Outdoor Lighting FAQs
Considering Outdoor Lighting?
You’ve come to the right place! There are many reasons to consider installing a custom outdoor lighting system. The benefits of a well-designed outdoor lighting system can be enjoyed year-round, regardless of seasonal changes. Outdoor lighting will increase the curb appeal of your home, add an extra layer of security, and improve the functionality and safety of your outdoor spaces. It is no surprise then that so many people are choosing to invest in outdoor lighting.
Perhaps you’re just beginning your outdoor lighting research and are trying to decide between DIY lighting options or a professional outdoor lighting system. Maybe you’ve decided against DIY and are starting to compare outdoor lighting contractors. Either way, educating yourself about outdoor lighting will help you as you search.
Outdoor Lighting FAQs
It took some time, but we’ve come up with a list of some of the most frequently asked outdoor lighting questions. We hope you find our answers helpful!
What’s the deal with Consultations?
You’ve probably noticed that most outdoor lighting contractors offer free consultations. Outdoor lighting contractors love when you schedule a consultation because it gives us the opportunity to walk through your property with you. A consultation helps us determine your lighting objectives and style preferences as well as the number of lights needed for your project. This, in turn, allows us to create an accurate quotation and ultimately design a lighting system that fits your vision and budget.
If you are ready for a consultation, schedule your consultation here.
What if I am not ready for a consultation?
You may not be ready to schedule a consultation just yet, and that’s okay! We’re still here to help. The best place to start is by understanding the different outdoor lighting options and the costs associated with each. This will help you narrow your search for the perfect outdoor lighting – and possibly, the perfect outdoor lighting contractor.
Why does the cost of outdoor lighting vary so much?
You’ve likely noticed that the cost of outdoor lighting varies greatly depending on which site you visit. We know this is extremely frustrating, so we recently wrote an article called, “How Much Does Outdoor Lighting Cost?” In the article, we explain in detail the factors that determine the cost of outdoor lighting and why the pricing seems so inconsistent. Generally speaking, the two major cost determining factors of outdoor lighting are the quality of fixtures used and who you hire to design and install the system. The following graphic gives a good overview of the information, but we encourage you to read the article as it is chalked full of helpful information.
What’s the difference Between Consumer Grade Fixtures and Professional Grade Fixtures?
Consumer grade fixtures can be found in big box stores and other retailers whereas professional grade fixtures are only available commercially through lighting contractors.
Consumer grade fixtures are the least expensive lighting option. They are often made of plastic or aluminum and are not designed to withstand the elements that landscape lighting fixtures are exposed to daily. Consumer grade fixtures also tend to be less efficient and underperform their professional grade counterparts.
Professional grade fixtures are usually made of brass or copper. These fixtures are made to withstand outdoor elements like sun, wind, and moisture. Additionally, they perform better and are more efficient than consumer grade fixtures. Ultimately, professional grade fixtures, though more expensive up front, will save money over time because they last longer.
What are the available options for the design and installation of outdoor lighting?
While there are many different options for outdoor lighting, to make things simple, we’ve come up with four general categories for outdoor lighting: DIY, Professional Kits, Non-Specialized Contractors, and Professional Outdoor Lighting Contractors. The pricing of outdoor lighting systems will vary depending on the designer and installer’s level of technical knowledge and experience installing outdoor lighting systems.
How much does DIY outdoor lighting cost?
The least expensive outdoor lighting option is to buy and install the outdoor lighting system yourself. Big box stores and home improvement chains often advertise inexpensive outdoor lighting solutions that are readily available and easy to install. Choosing to DIY your outdoor lighting will likely cost anywhere from $200-$500 up front with lights, wire, and other necessary supplies. You know the old saying though – you get what you pay for – and DIY lighting is a great example of this.
What is Kelvin Temperature, Lumen Output and Beam Spread?
