace damaged or defective items at no charge. If you'd prefer a return instead, standard return policy fees apply.

All products carry a 1-year manufacturer's warranty covering repair or replacement of the product (labour not included). LED bulbs and LED fixtures typically carry 3–5 year warranties — this varies by manufacturer.

Warranty is void if incorrect installation methods are used, the fixture is installed in an unsuitable location, or the product is damaged by harsh cleaners or misuse.

For a warranty issue, email photos and a description to hello@pinelighting.ca or contact your salesperson directly.