Cheap or low cost landscape lighting in Los Angeles is not cheap or low cost

Cheap or low cost landscape lighting in Los Angeles is not cheap or low cost

By Mike Gambino

When you happen to be shopping for a landscape lighting system provider, you’re dealing with one of those industries where “you get what you pay for.”

It’s not unlike other design and mechanical installation services such as landscaping  and interior design, so it’s just very important to fully understand any possible shortcomings that highly discounted landscape lighting contractors may have. Always read the “fine print” when companies have disclaimers in their landscape lighting system agreements, or website and ask questions regarding:

  • Experience. Find out how many years the landscape lighting company has been in business and how many landscape lighting systems they have installed. A good company can prove their experience satisfying customers, and their longevity with a broad customer base and testimonials.
  • Variety. Some contractors have a “one size fits all” approach to their landscape lighting design, and the service they are promoting might not be the best plan for you. Ask about all the services the company offers, like full system design, installation, maintenance and repair services. Some landscape lighting contractors might not offer service after the sale and when the project is over you’re going to be on your own or have to hire someone else who is not familiar with your system to service it. Are you willing to pay for the new service provider’s learning curve?
  • Technology. There is a variety of antiquated products that may be less expensive, but are also lower quality. Some landscape lighting technicians may show up at your door with nothing more than a beat up old pickup truck and not a dedicated , fully stocked and organized service vehicle designed to efficiently and effectively install and service landscape lighting systems. This may be a sign of a low-tech, poorly trained company. There is real a value to trained and experienced landscape lighting  technicians who are equipped to evaluate complex electrical and mechanical problems quickly, so your outdoor lighting is back to being beautiful fast.
  • Reputation. Consider the company’s reputation, standards and values. Be certain you trust your landscape lighting contractor in a way that is equitable to the importance of your project and home. A poor contractor selling poor products and cheap service may actually affect the real value of your home… and its equity.
  • Documentation. Written proof speaks louder than words. Can the landscape lighting company provide a system that you are going to be satisfied with?  Do they have documented customer testimonials and warranties? Getting this information in writing means you have what you need if something goes wrong in the future. Any landscape lighting contractor should be able to prove what they are telling you with actual written documentation.

The sum of having all these important items = Value. Inexpensive can be right for you when you may not require quality, just be aware how low quality might actually cost you more in the long run. Asking questions about your landscape lighting company’s experience level, variety of services and products, technological capabilities, reputation, and documented evidence will help you fully understand whether their service is really in your best interest… and worth the sometimes ‘unbelievable’ low price.

This landscape lighting blog is published by Mike Gambino of Gambino landscape lighting inc. all rights reserved. Mike is a professional landscape lighting system designer/ builder and has been designing, installing and maintaining landscape lighting systems for more than 20 years. Mike resides in the Los Angeles area with his wife and 2 sons. To visit his website go to www.gambinolighting.com . To inquire about hiring Mike please click here .

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