Hardscape Lighting

Illuminating Returns: The ROI of Landscape Lighting

by AM Garden Team | May 25, 2024 | Hardscape Lighting, Landscape Lighting, Landscape lighting renovation Houston, Landscape Lighting Services, LED Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Living

In the realm of home improvement projects, few enhancements offer the same transformative power and allure as landscape lighting. Beyond the mere aesthetic appeal, strategically placed lights can significantly impact the functionality, security, and overall value of your property. But, for the savvy homeowner, it’s not just about creating a picturesque nighttime ambiance; it’s about understanding the tangible return on investment (ROI) that landscape lighting can yield.

Setting the Scene: The Value of Landscape Lighting

Before delving into the numbers, it’s crucial to recognize the multifaceted benefits that landscape lighting brings to your property

Appeal: The visual impact of a well-lit exterior can’t be overstated. Landscape lighting adds depth and dimension to your property, accentuating architectural features, trees, and landscaping elements.

Increased Property Value: A beautifully illuminated home stands out in the real estate market. According to the National Association of Home Builders, outdoor lighting is consistently rated as one of the most desired outdoor features by homebuyers.

Extended Living Spaces: With the right lighting design, your outdoor areas become extensions of your indoor living space, allowing you to entertain guests or relax long after the sun has set.

Safety and Security: Well-lit pathways, driveways, and entry points deter potential intruders and minimize the risk of accidents, enhancing physical safety and peace of mind.

Crunching the Numbers: Calculating ROI

While the benefits of landscape lighting are evident, quantifying its ROI requires a closer examination of both the upfront costs and the long-term savings and value it generates.

Upfront Costs

The initial investment in landscape lighting typically includes the cost of fixtures, wiring, transformers, and professional installation. Depending on the size of your property and the complexity of the design, this can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Energy Efficiency

Traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs have largely been replaced by energy-efficient LED fixtures, which consume significantly less energy and have a longer lifespan. This translates to lower utility bills and reduced maintenance costs over time.

Increased Property Value

Studies have shown that strategic outdoor lighting can increase a property’s value by up to 20%. While it’s challenging to attribute this directly to landscape lighting alone, it undoubtedly contributes to the overall appeal and desirability of your home.

Extended Living Spaces

By effectively “adding” usable square footage to your property, landscape lighting enhances its functional value. Whether you’re hosting outdoor gatherings or simply enjoying a quiet evening on your patio, the enhanced livability of your outdoor spaces is a tangible return on your investment.

Safety and Security

While it’s challenging to assign a monetary value to safety and peace of mind, the potential savings from preventing accidents or deterring intruders can be substantial. Moreover, many insurance companies offer discounts for homes with security features such as outdoor lighting.

Maximizing ROI: Tips for Effective Landscape Lighting

To ensure you get the most out of your investment in landscape lighting, consider the following tips:

Strategic Placement: Focus on highlighting key features of your landscape while also ensuring adequate illumination for safety and security.
Energy Efficiency: Opt for LED fixtures and consider installing timers or motion sensors to further reduce energy consumption.
Professional Design and Installation: While DIY options exist, consulting with a professional ensures optimal results and minimizes the risk of costly mistakes.
Regular Maintenance: Keep your lighting system in top condition by routinely inspecting fixtures, replacing bulbs, and addressing any issues promptly.

Conclusion

Landscape lighting stands out as a high-impact investment with potentially significant returns. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, it enhances safety, security, and the overall value of your property. By carefully considering the upfront costs and long-term benefits, homeowners can make informed decisions that illuminate their outdoor spaces while also brightening their financial outlook.

Contact AM Garden to learn how landscape lighting can increase the value of your property.

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Illuminating the Night: Upgrading Landscape Lighting to LED Technology

by AM Garden Team | Apr 26, 2024 | Hardscape Lighting, Landscape Lighting, Landscape lighting renovation Houston, Landscape Lighting Services, LED Lighting, Outdoor Living, Pathway Lighting

Is your landscape lighting outdated and falling apart, held together by makeshift repairs? Let Alexander Michael’s Outdoor Lighting provide a FREE CONSULTATION to renovate and upgrade your system. Most systems can be upgraded at an affordable price with ease.

If your landscape lighting is in this condition, it is not only unappealing but also dangerous.

Contact Us! We can help.

LED technology provides energy efficiency, durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness with a customizable design.

In landscape design, outdoor lighting plays a crucial role in transforming outdoor spaces from average to exceptional. Whether it is a cozy backyard retreat, a flourishing garden, or an elegant pathway leading to your doorstep, the right lighting can enhance the atmosphere and functionality of any outdoor setting. With the advancement of technology, particularly the popularization of LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting, upgrading your landscape lights can offer a range of benefits that go beyond just aesthetics.

Call or text Robert for more information at (832) 515-8240

Should You Update Your Landscape Lighting?

by AM Garden Team | Nov 1, 2021 | Color Changing Lights, Hardscape Lighting, Landscape Lighting Services, Moonlighting Effect, Pathway Lighting, Shadowing Effect

Wondering whether or not to upgrade or add to your existing outdoor / landscape lighting?

Do you have an older lighting system that either does not work very well or not at all? LED technology has advanced in a significant manner over the last five years. As one example, in 2020, scientists even developed a technique that allows for a single LED to produce all three primary colors, which allows the manufacturers full-spectrum, multi-color lights! Imagine having the ability to change the color of your lights, via a mobile application, based on the season of a special day. IE. Christmas colors, blue for law enforcement support, pink for valentines day, etc. LED technology is a great option for exterior lighting. As opposed to traditional halogen light systems, LED has lots of benefits, including energy efficiency, durability, low cost, and low maintenance.

