Outdoor Lighting

I can’t begin to tell you how many times we’ve been asked to install outdoor feature lighting in gardens and festoon lights over pergolas.

Great lighting can make even a simple yard look spectacular and who doesn’t like the ambiance created by the sounds of summer and a string of lights as the sunsets and the warm glow of the lights takes over.

Installing modern outdoor lights is not that difficult. Bunnings stock a great range of garden lights and festoon lights.

However, there are a few considerations to take into account before you jump in.

My first question to a client when they ask about lighting is always, ‘are you thinking of selling anytime soon?
If you are, don’t invest in outdoor lights. While they look great, they won’t add a cent to the value of your property.

And the reason is simple. When do 99% of people attend an open for inspection? That’s right, sometime between 9am and 5pm – daytime. I know it’s rhetorical, but lights don’t provide ambiance during the day.

Where are your power points?
If you don’t have a readily accessible, outdoor (waterproof) power point, you’ll need to get one. Most houses built in the last 20 years will likely have an outdoor power point, but if you don’t, you’ll need to budget for an electrician, at least $300/$350 and a hole cut into your timber or brickwork (which is covered by the power point).

And a big tip, while outdoor power points are waterproof, don’t have it installed under a tap. And yes, I’ve seen it done.

Lights still need cables.
Think about how you are going to hide and access those cables.

It’s extremely important any cables you put underground are encased in orange conduit and (even though they are low voltage) buried to a depth of at least 600mm!

I’d also highly recommend noting the placement of the electrical cables on your home’s building plans for future reference.