The value, safety, and security of your property are all significantly increased by an outstanding landscape lighting design. Additionally, it makes the outdoor areas more functional after dark. Selecting the right landscape lighting and strategically placing it will draw attention to the home’s most striking external elements and illuminate any dark spaces.
Do-it-yourself lighting projects seem appealing when it comes to outdoor lighting. You may cut costs while still getting the necessary illumination. While this is possible, there are a few things to keep in mind before attempting your own installation, including wiring, fixtures, and landscape lighting system performance as a whole. If you want the job done right, here are the best steps to take to hire a landscape lighting professional:
- Ask about experience and qualifications
Long-standing businesses often have a superior understanding of their fields than young, inexperienced businesses. Although this isn’t always the case, experience is still a good way to measure competence. A reputable lighting contractor possesses the necessary certifications, insurance, and licenses and has obtained the training and expertise necessary to properly carry out their duties while abiding by the state’s mandatory standards and regulations. - Check references
Ask around and get references. Word-of-mouth is a proven and tested method of learning more about a company. Your close friends and family can usually offer an objective judgment and either recommend someone they had a fantastic time working with or prevent you from hiring a contractor they didn’t particularly like. You may also check out the testimonial and review sections of their website, and see if you can get in touch with any of their other customers. Customers may inform you about the team’s professionalism, how it is to work with them, if they communicate well, and their general level of satisfaction. You may even try to get some locations so you can drive by and see their actual work. - Do your research
After you’ve created a list of possible contractors, try to research a little further and gain more insight into the businesses you’ve identified. Visit their website to learn more about them, their prior work, and blogs that may offer helpful answers to questions and concerns you may have.
Nowadays, it’s crucial to have a strong social media presence. Check to determine whether the business you are researching has been posting recently or if they have been too silent for too long. Often, active companies also have a strong online presence to promote their work. A few photographs might help you decide whether or not they meet your landscape lighting requirements. If you like it, make a call.
- Look for a partner
As soon as you have identified a few suitable lighting contractors, it is essential to determine whether your design preferences align. They should inquire about your preferences and way of life, factor in any lighting suggestions you might have, and do whatever it takes to produce a design both of you will be proud of. Once your project has started, you should make sure that you are working with a professional that shares your enthusiasm for the work.
- Communication is key
Never hire a company if they won’t communicate with you. No matter how beautiful a design can be, it’s not worth it if you don’t understand what is happening, are not able to ask questions, or feel excluded from the process. Select a company that understands communication. This is particularly true for follow-up. It is fantastic when businesses check up on their projects since it shows that they actually care about their client’s satisfaction. - Check the quality of materials
The quality of the components in your outdoor lighting system determines how successful and effective it is. Instead of using cheap plastic, composite materials, or aluminum, you want your contractor to employ high-quality components made of brass and copper. Cheap materials may provide short-term cost savings, but those who choose them frequently wind up paying more in the long run for upkeep, such as a frequent painting of light fixtures, corrosion, and bulb replacement. A good firm won’t cut corners on you and will employ professional landscape lighting supplies in the right areas. Additionally, they will have a contract outlining all the specifics. - See what other services they offer
It is also good to ask what other services they provide because it can be extremely informative about the people you are working with. You may want to find out from the company which services will be carried out “in-house” and which will be outsourced to other contractors or day workers. This is also a fantastic opportunity to see how the business functions daily. By employing a professional that provides full in-house design and professional landscape lighting installation rather than a landscaper, you will most likely receive the greatest pricing and results. - Ask the right questions
Set up in-person appointments with the remaining firms on your list once you’ve trimmed down your list. It might be helpful to have prepared questions defining your objectives and desires for any project including landscape lighting. The following are some basic inquiries you might wish to make:- How long has your business been operating?
- Is your business covered by insurance?
- Do you offer a warranty on your work? What is covered by your warranty and how long is it valid?
- What are the available methods of payment?
- Are there any addresses on your list where we might drive by and check out your work?
- What are your time frame and price range?
- Are you also offering maintenance services for our lighting system?
Finding the Best Landscape Lighting Professional
The success or failure of the project relies on picking the best landscape lighting professional for the task. Installing outdoor lighting involves knowledge, experience, time, and money. These tips might help you in choosing a skilled and dedicated contractor that never sacrifices quality and provides expert solutions that precisely match your lifestyle.
At Augusta Green Sprinklers, you can depend on our experienced team and high-quality work to design and install your landscape lighting in Toronto. Call us at (416) 227-1666 today.