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DIY vs Hiring a Professional for Your Lighting Project

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In the era of HGTV, Pinterest, YouTube Videos, etc. we all get the urge to get our hands dirty and DIY some of our home projects. Whether a small job such as painting a bedroom, or a larger job like redoing your kitchen cabinets, the tutorials available make the jobs seem easy and more affordable. But is it always the right and best decision in the long run?

Installing outdoor landscape lighting within your property is a long term investment and if done properly, can increase your home’s curb appeal as well as add essential security. There are quite a few reasons why, in this case, hiring a professional to install your lighting will be more beneficial in the long run.

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Our lighting designers can create a layout for your outdoor lighting while considering all the details. A professional lighting team will spend time to understand your vision for outdoor lighting, assess the layout of your property and come up with ways to enhance your space through different lighting effects. As professionals in the field, we are able to discuss your lighting options such as the type of fixture, the light temperature and the spacing required as well as develop unique looks for your home.

The variety and range of lighting fixtures available to you at the hardware store is generally very limited compared to what we as professionals have access to. Commercial lighting typically has longer warranties and are significantly better quality. Our team is confident the fittings supplied are durable enough to tolerate outdoor weather conditions and outdoor factors such as bugs, pets and humidity. They also understand electrical systems, wattage needs and permits required to complete your professional installation.

Hiring a professional will typically cost you more than doing a DIY lighting project, however our team of designers can keep your project on budget, save you time on research, and help you avoid costly repairs.

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Call Texas Outdoor Lighting today at (512) 504-3030 to schedule your free estimate today and let us be your preferred outdoor lighting team!

Questions to ask potential landscape lighting companies.

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A good landscape lighting design will increase the safety and security of your property, transform your dark outdoor spaces to warm and inviting living areas as well as add value to your home.  The first step in beginning to plan your outdoor lighting is to hire the right expert for the job.  Asking the right questions can help guide you towards choosing a lighting company that will fit your needs, so keep these questions in mind.

Can this lighting design be added onto later?

This is always good to discuss with your potential lighting designer.  Time and time again, we have clients that like to have us install their outdoor lighting in phases.  For example, some homeowners want lighting in the front of their home immediately for security purposes then want to complete the backyard at a later date for entertaining purposes.  A few minor adjustments made at the start of a lighting project (such as the size and location of the transformer) can make adding additional lighting down the road much easier and much more seamless.

Can the lighting system be integrated into my smart home system?

Our LED lighting systems can be integrated with most existing smart home systems.  This is something our lighting experts can help you with, but not all lighting companies offer this option.  If you do not already have a smart home system but are interested in including one with your lighting system, our experienced lighting designers can help with this.

What are some ways to save energy?

If conserving energy is important to you, this would be a good topic to discuss with any potential lighting company.  There are many landscape lighting options to choose from including, but not limited to, halogen, LED, mercury vapor and incandescent.  Choosing an LED system, however, provides several benefits such as energy savings.  LED bulbs use a fraction of the electricity and have a much longer life than the other lighting options.  Another way to conserve energy if you already have a high-voltage system is to have a lighting company switch your system to a low voltage lighting system.  Make sure to ask your potential lighting company if they are experienced in retrofitting existing systems because not all companies offer this option.

How will my lighting system be maintained?

Regular maintenance is an important aspect of a lighting design in order to maintain its functionality and beauty.  Not all lighting companies offer maintenance services, however, so it is a great idea to discuss this with your potential lighting designer.  Find out if the company has a service department, how their maintenance program works as well as their product warranties.  The last thing you want as a homeowner is to place your trust in a lighting company only to have them install your lighting system then disappear and not be able to provide maintenance.

If you are interested to learn more about what Texas Outdoor Lighting can do for you and your property, please fill out an online inquiry and we will call you by the end of the next business day to get you set up with one of our award winning lighting designers.