Landscape lighting can enhance safety, security, curb appeal, and home value when installed correctly. However, potential clients often wonder why professional landscape lighting is more expensive than the fixtures they see in big-box stores. Today, we’ll explore the reasons behind this price difference.
First, let’s consider the cost of landscape lighting fixtures. Big-box store fixtures are generally mass-produced and made from cheaper materials like plastic painted to look like metal or low-grade soft aluminum. These fixtures often have a shorter lifespan compared to professional landscape lighting fixtures. Professional fixtures are typically made from higher-quality materials such as brass, copper, or high-grade aluminum like zinc alloy.
The lower quality of materials used in big-box store fixtures results in lower durability. Even minor impacts from lawn equipment, trimming bushes, cleaning gutters, or washing the house can cause these fixtures to break. While professional fixtures can also break, they are usually more resilient and can withstand more significant impacts. When a fixture breaks, it can disrupt the entire system until it’s replaced, adding to the overall cost. Replacement costs for fixtures can accumulate quickly if they occur frequently.
Most big-box fixtures come with integrated bulbs that can’t be replaced. Once the light source dies, the entire fixture needs to be replaced. Some professional fixtures are this way, but many still have standard bulbs that can be replaced. Professional installers prefer the option of replacing bulbs over replacing the entire fixture. Bulb selection also allows for different brightness options in landscape lighting design, which is often considered during the design process.
When investing time and money in landscape lighting, you want to ensure that any issues can be resolved quickly and easily. A warranty provided by a professional offers security that someone is accountable for resolving the problem. Big-box stores usually have warranties as well, but getting the warranty fulfilled can be a tedious, stressful, and lengthy process.
In most cases, hiring a professional to install your landscape lighting is the better choice compared to the DIY approach. It doesn’t mean you’re incapable or talented enough to install your own lighting. It’s just that a professional installation with higher-quality components provides a better overall return on investment. Don’t waste money on cheap, low-quality products with minimal warranties. Considering the cost of replacing fixtures and the value of your time, the DIY approach often ends up being a net negative.
Outdoor Lighting Solutions uses only high-quality professional fixtures in every landscape lighting project. Our systems are designed to enhance the beauty of your home and landscape for many years.
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