There are so many variables to be considered when it comes to placing can lights. All can lights are not the same. There are different size cans to consider and different types. Your contractor may be using remodeling cans if he is not taking down the existing drywall. Please visit a lighting professional in your area to better educate yourself on lighting prior to letting your contractor go on the project. Even the most experienced builders don't always give options to their clients.
Just recently, a new under-cabinet lighting product was introduced to the market by Edge Lighting... consider that also and make sure you coordinate what lights you are using with your cabinet maker.
Ok... back to cans. To save money, you can go with standard 6" cans. The smaller ones, like 3" & 4" are more money. Depending on the size of the room, you can usually go about 4' - 5' apart, evenly spaced in the room like they did above. However, it is great when you can line them up with the cabinetry breaks and cover each working area seperately. Also, if there are no fixtures to be hung over the island or if the style of the room is modern, I like to use 3" square trim cans to light the island and 4" or 6" cans for task lighting around the perimeter.
The height of your ceilings is also a determining factor in deciding space between cans as each light only covers a particular span and distance.
But Please.... go to showroom to see options. If you live in a rural area, you can always find help on line, chatting with lighting universe.
Good-luck.

Thank you. Your response is very helpful.

WHat size are the cans in this picture>

Thank you for the quick reply. Any specific brand/style that is your go to for kitchen, family room and tv room?

There are many, but I use Bulbrite in my own home. www.bulbrite.com
Try this website, www.buylighting.com they have every bulb under the sun.
Let me know if you need further information. Charmean
You can follow me here.
http://www.houzz.com/pro/cninteriors/__public

What is the hood made of and who made it?

that is a copper hood with a verdigris finish, use the image when researching manufacturers to be clear on what type of verdigris you are trying to achieve. Give Texas Construction Company a call or you can try www.texaslightsmith.com/range-hoods

Hi! Handcrafted Metal made this 60" custom copper hood with straps and rivets in 2009. Here's a link to the page for it:

http://handcraftedmetal.com/Double_Sweep-Copper-Hoods-4212.html

On our website you can also see a variety of other custom range hoods. We can make them out of copper, zinc, pewter, bronze, and stainless steel. Here's a link to our hoods page:

http://handcraftedmetal.com/range-hoods.html

You can enter the size you need and get an instant price on any of our hoods! To get started, choose a metal type, and click any of the styles to see a collection of hoods that we have made in that style. You can then click any of the hoods displayed to see pricing and customize any dimension and feature.

$17,000 for a hood....are you insane?