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1. Why should I consider an outdoor lighting professional to do my lighting? Professional installers are trained to install and troubleshoot the finest, most robust and reliable systems you can get. They are looking for things like load balance, lamp capabilities, lighting technique, cable runs, voltage drop - not to mention the overall artistic effect of your new system. We're trained to assist the home or business owner in achieving a spectacular effect, within their budgets.
3. How does a professionally installed Landscape Lighting System compare to a big box home store lighting kit? There really is no comparison. A professionally designed and installed lighting system uses components and techniques that are far superior to low-cost home store kits. Treasured Earth uses use only aluminum, copper, and bronze fixtures with 5yr. and lifetime warranties. We have found that home store fixtures will usually not work or look very good after about a year. When you compare them with our fixtures, it will be plain to see why. Additionally, these fixtures can’t put out nearly the same quality of light a professionally installed system can. Low-cost transformers are not multiple-tap to adjust for voltage drop, and in terms of durability, they will not stand the test of time like professional-grade components.
4. Is the installation disruptive to my yard or my home? No. All low voltage cables are installed right under your mulch layer in planting bed areas. If trenching is required across the lawn, a small incision is made about 6 inches deep for the wire.
5. How much does professionally installed landscape lighting cost? This will vary with the size of the area to be lit, smaller systems start at about $2,000. Medium size projects are in the $3,000-$5,000 range. Larger size projects generally run $5000 and up. Our average installation runs around $3,000. This includes the fixtures, the transformer, the labor and installation materials, and the warranty. As a rule of thumb, figure about $180-220 per fixture (depending on type of fixture chosen), which includes fixtures, transformers, wire, conduits and installation labor.
4. What kind of service is provided after the installation? Treasured Earth offers the first years' maintenance included with every installation we do. Items covered:
- Checking and replacing bulbs
- Making minor adjustments to fixtures (i.e. plants have grown around or been dislodged, etc.)
- Trimming and minor pruning around fixtures
- Adjusting timers
- Checking wire runs for malfunction due to accidental abrasion from lawn care equipment, etc.
6. How is the landscape lighting system controlled? An automatic timer (or photocell) connected to the transformer controls the system. It is set to your desired on/off times and can be adjusted easily for daylight savings and seasonal changes in daylight hours. Most of our clients choose to have the system stay on for a few hours in the evening then again for 1-2 hours in the morning. It can always be switched on manually for outdoor patio parties, dining, etc.
7. How long does it take to install? Most systems can be installed in one to two days.
8. What if I wanted to add more lights later? All our systems are designed with a larger transformer for future expansion of your lighting system. The transformers we install all have multiple circuits and voltages, so adding to the system later is usually not a problem.
9. What kind of fixtures and finishes are available? There are many, many styles and finishes to choose from when it comes to outdoor lighting. When we meet to discuss your system, we'll discuss the design characteristics of your home and landscape and choose the fixture that works best with your home. There is a fixture out there to suit almost anyone's style and budget. We'll leave you with some manufacturer’s info so you can browse your fixture selections at your leisure.
10. Do you do outdoor lighting demonstrations at my home? Yes. If we have a demo system available, we'll install it for you so you can get a sense of the dramatic effects lighting can achieve in your landscape.
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