But I have a 120-volt system. Can I upgrade to LED?

120-volt systems are a great alternative for commercial applications, where several hundred feet of coverage is required. If you currently have a 120-volt system, consider this: Each of those bulbs are consuming approximately 60 watts of power, whereas an average LED fixture will consume only 7 watts. And, if your system has antiquated Halogen bulbs, you could expect to use 80% less energy with LED technology. Also, a typical LED lamp has a life expectancy of approximately 45,000 hours. To put that into perspective, if you have your LED system turned on every night, for eight hours a day, you could expect these bulbs to last 15 years, or longer!

What can I expect LED maintenance to cost?

Regular maintenance, usually every one to two years, is recommended to avoid costly repairs. We offer a free one-year maintenance plan at Alexander Michaels Garden, Landscape, And Outdoor Lighting. We will check your system bi-annually forbad bulbs, overgrown vegetation, transformer connections, and wire that has become unburied. All outdoor lighting systems will require maintenance, but LED will require less maintenance and repair over the years.

Do you want your outdoor lighting system updated or retrofitted?

The experts with Alexander Michael’s Garden, Landscape, and Outdoor Lighting are here for you! Call us at 832-515-8240, fill out our online Contact Us Form, and let us provide you with a free design consultation and proposal. Check out our gallery recent projects here.

Transform Your Landscape Lighting With Color!

by AM Garden Team | Oct 26, 2021 | Color Changing Lights, Hardscape Lighting, Moonlighting Effect, Pathway Lighting

Whether you want to add to an existing landscape lighting system or begin a new design from scratch, kick your design element into high gear by adding color. Alexander Michaels Garden, Landscape, And Outdoor Lighting can design and install a light color-changing system that will set your design apart from the rest.

APP CONTROLLED

Download a user-friendly APP that connects your smart device to the main transformer. Control the light color and lighting schedule for holidays and special occasions with the app’s simple “click” of a button. You can take the stress out of holiday decorating. No more weekends spent untangling lights or climbing ladders. With the touch of a button, your home lighting will be ready for Christmas, Halloween, or the 4th of July. You can even schedule the lights to change color on a set date, and they will change automatically every year! Then, it is very simple to change your system back to more traditional warm or cool lights for the remainder of the year.

Up Lights And Down Lights

Up and down-lights are available in various wattages and come in aluminum and brass finish options.

Path Lights And Tiki Torch Lights

Whether you are illuminating the path to your front door or around a pool or patio, these lights give you a perfect blend of mood and safety lighting.

Unique Features

Don’t settle for basic lighting, with Alexander Michael’s, our landscape lighting products offer:

A Variety of Color Options
Our lighting offers a broad range of color options in addition to our Classic White LED lighting. Our hand-selected radiant hues will add a festive touch to your home any day of the year.
Full Brightness and Temperature Control
Control the color and brightness of your light to best suit your home. Whether you want a bright white to illuminate walkways or a softer shade to highlight your home’s architecture, you can make the change with the touch of a button.
Durable Brass or Aluminum Finishing
Our fixtures not only look great, but they are also durable, too. Whether it’s rain, snow, or sunshine, you can count on our landscape lighting to stand up to the elements.
Smart Phone App
The user-friendly app allows you to control your lights from anywhere! You can also schedule your lights to change colors for holidays, game days, or any special occasion. No need for last-minute stress, set it in advance and forget it! This system has it covered.
Simple Home Automation
There are no confusing timers or unreliable light sensors. Use the app to simply schedule your lights to come on at sunset and turn off at sunrise, and it will happen every day.

Contact Alexander Michael’s Garden, Landscape, And Outdoor Lighting today to schedule your free design consultation.

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Top Reasons Why Landscape Lighting Is Worth The Money

by AM Garden Team | Oct 5, 2021 | Hardscape Lighting, Landscape Lighting Services

Provides Safety And Security
- Bad guys (and girls) simply do not like to be seen and will be less likely to target your home if it is tastefully illuminated. Landscape lighting enables you (and your neighbors) to see anyone making their way to your house. Even if you use night vision security cameras, footage will be much clearer and more useful to the authorities.
Enhance The Usability Of Your Outdoor Spaces
- Do you enjoy entertaining like we do? If the answer is yes, landscape lighting will unlock a realm of possibilities. On mild evenings, open your outdoor space for guests to congregate in beautifully illuminated surroundings. There is nothing like fresh air as you enjoy the company of friends and loved ones.
The Investment Makes Sense
- Have you recently invested in new landscaping, water features or hardscapes? Why not also enjoy the fruits of this investment once the sun goes down!? Experts say that we should invest 1% of our home’s value in landscape lighting. Hopefully, once you invest in new landscape lighting, you will be in your home for many years to come. But, in the instance that your home goes onto the market, nightscape pictures are valuable for your listing. And you can count on a potential buyer to drive by your home at night.
Provides A Safe Environment For Your Family And Friends
- If it is the main walkway to your front door or a stone path through your backyard, pathway lights add a touch of elegance and safety. Pathway lights are also extremely effective at highlighting hardscape features along any walkway. Also, don’t forget about that dark driveway. Bollard style lights, installed in a staggered fashion, will add a 5-star resort look and feel to your home.

Contact Alexander Michael’s today for your free design consultation

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