With the resurgence of DIY home improvement projects, it is easy to get swept in the “I can do it” mentality of home improvement. When installing landscape lighting, some projects are perfect for a homeowner to tackle, while others are best left to a professional lighting installation company.

Before Installing Landscape Lighting

The first step for installing landscape lighting is to set an estimated budget and determine not only how much money you would like to spend on the project but how much time you are willing to give. Often DIY guides and Youtube tutorials make the process seem straightforward and nearly effortless when in reality the project can consume several weekends.

Installing landscape lighting dramatically improves curb appeal of this rural home

The next step is to determine your lighting needs. Are you simply trying to safely light your pathway, or do you want to dramatically increase your home’s curb appeal with sophisticated lighting design? These are important questions that should be asked at the beginning of your landscape lighting project so that you can ensure that your needs are addressed.

Understanding How to Power Your Lights

Once your needs and budget are determined, you need to ask yourself how you would like to power your landscape lighting system. To power your landscape lighting, you can either install an electrical wiring system or buy solar-powered lighting.

Many people choose to bypass the electrical installation by acquiring solar landscape lights. Since these lights are solar-powered, they do not need an electrical system for power and the installation process can be as simple as securing the fixtures into the ground.

Though the easy installation process is appealing, there are drawbacks to solar lighting. For example, the quality of solar landscape lighting fixtures is subpar compared to fixtures offered by professional landscape lighting designers.

Additionally, since the lights are solar-powered, the output of the lighting is significantly dimmer than their electrical counterparts. With the availability of modern LED landscape lighting, many homeowners opt for efficient and aesthetic LED lights that require electricity.

Contrary to popular belief, the electrical process for installing landscape lighting is strikingly different than installing indoor lighting. Wiring an electrical system for landscape lighting is a process that requires in-depth knowledge of electrical systems and components to ensure that the system is installed safely and efficiently. 

For people who are experienced with electrical installation, it may be a wonderful opportunity for a DIY project. It should be noted, however, that beyond determining the appropriate materials, voltage, and wiring layout, there are nuances that only professional lighting installers have the eye for. Environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, pets, and even neighborhood pests all affect the efficiency of a lighting system. 

For the average homeowner, it is easy to make mistakes with electrical wiring, which can lead to faulty grounding, circuits that are overloaded, or weak wire connections. This not only poses a safety threat to your home but can also result in costly electrical repairs or a highly inefficient system.

How Professional Lighting Installation Can Increase Curb Appeal

When it comes to landscape lighting installation, it is apparent when lights were bought from your local hardware store and placed throughout your property, and when an experienced landscape lighting designer hand-selected each unique lighting fixture.

A professional designer holds the lighting fixture he will use when installing landscape lighting

An upward-facing light on a wall or an array of fountain lights perfectly positioned can have a subtle yet elegant effect on your outdoor ambiance. With a designer’s touch, outdoor lighting can highlight garden fixtures, deter intruders, and provide a serene atmosphere that can be enjoyed at night.

Professional lighting installation services not only give you access to professional lighting designers but open the door to the commercial collection of sophisticated lighting options that are unavailable to the average shopper. Instead of cheap metal that will deteriorate in a few years, you will be able to select from beautiful brass, copper, and other high-quality metal lighting fixtures. 

At Houston Lightscapes in Houston Tx, we strive to meet your lighting needs and exceed your expectations. With quality products and installation, you can be at ease knowing that your outdoor lighting will be beautiful, serene, and functional for years to come.

If you are unsure if our professional landscape installation service is right for your home, you may schedule a free 30-minute home demo with our experienced designers so you may see our vision for bringing your home to life. Set up a free consultation or lighting demo.

The team at Houston Lightscapes takes pride in their many years of experience in the landscape lighting industry. They've been serving the greater Houston area for over 30 years bringing innovation and elegance to their designs. Learn more about Houston Lightscapes here.