There are three important concepts to understand when designing an outdoor lighting system: Kelvin temperature, lumen output, and beam spread. In the article, “Outdoor Lighting Basics – Kelvin, Lumens, Beam Spread,” we explain what these what these numbers mean so that you can choose the right lights for your DIY landscape lighting project. For those of you uninterested in the technical side of outdoor lighting, we encourage you to consider scheduling a consultation with an outdoor lighting specialist who is knowledgeable and experienced with these concepts.
What are Professional Outdoor Lighting Kits?
There are many websites that advertise “Professional Outdoor Lighting Kits” for a quick and easy outdoor lighting project. These kits often include a transformer, wire, and a set number of accent lights and/or path lights. Professional kits will cost anywhere from $500 to $1500 but DO NOT include professional installation. Warning! - The quality of these kits can be questionable, so pay attention and ask questions.
What’s the difference between a non-specialized contractor and an outdoor lighting contractor?
There are many contractors that offer outdoor lighting services. Home builders, electricians, and landscaping contractors may offer outdoor lighting in addition to the other goods and services they provide. Outdoor lighting contractors like Limelight only specialize in the design, installation, and maintenance of outdoor lighting systems. While non-specialized contractors often charge less per light (usually less than $250 per light), the quality of fixtures, design, and installation will be better with an outdoor lighting contractor. To read more about this, check out our article, “Hiring an Outdoor Lighting Contractor.”
How much does it cost to hire an outdoor lighting contractor to design and install a custom outdoor lighting system?
Outdoor lighting contractors focus exclusively on outdoor lighting design and installation. The price per light will depend on the cost of the fixture itself along with other materials needed and what’s involved with the installation. Outdoor lighting contractors in the Charlotte area usually charge anywhere from $250 - $340 per light.
When is the best time to install outdoor lighting?
We are fortunate to live in an area where we can install and enjoy outdoor lighting year-round! Check out this article to learn more about installing outdoor lighting in the cooler months – “Installing Outdoor Lighting in Fall and Winter.”
How many outdoor lights do I need?
The number of lights you will need will depend on what you want to illuminate and the size of the areas you are lighting. For reference, it will take at least 10 lights to effectively light the front of a small or medium sized house.
In order to determine exactly how many lights you will need to complete your project, it is first necessary to determine your lighting objectives. What do you want to illuminate? And what are you trying to accomplish?
The following are some of the most common lighting objectives:
Architectural Lighting – Architectural lighting usually consists of a combination of strategically placed uplights and/or downlights that accentuate the architecture of a home. Why let your beautiful home go unseen at night? Check out these before and after photos – talk about instant nighttime curb appeal!
Security Lighting – Think beyond the blinding motion sensor lights. Security lighting doesn’t have to be unsightly or boring. A thoughtfully designed outdoor lighting system will increase curb appeal and provide an extra layer of security. Read more about security lighting in the article, “How to make Security Lighting Beautiful.”
Navigational Lighting – Navigational lights illuminate pathways, stairs, driveways for safe navigation.
Task & Ambient Lighting - Outdoor living spaces are an extension of your home. Task lighting will make outdoor activities like grilling and eating easier while ambient lighting will create a welcoming environment for you and your guests to enjoy.
General Landscape Lighting – General landscape lighting artfully illuminates landscaping and hardscape features throughout your property. Landscape lighting allows you to create focal points with light – like trees, plants, retaining walls, water features, etc. The options are endless.
Still not sure how many lights you will need? Give us a call (704) 989-3635 or schedule a free consultation through our website. We are more than willing to talk through your lighting project and help you estimate the number of lights you will need.
Why hire Limelight Outdoor Lighting?
At Limelight, outdoor lighting is all we do. We offer design, installation, and maintenance services and would love to help you design a system that lets you make the most of your landscape — day and night.
We are a fully insured, family owned company with a passion for well-designed outdoor lighting! Furthermore, we understand that client satisfaction is the key to our success, and we enjoy working with our clients throughout the process to deliver an outdoor lighting system that fits their vision and budget.
Getting started is simple.
Call Limelight Outdoor Lighting at (704) 989-3635 or click the link below to get a FREE quote for your landscape lighting project.