Maximum Value Landscaping Projects: Lighting

By FrontDoor.com | Published: 3/01/2010

Highlight your home's curb appeal with energy efficient exterior lighting.

Outdoor lighting is like jewelry for your home's exterior. Decorative lights along walkways, area lighting for outdoor spaces and flood lights over entrance areas and at corners of the house are all appealing ways to incorporate lighting into your landscaping. And with inexpensive options available, lights are an affordable way to add style to your home and provide safety and security at night.

CURRENT TRENDS

• Energy efficiency. New technologies in LED and solar-powered landscape lighting have become increasingly popular for their affordability, convenient installation and ease of maintenance. Low voltage lighting kits continue to be a solid choice for homeowners.

• Quality finishes. Lighting fixtures come in a variety of styles so you can customize a look for any space. Choose solid brass or copper for a high-end look.

BIGGEST MISTAKE

It's easy to forget about outdoor lights after installing them. "Many homeowners expect lights to work forever, but you really should replace the battery after one year," suggests Leslie Sellers, president of the Appraisal Institute.

EXPERT TIPS

• On a Budget: Landscape lighting used to be expensive and difficult to put in and maintain. These days, you can buy inexpensive pre-packaged lighting kits that cost as little as $40 and take about an hour or two to install. They're made of plastic and won't last long, but they work well.

• Mid-Range: If you want durable and attractive outdoor lighting but can't spend a lot of money for professional work, there are systems that cost about $300 and last three or four years. Afterwards, you can upgrade to a new model if desired.

• High-End: Consult a landscape lighting professional to create a comprehensive system that works with your overall landscape design. He/she can offer lighting solutions for everything from walkways to outdoor spaces like gardens, decks and patios.

Slideshow Inspiration: A Look at Lighting >>

Do-It-Yourself Inspiration: Install Low-Voltage Lighting >>

Back to: Maximum Value Home Improvement Projects

Back to: Top Landscaping and Yard Projects

• #1 Lawn
• #2 Plants
• #3 Lighting
• #4 Driveways
• #5 Irrigation

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