Planning to get the outdoor lighting installed on your residential or commercial property? It comes with lots of benefits. Apart from improving your space’s aesthetic appeal, those lights also brighten dark paths so everyone can walk safely. And not to mention how would-be intruders get repelled when something is well-lit.
However, installing the lights is a complex process, and not every contractor can complete it flawlessly. So, it’s important that you check certain things first before you trust someone. We’re going to mention those things here. Let’s get started.
Check Credentials and Quality
First and foremost, check if the contractor is actually eligible to work in your area. Hiring someone who can’t operate in your locality would do more harm than good.
Then, verify the active credentials to see if an outdoor lighting solutions provider has a solid understanding of the safety standards. This will protect you against electrical hazards and unexpected incidents.
You should also ask them to use only high-quality materials. Insist on professional-grade brass or heavy-duty LEDs. Those cheap retail alternatives don’t cut it. Lastly, review the previous night-time installations and see what the past clients are saying. This will give you a solid idea of their aesthetic skill.
Analyze Their Approach on System Design and Installation
In this phase, ask how they’re going to install the entire system. Would a low-voltage transformer work best? Or is line-voltage a more suitable option?
Thoroughly check what’s included in the scope and make sure it explicitly covers trenching and hiding wires below the ground level. You don’t want to deal with the mess of cables after work is done.
And never forget to confirm if they perform a nighttime follow-up visit. Because certain lights may not work as intended, and a minor tweak can resolve those issues instantly.
Communication Style
Nobody wants to work with a contractor who doesn’t reply instantly or hesitates to share valuable suggestions. A good contractor will keep you in the loop about any changes or schedule delays. This will realistically set your expectations from the start.
They’ll also confirm fixture placement and transformer locations before digging. This prevents expensive work down the line.
Their willingness to make proactive adjustments will also highlight their professionalism and care for the setup. They never leave hidden surprises and always prepare everything in advance.
Service and Agreements
It’s frustrating when you spend a lot on the entire system, only to experience a malfunctioning light the next day. So, ask for clear guarantees that cover both the hardware and the installation labor.
Know if they also provide cleaning and bulb replacement services. Hiring a new contractor for those minor maintenance jobs will be more expensive than trusting the same person who installed the system in the first place.
Never forget to obtain detailed cost breakdowns. You need to know the cost of fixtures, labor, and materials separately.
Final Thoughts
Checking the aforementioned things will ensure that you ultimately uplift the exterior of your property and keep it that way throughout those nights.