Cheap Versus Expensive Landscape Lighting – Which Should You Choose?

29 Apr Cheap Versus Expensive Landscape Lighting – Which Should You Choose?

By Mike Gambino

If you’ve ever contemplated the differences between cheap versus expensive landscape lighting, you aren’t alone.

I sometimes wonder why anyone would shell out so much for other custom home improvements, yet won’t invest in a quality landscape lighting system, buy on the cheap and are surprised with low performance and why it fails so quickly.

However, once you understand the biggest things that separate the inexpensive from the pricey, you can make the best choice for you.

So, here you go.

The best ways to tell the difference between cheap versus expensive landscape lighting.

Service provider

Ultimately, the difference between an “expensive” and a “cheap” landscape lighting system provider is experience, dedication to the trade and performance. We all know that the better things in life are not cheap. Those who are at the top of their industry are busy and are those whose services are in demand, so why would they sell on the cheap? There are reasons why Cheaper service providers are immediately available for your project and it’s probably because they are not in high demand.

Products

Top landscape lighting designers can be judged by not only their creative and artistic skills and abilities but also by the products they recommend and use on their projects. The quality of the equipment specified or the lack thereof is a direct reflection upon them and their reputation. Performance, reliability, serviceability, durability and function are the most important aspects in choosing equipment with price way down on the list. Simply put- Cheap products don’t last.

With that in mind, is it really a smart idea to hunt around for the “cheapest” landscape lighting system provider? I don’t think so.

Of course, if you’re just starting out as a first time property owner and you need some basic and not custom designed lighting, I understand why you’d want to keep your costs down.

Just keep in mind that by going the “cheap” route, you could be throwing a lot of future money down the drain not to mention the headaches and aggravation associated with an inferior system that is problematic and rife with down time.

If you were building a house, you wouldn’t skimp on the foundation. That would be foolish, and a little dangerous, don’t you think?

This is not to say that landscape lighting is as important as the FOUNDATION of your home. However it is a very important amenity and addition to your property providing safety , security and beauty year around no matter the weather. It gets dark every night. The last thing you want to do is skimp on this aspect.

CHEAP MIGHT COST MORE

It can be painful to spend a lot on anything, right?

It feels good to think you’ve saved money on something.

However, many landscape lighting experts say that by choosing the cheaper alternative, you may end up spending more.

That’s because it generally doesn’t last as long, which means constant cost of repair, downtime and aggravation.

Before you know it, that system has failed and you have to pay again for a new one.

With more expensive versions that last longer you won’t have to redo your landscape lighting providing it is properly maintained.

Cheaper products or services are cheap at first, but will likely cost you more money over the long run because they breakdown and begin to show their flaws much sooner than their more expensive counterparts.

But the bottom line is this: with landscape lighting, the difference between a “cheap” and an “expensive” landscape lighting system isn’t just the price, almost always it will be reflected in the results.

So lay a solid foundation for your property, and don’t skimp on the thing that is going to make the greatest impact on your outdoor environment night after night!

Take it from someone who makes their living after 26 years of replacing cheap landscape lighting.

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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