Alexander Michael's Garden & Landscape Design

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Traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs have largely been replaced by energy-efficient LED fixtures, which consume significantly less energy and have a longer lifespan.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.

Get a Natural Effect with Outdoor Down Lighting AM Garden

All About Low Voltage LED Lighting for Outdoor Design

Why Low Voltage LED Landscape Lights are Superior to Solar Alternatives

by AM Garden Team | May 1, 2024 | Landscape Lighting, Landscape lighting renovation Houston, Landscape Lighting Services, LED Lighting, Outdoor Kitchen Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Living, Pathway Lighting

In the world of landscape lighting, two options stand out: Low-voltage LED lights and their solar-powered counterparts. Both aim to enhance outdoor spaces, providing ambiance, safety, and functionality after the sun sets. However, when it comes to reliability, performance, and versatility, low-voltage LED landscape lights emerge as the superior choice.

Let’s look at some of the reasons that low-voltage LED landscape lights offer numerous advantages over solar alternatives in terms of performance, reliability, versatility, and longevity.

Consistent Performance

One of the primary advantages of low-voltage LED landscape lights is their consistent performance regardless of weather conditions. Unlike solar lights, which rely on the sun’s energy to recharge, low-voltage LEDs draw power directly from a reliable electrical source. This ensures uninterrupted illumination even during cloudy days or in shaded areas, offering consistent brightness throughout the night.

Durability and Longevity

LED lights are renowned for their durability and longevity, outlasting solar lighting options. Low-voltage LED landscape lights are designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures, without compromising performance. Additionally, LED technology consumes less energy, reducing operating costs and environmental impact over the long term.

Brightness and Intensity

LED technology is renowned for its ability to produce bright and intense light, making low-voltage LED landscape lights an excellent choice for various applications. For instance, Alexander Michael’s low-voltage landscape lights emit 400 to 600 lumens of light, which is significantly higher than the 55 lumens typically produced by solar fixtures. You can learn more about Lumens here if you’re interested.

Versatility and Design Options

From sleek and modern fixtures to rustic and traditional designs, low-voltage LED landscape lights offer a wide range of styles to complement any outdoor aesthetic. Furthermore, LED lights are available in various shapes and sizes, allowing for versatile placement and installation options.

Whether you require upgrading from solar to low-voltage landscape lighting or you are interested in beginning with a high-quality system from the start, Contact Alexander Michael’s to schedule your free design Consultation today.

Why Should You Choose a Professional Outdoor Lighting Company?

by siteadmin | Aug 19, 2022 | Landscape Lighting, Landscape Lighting Services, Outdoor Lighting

Hiring a professional outdoor lighting company is worth more than installing the lights yourself if you plan to invest in landscape lighting. As a homeowner, you’ll get tempted to opt for DIY outdoor lighting installation. However, you’ll have difficulty choosing the best landscape lighting design for your home as many outdoor lighting designs exist.

When installing outdoor lighting, one must figure out the bulb type, light fixtures, and type of ambiance they desire. You must also check the impact of the lights on the people around you. Besides, you need basic knowledge of electrical work, which most homeowners lack. Only professionals can handle the electrical work.

Outdoor lighting professionals are the best choice for your landscape, and here’s why! #AMGarden #outdoorlighting #landscapelighting Click To Tweet

Eliminate the Stress of DIY Installation

A lot goes into outdoor lighting installation, including electricity, wiring, and heavy equipment. You may get tempted to install the outdoor lighting by yourself and save money. However, the chances are high that the lights will fail prematurely or you’ll get electrocuted. Why risk your life over DIY installation when a professional can help you?

Expert Outdoor Lighting Knowledge

A professional outdoor lighting company can help you select the best lighting fixture that matches your style and lighting needs. They understand the different types of lights for various applications, such as path lighting, wall lighting, and poolside lighting. Contact a professional if you want to install LED lights in your outdoor kitchen or other focal points.

Warranties and Maintenance

Outdoor lighting fixtures require regular maintenance due to their exposure to weather conditions. This ensures they are in good working condition, reducing the repair and replacement costs. Thankfully, professional lighting companies offer warranties to protect customers and guarantee high-quality lighting. You get more than the expertise.

Hiring a Professional Outdoor Lighting Company

When your outdoor lighting gets implemented poorly, you risk your safety and money. However, when a professional outdoor lighting company installs the outdoor lights, you will enjoy the safety and ambiance of your outdoor spaces. You’ll minimize the potential risks involved and maximize your investment’s benefits.

Contact us to get your lights installed by experts and enjoy better customer service.

3 Contemporary Outdoor Lighting Designs

by siteadmin | Aug 12, 2022 | Landscape Lighting, Outdoor Lighting

Your outdoor living space deserves to be beautiful and conspicuous at night, and you can achieve that by investing in contemporary outdoor lighting. Modern outdoor lighting designs can transform your yard into a more livable space. When you install the best contemporary lighting designs, you’ll prolong your stay outdoors even after the sunset.

Enhance your outdoor space in the evenings with contemporary outdoor lighting ideas: #AMGarden #outdoorlighting #landscapelighting Click To Tweet

What are some contemporary outdoor lighting designs to consider for your home?

If you dream of enjoying summer evenings by the pool or spending time outdoors with friends or family, light up your outdoor space to give it a sophisticated look. Besides incorporating a modern twist into your home, contemporary lighting designs can improve your home’s safety and security. Let’s find out how.

Magical Water Lighting Effect
Outdoor Dining Pendant Lights
Contemporary Beam Lighting

1) Magical Water Lighting Effect

If you have water features around your home, you can install modern lighting fixtures to incorporate a mystical feel into your home. Illuminate your pond or fountain with a soft light to reflect them off. You may also install pond lights beneath the water to highlight aquatic plants while maintaining a minimalist feel in the entire yard.

2) Outdoor Dining Pendant Lights

Pendant lights are great additions to an outdoor dining space. They incorporate a cozy feel into your dining space when hung on the pergola, gazebo, or deck. Consider using architectural designs for the pendant lighting to add a contemporary twist to the dining area. Use light fixtures with materials that complement your outdoor furniture.

3) Contemporary Beam Lighting

If pendant lighting is not your favorite, you can try contemporary outdoor beam lighting. This lighting design illuminates your outdoor elements by giving a bright ambient light to surfaces, creating a more comfortable space for your guests. The sleek light beams complement any outdoor table, creating a more sophisticated look.

Contemporary Outdoor Lighting to Enhance Your Landscape

If you plan to install landscape lights in your home, use a contemporary outdoor lighting system to make the outdoor space more inviting at night. Add a few string lights, accent lights, and wall lighting fixtures. Also, remember to use modern lighting fixtures for path lighting. Finally, use solar-powered LED light sources to save money on energy bills.

Connect with us for professional contemporary outdoor lighting design and installation.

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