Outdoor Lighting You Can Do – For Safety and Aesthetics
Folks across the Indianapolis area know Mister Quik for our expert heating, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical services. But fewer people realize that we offer professional landscape lighting as well. Like we mentioned in our previous blog post, exterior illumination is a great way to add safety and security to your home. Done correctly, this type of light also adds elegance and enhances your home’s overall look.
How does it work? Well, the obvious choice is to consult with a professional like Mister Quik about how to illuminate your property. There are also DIY steps homeowners can take to add some extra lighting along popular spaces like sidewalks and driveways. Read on and learn how simple it is to get started.
Nitescaping – Where to begin
First things first, you’ll want to get an idea of where to place lights and how to use them. Wait for it to get dark outside. Grab a flashlight and walk around your lawn, shining light on different spaces to see how they would look illuminated. Maybe your goal is to discourage criminals. Perhaps it is to make walkways and steps safer to traverse. Whatever your plan, now is the time to figure it out.
Things to have:
- Flashlight
- Pencil and paper
- Tape measurer
Exterior Lighting Choices
After you have an idea of where your lights will go and how bright they will be, now is the time to go shopping! Exterior lighting fixtures come in all sorts of styles. Solar fixtures are popular because they are easy to install and don’t require any wiring. However, they don’t put off a very bright light and cloudy days can hamper charges.
Low-voltage lights use buried wires to operate and are relatively safe if damaged, but require more parts and may be difficult to install depending on a homeowner’s skill level.
You may also choose to install motion-detecting lights and/or fixtures attached to your home. Whatever you buy, make sure to have the correct accessories and more than enough wiring to finish the job.
Things to have:
- Wire cutters
- Cable connectors
- Transformers/power packs
- Wall outlets
- Light bulbs
- Shovel
- Mulch or soil
Lighting Installation Tips
The next step is probably going to be the most challenging. Installation varies widely depending on the types of lights you plan to use. Check local zoning laws to be sure you’re not breaking any regulations. Follow all safety procedures when handling electrical components, and remember to consider the weather when installing anything that draws power. Use as few lights as possible to get the look you’re going for. Once your fixtures are in the ground, use mulch or soil to patch holes and give the lights a professional look.
If you are not comfortable with DIY electrical projects, it’s probably best to call a pro. Mister Quik has certified electricians that can take all the guesswork out of outdoor illumination. We’ll work with you to create a custom design based on your specifications. After that, leave everything to us!
Exterior lighting gives homes a special look and added security. It is an affordable and smart investment for homeowners on any budget. Contact us to learn more.
