Cinderblock walls + carpet = Better keep them downspouts clear.
Good luck with the project. Going to be worth it.

Ask your framer, or do it yourself, but you should screw another section of metal stud to the backside of those cutouts for the pipe. You lost most of the wall strength when he did that.

LED conversion kits are a nice upgrade for those can lights. Very little heat, and dimmable. About $10 a pop.
You put incandescents in those and u will feel the heat.