07 Nov The pros and cons of having a custom designed and built landscape lighting system
By Mike Gambino
I design and build and maintain landscape lighting systems for a living so of course my bias is to say that the positives of having a landscape lighting system on your property far outweigh the negatives. Of course my opinion is subjective so in the effort to remain neutral and not impose my views on the subject I will present the pros and cons in the most factual way I know how. I do feel that high quality professionally designed and installed landscape lighting systems are not for everyone. By presenting the facts here hopefully this will make it more clear to the reader if this is something they would like to pursue for their property or not.
Pros
Effective Landscape lighting provides curb appeal and a sense of safety and security around the property at night making it possible to see people, animals, potentially dangerous obstacles such as changes in grade, steps, bodies of water etc. It enhances the usability of a space, entices people to come outside in the fresh air and increases living space. When properly designed it can lead the eye to draw attention to attractive features in the garden such as statuary, special trees and plants, water features. It also keeps areas in darkness or shadow that are not so attractive such as utility work spaces, trash can storage areas, parking spaces, tress and plants that are not so attractive etc. Lighting can showcase and draw attention to beautiful architecture and also make it easier for friends , visitors and emergency first responders to find your address. High quality systems built by reputable companies with a long track record of success will be the best value for the buyer regardless of the initial cost. In fact the best service providers view the system as their own with the property owner only hosting it. The only thing the owner needs to do is right a check or tender a credit card. They will make it a truly turn key experience.
Cons
High quality landscape lighting is never inexpensive. It requires multiple light sources and other supporting equipment and a significant amount of experience and labor on the part of the designer/builder to properly install in order to be as trouble free as possible. Even though the low voltage LED systems that we install are absolutely the most cost efficient to operate in terms of electrical usage they will still need electrical power to operate and will increase electrical usage and bills. In spite of the fact that the our products are made from non ferrous (non rusting) parts are heavy duty and built to last they will still need regular maintenance to look their best. LED’s are designed to last much longer than halogen lamps used in the past but eventually will not last forever and will need to be replaced. It can sometimes be difficult to find the right service provider who will supply quality products, employ the best installation techniques, offer to maintain the system and stand behind it as it gets older to make sure it performs and stands the test of time. Unfortunately it is much easier to find an unqualified, inexperienced installer who will provide a problematic system that will not perform well or last than it is to find one that will provide a satisfactory result. Buyers must practice probably more due diligence than any other improvement project before hiring.
There are obviously positive and negative values to all possible home improvement amenities and custom landscape lighting is not an exception. Only the individual property owner can decide what is best for his or her situation. Hopefully this article has stimulated thought in either direction.
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