Landscape lighting looks the same on install day whether it's built to last for years or built to look good for the first season. The difference comes down to the fixtures, the wiring, and the company standing behind the work. Here are the questions worth asking before you choose a contractor.
Ask what fixtures they use, by name
A good contractor will tell you the manufacturer and material without hesitation. Many professionals prefer solid brass, low-voltage LED fixtures with a finish warranty, since brass holds up well to Texas weather over time. If the answer is vague, ask them to explain why they chose what they chose.
Ask for a written fixture list on the quote
Every fixture, every wattage, every transformer. A detailed, itemized proposal is much easier to compare against another quote than a single line item like "landscape lighting package." Comparing the written scope is more useful than comparing the final number alone.
Ask for a night demo
Many experienced lighting contractors can show up at dusk with a demo kit and light one tree, one column, and one path so you can see the effect on your own house before you commit. If a company isn't able to offer this, ask how else they plan to show you the design before installation.
Check who's actually on your property
Some companies handle sales, design, and installation with the same team, and some bring in outside crews for part of the work. Neither approach is automatically wrong, but it's worth knowing. Ask directly: "Who's installing my system, and who do I call if I have a question later?"
Ask about the transformer and the wire
A well-designed system typically uses a multi-tap transformer sized for the load with some room to grow, mounted on the house, on a photocell and astronomical timer, along with properly gauged wire and waterproof connections at every splice. Ask your contractor to walk you through their approach and why they chose it.
Ask about warranty, in writing
Warranty terms vary by company and by fixture line, so ask for specifics rather than assuming a standard. A few things worth asking about:
- What's covered on the fixtures themselves, and for how long.
- What's covered on the LED lamps.
- What's covered on labor, and whether a maintenance plan is available.
Ask what happens in year three
Landscape lighting drifts over time. Trees grow, mulch shifts, sprinklers can knock a fixture off aim. Ask whether the contractor offers an ongoing maintenance visit to re-aim, clean, and address anything that needs attention, or whether support is limited to calling if something breaks.
Questions worth asking before choosing a contractor
- Can you show me examples of fixtures you use, and explain why you chose them?
- Can I get a written, itemized proposal rather than a single package price?
- Do you carry insurance, and can you provide proof of it?
- Who will actually be on my property during installation?
- What does your warranty cover, and for how long?
- Do you offer an ongoing maintenance plan?
Why can landscape lighting quotes vary so much?
Lower quotes may reflect differences in fixture selection, system size, design time, installation methods, warranty coverage, or ongoing support. Comparing the written scope is more useful than comparing the final number alone.
How we handle it
K Legacy Lighting is owner-operated. Ethan and Allie run the company, and Ethan is on most installs. We use solid brass fixtures, provide a written, itemized quote, and offer an annual maintenance plan so your system keeps looking like it did on install day.
If that sounds like the kind of company you want on your property, get on the calendar for a free consultation. We'll walk your house at dusk and put together a written proposal.
