Landscape Lighting Kits for Home Improvement and Security

Professional installation of outdoor lights can cost hundreds and even thousands of dollars depending on the contractor and type of lights selected. However, landscape lighting kits make this beautiful addition completely affordable saving you money on installation costs. Not only does this product add a gentle glow of illumination to the outside of your home, it acts as accent lighting, can prevent falls by lighting paths and add an increased element of home security. But with all the options available, how do you know which is the right kit to choose and is this project suitable for the home improvement novice? And how do you avoid the most common home installation mistakes?

Kits allow homeowners to install pathway lighting at an affordable cost. Basic lighting starts at $50 and higher end models are $600 or more. But before you purchase a cheaper product, keep in mind you do get what you pay for. Cheap landscape lighting kits may seem like a money saver at the time, but what you are getting is lower voltage lights. The bulb wattage may be as low as 10 watts, and while that will produce some illumination it may not be enough to provide exactly what you are looking for. An average boarder light kit will produce between 25 to 35 watts per bulb. While these kits may be more expensive, the additional cost may be worth it in the long run.

There are several common types of outdoor lights used when landscaping. These include, but are not limited to:

• Well or Uplights
• Spotlights
• Down Lighting
• Tier Lights
• Edge Fixtures

But before you decide you embark on the journey of starting this do it yourself project, there are a couple points to keep in mind. Just because this is a home installation project, does not mean it is for everyone. Beginners may have a hard time with installation, even though this item comes in a kit and requires few tools. If you do attempt this project it will take at least 6 hours to complete depending on your home improvement experience.

Outdoor home lighting can produce a visually appealing effect in the dusk and evening hours. If your pathway is longer and not covered by existing outside light fixtures, installing landscape lights can provide adequate illumination to prevent tripping and falling over hazards. While this type of lighting is practical and affordable it also adds an additional element of security to your home. Burglars look for specific features when they target a home, and one with well lit pathways, outdoor fixtures and patio lighting will be the last on their list.

Landscape lighting kits are typically associated with creating pathway lights, but these same kits can be used to outline a garden or patio. This can add interest and value to your home and garden, creating a beautiful design for the evenings that could otherwise not be enjoyed. Also adding lights to the edging of the lawn, garden or shrubs can illuminate darkened areas and increase home security.

This type of lighting can be beautiful and decorative when properly done, but when to many lights are installed the effect can be disastrous. In fact this is the most common mistake made by beginners. In the attempt to create a well lit pathway, too many lights are installed and the results are too bright with an annoying glare. The best way to avoid this is to start using the kits to add the desired effect to a small area – that way if a mistake is made it can be easily removed and reinstalled. Also, when installing pathway lighting minimal is better. Alternate lights for the best overall effect and start with a small space, examining the results at night.

Regardless of which option you choose, when properly installed, they can add a beautiful design accent to your home. In addition to making you home look amazing, it increases its value and improves home security. Whichever option you choose, select a design that complements your existing design and décor.