Buyer Beware: Choosing a landscape lighter for the lowest price

Buyer Beware: Choosing a landscape lighter for the lowest price

By Mike Gambino

When I come across a failed landscape lighting system I always wonder who’s fault it is. Was it the owner who insisted on buying based upon low price? Was it the lighting system provider who promised a good end result and did not deliver or a combination of the two. The property owner making it clear to the service provider that they are not going to get the work if the price is not lower and the service provider accepting the project and cutting corners and using cheap products because that’s all the budget will allow.

Everyone wants a good deal on a major purchase and no one wants to overpay.  However, you also want to make sure you do not get cheated and do get the best value for your dollar.

When it comes to selecting a landscape lighting provider for a major home improvement project, these desires really hit home. In particular, building a new landscape lighting system is a prime example of such a project.

To ensure that you get the most for your money, it’s crucial to resist the temptation to choose your builder primarily on price—particularly if it is significantly lower than other bids you receive.

Here’s why: Low-priced contractors are often the ones who cut corners on a variety of fronts.  For example, they may operate without proper business insurance, liability insurance, workers comp insurance, or property-damage insurance.  In states where a license is required, as it does in California, the low-ball firms are often those without one.

They may install cheaper equipment or brands with poor performance and warranties.  They may use low-quality materials or skimp on the required amounts.  They may rely on crews and subcontractors who charge less—due to limited skills, experience, or an unfavorable reputation among local landscape lighting system builders.

Sometimes a low-ball price is a sign of desperation.  A builder may sell a system virtually at his cost.  Why?  While he may make only slim or no profit, he may be on a money treadmill; he will take the job just in order just to keep cash flowing to pay the rent or the bills on his last customer’s project.

Remember: To make a profit to stay in business, any good business needs to charge enough for their product or service.  The same is true for landscape lighting contractors.

However, a contractor staying in business is important not only for them—but for homeowners too.  You want your contractor to be around to take care of any warranty issues that may arise!

Certainly, your budget must be a major factor in guiding what you purchase.  However, it should not be the primary factor in guiding you with whom to make that purchase.

Weigh factors such as local reputation, length of time in business, financial stability, scope and depth of insurance coverage, expertise of the designer, and the quality and scope of equipment offerings.  Above all, when shopping for a landscape lighting system builder, seek overall, long-term value.

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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