Construction & Contractors Blog
Owning a home can be challenging at times due to the different tasks needed to improve and maintain its look and function. From mowing the lawn and replacing the exterior siding to painting the walls inside, these tasks will be necessary at one point in time. One task that ensures both curb appeal and value is landscape design, but you may not realize landscaping is more than a green lawn, lush shrubs, and colorful flowers.
Today, more and more homeowners are seeing the benefits of landscape lighting. Not only does landscape lighting improve your home's curb appeal and the safety and security around your home, but it also adds enormous value to your home. With this guide, you will learn a few options to consider when installing landscape lighting.
Solar
Visit your local home improvement store, discount retailer, or lighting showroom and you will find a large selection of solar lights. These lights may be placed directly into the ground, strung across covered porches and decks, or hung on lantern hooks. They are simple to install, allowing you to complete the project on your own in only a short period of time.
Of course, the main benefit of solar lighting for your landscape is that it does not require any energy source other than sunlight. The use of solar lights adds appeal and illumination without increasing your monthly energy bills, which is something many homeowners prefer.
Solar lights are affordable choices, which work well if you want to add some lighting to an outdoor space of a home or apartment you are renting. Since they are battery-powered, solar lights can be removed when and if necessary.
Unfortunately, it is important to note that some solar lights do not offer a very bright light even if the light has been exposed to constant sunlight. This can be challenging for homeowners who need a larger amount of illumination but do not want to spend a lot of money on installation or electricity.
Hard-Wired
For the most effective illumination, consider hiring a professional to install hard-wired lights around your landscape.
These lights are powered by your home's main electricity source, so you may need to have a separate transformer and wiring system installed, as well.
The benefit of hard-wired landscape lights is that the update is permanent and will offer lighting that is truly functional and noticeable. Because the wiring is placed underground in most cases, issues may arise.
If the lights are starting to flicker or they are unable to turn on, check the bulbs of each fixture first. Replace the bulbs if necessary. If the issue is still occurring, there is most likely an issue with the wiring.
Common problems may include pinched wires, which will affect the light's function. Consulting an electrician is best to ensure the wires are inspected and repaired in the safest manner possible.
Hard-wired lights are best for lighting around your driveway and doors since these areas should be lit well for safety and security purposes.
Low-Voltage
Lastly, low-voltage lights are options to consider for your landscaping. These are beneficial if you are hoping to add lights without using a large amount of energy. On average, low-voltage landscape lights are powered by 30 volts of electricity or less.
These energy-efficient lights benefit the environment, but they also reduce your monthly energy bills. In addition, wiring does not have to buried deep in the ground, which reduces the risk of electrical problems due to faulty wiring.
Opt for low-voltage lights to line a sidewalk or illuminate an outdoor living area, such as around a patio or fire pit area.
Landscape lighting can be a great investment for your home's curb appeal and value. This guide will help you select the right type of lighting and landscaping services for your specific needs.
Share31 March 2021
My name is Debbie Greenberg. I’m a single woman who owns her home, and like most homeowners I dread home repairs. I’m not very handy with do-it-yourself projects around the house. I can do a few minor repairs when necessary, but for the most part I have to call in a professional. Last year I had a leak in my roof. When it rained, water would leak into my kitchen. What appeared to be a simple fix turned out to be anything but simple. It took over four months to finally identify the problem, and double the money I was initially quoted to fix it. The problem ended up being that the flat part of my roof didn't have shingles, but a sheeting material. I learned a bit about home roofs along the way, and that is what I want to share with you.
