Outdoor lighting designers near you

It depends on the type of lighting. You typically won’t need an electrician for simple low-voltage options like solar or plug-in lights. However, if the installation involves hardwiring into your home's electrical system, you'll almost certainly need a licensed electrician to handle the job safely and ensure it meets local building codes.

When looking for a professional for outdoor lighting installation, make sure you complete the following steps:

• Verify their license and insurance: Many outdoor lighting projects involve electrical work, so you may need a licensed electrician. Look for pros with general liability insurance to protect your property. Keep in mind that specific requirements vary by region.

• Get several estimates: A proper estimate should be itemized, breaking down the costs for fixtures, transformers, wiring, and labor. It should also detail the type and brand of lights being installed.

• Read their reviews: Good reviews often mention a pro’s design skills, professionalism, and the durability of their work. Red flags can include complaints about lights failing quickly, messy installations, or unexpected charges.

• Look at their portfolios: Check for high-quality photos of past projects. Look for clean wiring, well-placed fixtures, and a beautiful final lighting effect at night. A good portfolio will show their experience with different types of lighting, like path, accent, and security lights.

• Find out if they have warranties: Ask about warranties on both the installation workmanship and the lighting fixtures themselves. Manufacturer warranties on fixtures can be separate from an installer’s guarantee.

• Ask important questions: Before hiring, ask questions like, “What type of system do you recommend for my landscape and why?” and “How will you protect my lawn and plants during the installation?”

There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:

• Number and type of lights: The total quantity and style of fixtures you choose will affect the price. A simple design with a few path lights, for example, will cost less than an elaborate one with many different spotlights and uplights.

• Power source: A solar-powered system is often the most affordable to install. Low-voltage systems that plug into an outlet are a popular middle ground, while hardwired systems that connect to your home’s electrical panel typically cost more.

• Installation complexity: The size of your yard and the difficulty of the terrain can influence labor costs. Running wires under existing patios, driveways, or through tough soil can increase the time and effort involved.

• Fixture materials: The quality of the light fixtures plays a role. Durable materials like brass or copper usually cost more than fixtures made from aluminum or plastic.

• Advanced features: Adding extras like timers, dimmers, motion sensors, or smart controls that you can manage from your phone will also add to the final cost.

Typically, it will take a few hours to a full day for a professional to complete an outdoor lighting installation. There are a few factors that may impact how long it takes. For example:

• The overall size of your property and the total number of light fixtures will heavily influence the project duration.

• Complex designs that involve mounting lights on architecture or in trees take more time than simple ground-level path lights.

• Installing a low-voltage system is generally faster than a line-voltage system, which requires more extensive wiring and conduit.

• Difficult-to-access areas, such as steep slopes or dense garden beds, can slow down the installation process.

• If your current electrical system needs to be upgraded to handle the new load, this will add time to the job.

Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.