| are many good reasons to light your property at | | | | lighting can be very decorative and attractive. One |
| night, not the least of which is safety. Beyond | | | | inexpensive option for stairway lighting are strips |
| safety, though, there are other considerations. | | | | that fit along the edges of the risers. The light is |
| Outdoor lighting can completely transform the | | | | indirect and shines down on each step so you and |
| look of your home after dark. Outdoor lighting has | | | | your visitors can see where you're putting your |
| a reputation for being expensive to install and | | | | feet. |
| maintain, but it does not have to be. Here are | | | | - Less is definitely more when it comes to |
| some tips to help you make the most of your | | | | outdoor lighting. Avoid garish, overbright lights. An |
| budget to install outdoor lighting that makes a | | | | additional benefit to using fewer lights is a savings |
| statement and turns your home into a nighttime | | | | of wattage, and, in turn, expenses; both up front |
| showpiece in your neighborhood. | | | | and in long term maintenance. |
| - Evaluate your resources and power sources. If | | | | - Backlighting and low lights can add drama to a |
| you keep your lighting close to the house, you | | | | bland landscape. Choose a feature to highlight and |
| can save on installing new power outlets and | | | | use a single light behind it to cast it in silhouette. If |
| additional wiring. If you do need to install wiring | | | | you shine lights through a tree, the overall effect |
| and outlets, there are do-it-yourself kits that you | | | | can be truly dramatic. |
| can install on your own. If you opt to install your | | | | - Don't be afraid to be tacky. Twinkling fairy lights |
| own and you're not a licensed, experienced | | | | may be overdone, but a single strand of tiny |
| electrician, though, do have your work inspected | | | | white Christmas lights twining a potted patio plant |
| by one before using it. | | | | or edging the patio deck can be surprisingly |
| - On the same note, check with your local code | | | | effective. |
| authorities before adding any outdoor power | | | | - Turn to unusual sources. For instance, instead of |
| sources to be sure that you adhere to regulations. | | | | using overhead or spotlighting for your patio or |
| Nothing turns a cheap job into a huge expense | | | | deck, rely on battery or solar operated table |
| faster than fines for violating local ordinances. | | | | lanterns on your patio tables. Light your outdoor |
| - Consider solar powered lights for walkways and | | | | space just as you would your indoor space, taking |
| paths. Solar powered stake lights are an | | | | into account ambient light and task lighting. Do not |
| extremely budget conscious option for path and | | | | light what doesn't need lighting. |
| safety lighting. You can buy them in sets of four | | | | - Driveway lighting serves two purposes. It should |
| or six at your local home and garden store for as | | | | illuminate paths and walkways so that your guests |
| little as $30. Installation is as simple as driving a | | | | and family can make their way safely from |
| stake into the ground. There are no wires, and no | | | | vehicle to house, and it should outline your |
| drain on your electric bill. Most are powered with a | | | | driveway enough that drivers can navigate it |
| battery backup for those days when there's not | | | | safely. Consider walkway lights along the edges of |
| enough sun to power the lights. | | | | the driveway, especially if the driveway is edged |
| - Consider safety first. Decoration is wonderful, | | | | with stones, bushes or raised flowerbeds. |
| but your first concern should be safety. Use | | | | You can create many different effects without |
| motion sensor lighting to illuminate dark areas on | | | | much investment if you take the time to plan |
| your property without having lights glaring all night | | | | your lighting blueprint as carefully as you do your |
| long. Do not skimp here – your safety is | | | | landscaping. Find interesting features in your |
| vital. Do, however, check with your insurance | | | | landscape and use light to accent them at night. |
| company. You may get a break on the premiums | | | | Do keep in mind that light pollution has become a |
| for making safety improvements. | | | | serious consideration when lighting at night. Keep |
| - The second safety issue is illuminating pathways | | | | the lights low, and angle them so that they do not |
| and steps to avoid falls and injuries. Path and stair | | | | disturb neighbors or local wildlife. |