When you're working with an outdoor lighting designer, it's important to communicate your needs and preferences clearly. This is where asking the right questions come into play. When your questions are answered it leaves little room for disappointment.
Is Outdoor Lighting your specialty?
Many businesses like landscape contractors, handymen, or deck & pool companies, advertise that they offer Landscape Lighting services but that doesn't mean they have the experience & knowledge needed to complete the job to your satisfaction. Instead, you want to hire a company whose main focus is Landscape Lighting design. When investing your time & money into a Landscape Lighting system, hiring a company that specializes in Landscape Lighting Design is the best way to go
What type of fixtures & warranties do you offer?
When it comes to outdoor Lighting fixtures, there are many different options to choose from. Design & functionality are important but if your fixtures aren't built to last, the latter two don't matter. If the fixtures presented are made from aluminum or plastic & without warranty, take it as a red flag! These fixtures are not made to fight against the outdoor elements for the long term. The best lighting fixtures are made from either brass or copper & are designed to protect the socket and lamp from moisture. These fixtures are meant to stand the test of time. When you invest in high-quality fixtures, the company providing them should offer an extensive warranty.
Do you offer service & maintenance?
Often you will find that when going with a company that doesn't specialize in Outdoor Lighting, you may experience disappointment when it comes to your system needing to be serviced, or having an annual maintenance service option, because often those types of services aren't offered. Another question to ask is, "how long has the company been in business?". You'll want to avoid hiring a company that doesn't have the experience or promising longevity to be around when you need them. Your best bet is hiring an attentive, dependable & well-established company that offers service whenever needed & encourages yearly maintenance to keep your system working its best.
Why should I hire you instead of doing it myself?
You can certainly design & install the fixtures of your choice and be happy with the outcome. However, by hiring a company that specializes in Landscape Lighting, you will have an experienced, knowledgeable designer meet with you and go over your wants and needs. Our designers use their extensive understanding of outdoor lighting to make sure the system will be contoured to your outdoor space. They pay attention to the layout & how the space is used, the goal is to understand the way it will be interpreted at night through different design elements.
By asking these questions, you can get a better understanding of the designer's qualifications, experience, and approach to outdoor lighting, and make an informed decision about who to work with.
