The five things that set the price
- Number of fixtures
- The biggest factor. A walkway might need six, a big oak two or three on its own.
- Fixture quality
- Solid brass and copper last outdoors in Florida. Hardware-store aluminum often does not.
- Transformer and wire runs
- How far the lights sit from power, and how many runs it takes to reach them.
- Controls
- A simple timer, a photocell, or app control with scenes.
- Terrain
- Roots, pavers and beds take more care than open lawn.
What a good quote lists
A quote you can trust is specific. If it only shows a total, ask for the breakdown.
- The number of fixtures, by type: uplights, path lights, wall or column lights, roofline
- The fixture brand and material, such as solid brass or copper
- The transformer size and where it mounts
- How the lights turn on and off: timer, photocell or app
- What happens if a fixture fails, and who you call
Questions to ask before you sign
- Can I see the design at night before it is final?
- How is the cable buried and routed around tree roots and irrigation?
- Is the system sized so I can add fixtures later?
- What color temperature are the lights? Warm white, around 2700K, suits most homes.
- Is a yearly tune up offered, and what does it include?
Where to start on a budget
You do not have to light everything at once. A good first phase is the front: the biggest tree, the front walk and the entry. A well sized transformer lets you add the back yard, the dock or the roofline later without starting over.
See what each kind of lighting covers: landscape lighting, permanent roofline lights, dock lighting and repair.