Having a well-lit garden or walkway not only makes your home look beautiful but also increases the value of your property. Landscape lighting can increase the functionality of your outdoor space as well, making it more usable and inviting at night. Read on for some ideas.
Professional landscape lighting can last for years if properly maintained and installed. A good lighting system can be more expensive than DIY options, but it will pay off in the long run as it boosts your home’s value and improves your garden.
Installation
Landscape lighting costs vary based on the type of fixtures, wires, and transformers required. The amount of time it takes to complete the installation can also affect the price.
Longer runs of wiring can be more expensive because they require a bigger transformer or better wiring gauge to counter voltage losses. This could add up to hundreds of dollars for a project.
Low-voltage landscape lights use a step-down transformer to convert the 120-volt output from your home’s electrical system to 12 volts. They are ideal for pathways, edging, and aesthetic lighting for trees and other objects.
Landscape lighting installation is a relatively simple process. But it can be complex and requires the attention of a professional.
Design
Landscape lighting design is a collaborative process that involves both the homeowner and the professional. The goal is to achieve the aesthetics and function of landscape lighting while staying within a homeowner’s budget.
Aside from increasing curb appeal, landscaping lighting also accentuates unique architectural features and spotlights specimen trees and shrubs. Additionally, landscape lighting can be used to illuminate fountains and gazebos.
A good lighting plan is essential to make the most of your property at night. The first step is to start with a sketch of the property, marking where fixtures will be placed.
Modifications
A well-designed lighting design is a great investment for homeowners who want to enhance their curb appeal, create a comfortable home environment, and protect their property from the elements. While the initial cost may seem high, the benefits are long-lasting and worth every penny.
Achieving a pleasing lighting effect requires a range of techniques and equipment. These include spotlights, floodlights, and even low-voltage lighting.
The key to selecting the right hardware is determining how much light is needed for the space and what focal points will be illuminated.
For example, you might use a spotlight to highlight a herringbone walkway or an inground well light to bring out the elegance of a pond or topiary tree. Spotlights are best placed behind what you want to illuminate, while a well-placed uplight can provide a subtle glow that washes over the feature itself or accentuates its silhouette.
Equipment
If you decide to install landscape lighting on your own, you will need to consider the equipment. This will vary depending on your garden size, the type of lights you want, and your design plan.
You can choose from many different types of lights, including solar lights and hardwired fixtures. There are also LED lights that use less electricity than traditional bulbs and last longer.
Costs for these types of lights can range between $120 and $150 per fixture. These types of lights require a transformer to operate, which is usually installed by a professional electrician.
Landscaping lights can cost a lot more than regular house lights because they are more durable and must be made of materials that resist water. This is because they need to be placed around plants and structures like trees, bushes, and fences.
Labor
Landscape lighting costs vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the project. The total cost of installation includes the labor of the electrician, plus the materials.
The type of lights and bulbs used for a lighting system can also impact the cost. LED bulbs typically last longer and use less electricity than halogen or incandescent bulbs, which may lower the total cost of your outdoor lighting system over time.
Another factor that increases the cost of a lighting system is the labor involved in retrofitting it to an existing design. This can involve digging trenches and wiring around existing features such as bushes, plants, and hardscaping. Then, any damage done to the existing design must be repaired once the lighting is installed. Check this important info.