Choosing the right designer for your landscape lighting project is as important as the plants and hardscape materials. The perfect design can highlight the architectural details of your home and yard, provide safe walkways throughout your property, and help you enjoy the beauty of your yard long after the sun goes down. But when it comes to hiring the right company for the job, there are a few things to consider.
Will your input be welcomed?
Landscape lighting is not one-size-fits all. It is a very personal project that should reflect the needs and tastes of the homeowner. Your designer should be someone who is available to meet with you to go over ideas and review examples. He should be a good listener, ask many questions and work to determine how your tastes and desires can be accomplished within the design. Ultimately, this is your home. So, a lighting design expert should consider you as a vital member of the design team.
What materials will you be getting?
A professional outdoor lighting company should take great care to choose high quality, commercial grade products made of brass and other durable materials that will stand the test of time and hold up to Indiana’s unique climate. Your designer should be able to tell you what brands he typically works with as well as the quality assurance that comes with each fixture.
Will service be available if something goes wrong or a fixture gets bumped?
When investing in any home improvement project, you want to be sure that if something goes wrong, it can be resolved easily. Ask if the company offers a guarantee and what that entails. You also want to make sure you’re not going to be the one changing bulbs in the middle of winter. Ask if the company offers an annual service plan to handle these basic maintenance tasks.
What is the level of expertise?
Many lawn care companies will offer landscape lighting as an additional product to many of the other services they offer. This is can be a good choice for small projects, or when the homeowners know exactly what they want. Unfortunately, many of these providers lack the expertise to design and install a sophisticated lighting project. Ask prospective designers what their experience is; what additional or ongoing training they undertake; and if they hold any licenses or certifications relevant to the field.
