DO-IT-YOURSELF LIGHTING KITS VS. PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION? THE ANSWER IS SIMPLE
It took all weekend, but finally the lights are in. You saved some money, but paid for it in work and sweat, but finally your backyard has lights along the paths and with the sun setting you settle down to enjoy the show. Except there’s something wrong.
They aren’t as bright as they looked on the box. And they don’t light up the plants the way the lady at the store said they would. And, after spending all that money and all that time, you are just now realizing you forgot lights for the porch steps. And even if you didn’t, how the heck would you install a lamp without ruining the siding on your house? These aren’t trivial questions, or all that rare of a reaction to sitting back and looking at a do-it-yourself lighting kit. And they’re not the only reasons to avoid them. The team at Outdoor Lighting Perspectives sees a lot of DIY attempts that just don’t live up to the homeowner’s expectations. Here are some of the ways you can go wrong and things to be aware of when you install your own lighting.
MAINTENANCE
The allure of DIY kits is that it feels like you’re cheating the system. Do a little work, save all that money. But the truth, more often than not, is that the money you save up front often ends up being spent replacing pieces that, let’s be honest, broke because they were cheap to begin with.
ENERGY-EFFICIENCY
It’s all the rage. Light your yard with solar-paneled lights or energy-efficient bulbs. Save the environment, save money, win-win. The fact is energy efficiency only works if it is also effective. And the people who know how to get the most bang for your buck are professionals. You don’t want to end up with weak lights that just don’t get the job done.
EFFECT
So, you jumped online and found picture after picture of beautifully lit homes and their luxurious yards, and thought, that’s what I want this summer. Here’s the problem, those pictures were not only taken by professional photographers, the yards were also designed and crafted by professionals who know where to lay the lights to make them look that good.
SAFETY
Lastly, lights may look nice and may make your patio or deck a more welcoming place at night, but they are also number one when it comes to injury prevention. Don’t risk having a poorly lit backyard just to save a few bucks. Hire a professional who knows where to place the lights, which types of lights to use, and how to make sure they prevent injury instead of causing it.
When it comes to improving your home, the question will always be asked: Do-it-yourself or hire a professional? Professionals know how to create drama and texture by highlighting key parts of your landscaping and architecture. You were able to get most of the lights from the kit to work, and that’s great, but you’re still disappointed that the end result falls short of those online images. Your expectations were high and your home deserves proper outdoor lighting.
