Currently, everything is open to the studs.

DH can take care of the wiring, just needs direction. We would like to put in keypads at two doorways, instead of banks of, say, 5 switches / dimmers. We have a location in the pantry which could accomodate the bank of switches.

I am having a very hard time figuring out what is required for this, as well as estimated cost of the equipment required to make this work. If cost for the 'keypads' solution is over $1000, it is probably not worth it to us.

We are putting in CREE LR6 LCD recessed cans, INVISILED LCD undercabinet lighting, with 3 or 4 hanging lights (not yet determined). There are around 12 zones and multiple dimmers planned.

I found the below comment in an old thread. This seems simple and doable; I would appreciate comments / suggestions / review of what we are trying to do.

Posted by normclc (normb@norburn.com) on Thu, Sep 17, 09 at 20:29

Here's my take on the Lightolier Multiset system.
These are approximate prices, as I deal only in Canadian $.
You would install a Multiset dimmer for each light, or series of lights, you want to control.
The selection of each dimmer would depend on the type of load( incandescent, magnetic low voltage ) and the total load.
These dimmers are around $125.00.
They are installed exactly as you would any dimmer, but in a spot that is less conspicious,such as a closet or pantry,
All these dimmers are connected together with a single "carrier" wire which goes to a key pad and a series of key pads.Some large kicthen may need 2 such key pads.
These key pads ,worth about $225 each will give you 4 scenes, all on, and all on at 50%
That's all you need for this system

However, there aren't too many dimmers that have been officially qualified with the Cree lamps. The adventurous would try out various dimmers.

If the load is too small, the light will not dim correctly - minimal dimming, buzzing and /or flickering.

In five or ten years you do not want to be tearing into walls to change wiring.

We have checked with Cree and have their list of recommended dimmers:

http://www.creelighting.com/Libraries/Recommended_Dimmers/Recommended_ Dimmers_for_LR4_and_LR6_Families.sflb.ashx

Brickeyee -- is your comment regarding the Lightolier Multiset system? Our lighting store is going to Lutron and away from Lightolier, due to support issues.

Really ANY of the systems.

Even the commercial systems have had issues with equipment being discontinued with little notice, and the new devices not working well with the old.

IMO, what you want to do is have a dimmer for each group of lights - over the sink, over the counter, eating area, etc. Locate each dimmer near the light it controls. Then install the masters where you enter/exit the room. The Lightolier dimmers can remember 5 or 13 "scenes" You program the scenes, so when entering the room you can turn on a group of lights, at the brighness you have programmed.

The one thing I don't know is if they work on LCD lamps.