07 Apr If you want Beautiful Effective and Reliable Custom LED Landscape Lighting system then be prepared to do some work before meeting with a pro.
By Mike Gambino
No I don’t mean that you need to get your overalls on and shovel out of the garage and prepare to start digging. Nothing good in life comes without at least a minimal amount of effort on the recipients part. This is true of everything in life including landscape lighting. Successful projects do not just happen without some work and effort on the part of the buyer.
Due Diligence– Not all landscape lighting service providers are the same. Not all landscape lighting products are the same. Not by a long shot. If you the consumer want the best results then you are going to need to do some research and seek out the best most suitable to fit your particular requirements and budget.
Deciding to add landscape lighting to your property is a big decision and like all big decisions should be taken seriously.
Be prepared, know your budget and have examples that will illustrate your ideas.
Before you schedule a landscape lighting consultation, be sure your finances are in place.
prepare to meet with the professionals who come to your house to help you take your ideas and implement them into an actual landscape lighting plan.
This plan is important because it will become a new part of your home, which is probably your largest investment. You need to be prepared, know your budget, know where your budget funds will come from, and have pictures and other examples that will illustrate your ideas.
Know your landscape lighting project budget and share it
A good design/build contractor is there to utilize your budget in a proper manner and effective way. The contractor needs to be able to guide you toward the right-sized project to meet your budget.
For example, maybe you want to illuminate the entire property front and backyards. When the contractor looks at your budget of $15,000, he or she will then also look at the costs associated with doing the front and backyards in a way so you will be pleased with the job, will be less costly to maintain and will stand the test of time and perform long into the future. With all factors considered, he or she may tell you that you can do such a state-of-the art landscape lighting system in the backyard only for the $15,000.
Finding the most suitable and qualified designer builder for your project is the single most important decision that will directly affect the success or failure of your project. There are enough things to educate yourself about and the selection of products shouldn’t need be one of them if you choose the right contractor. Setting a budget also allows the landscape lighting contractor to guide you toward the correct products, from less expensive items to those with all the bells and whistles.
Like they say about only being as good as the weakest link. Quality landscape lighting design builders with the best reputation use only the best products that last and vice versa those who are not that good are using products that do not perform or last. Product choice reflects back on the contractor and defines him or her as a quality professional or not.
Have some design ideas
Finally, be sure your ideas are in order so you’ll be able to present a clear picture of what you want during the consultation. Maybe you desire dramatic lighting for the backyard but more subdued illumination in the front. But on the side yards you want lighting for specific window views with safety and security as a priority. Gather pictures to help illustrate your desires. Try using:
Internet: Can be a great resource. The quality of night time photos has gotten real good lately with quality contractors providing photos of their work on their websites and social media sites. Bookmark or print the best ones that convey the look you are after.
- Magazines: Tear pictures and put together a design idea book from magazine clippings.
- Photos: Did your recently stay at a resort and you’d like to replicate the look? Snap a pic. Take a picture with your cell phone while out and about if something catches your eye.
Be responsible for the positive outcome of your project. Do the leg work required that results in a beautiful, effective, easier to maintain custom LED landscape lighting system for your property.
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 27 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 .
Blog articles may be published with permission on other websites without editing or removing links.
No Comments