Some home upgrades are smarter investments than others, especially when it comes to return on investment (ROI) and resale value.
The good news is there are many other simple, budget-friendly upgrades to optimize a home’s value and maximize your enjoyment of the space in the meantime.
Landscape lighting is one such investment, and more homeowners have listed the feature as their “most wanted” home upgrade.
That’s because brilliant landscape lighting design comes with a slew of benefits – from minimal maintenance and strong ROI to immediate curb appeal.
Landscape lighting’s aesthetic advantages are apparent, but here’s a quick breakdown of landscape lighting by the numbers – and why it should be your go-to home upgrade this summer:
A Low-Risk, High-ROI Home Improvement
Certain “home improvement” projects end up costing a lot more than they’re worth.
Installing a backyard pool, for example, can either increase or detract from a home’s appeal, depending on the buyer. Many homeowners decide it’s simply not worth the risk – or the time and financial investment.
On the other hand, you have safer value-add investments with a nearly guaranteed ROI, like sprucing up an outdoor entertainment area or replacing garage doors. Similar to a pool, however, these improvements can easily cost thousands of dollars.
Adding exterior lighting is a no-brainer, yielding an average 50 percent ROI or higher. Landscape lighting installation is also more affordable and less time-intensive than most upgrades, making it a hassle-free, low-commitment way to boost your home’s value and ambiance.
LEDs Lead the Charge in Energy and Cost Savings
You can further maximize your landscape lighting ROI by using LED fixtures, instead of standard light bulbs.
LEDs are much more eco-friendly than other lighting options, and their high energy savings help you lower your environmental impact – and energy bill. Here are just some benefits LEDs have over standard bulbs:
Energy-Efficient – LEDs are up to 90 percent efficient, whereas panel lights waste 98 percent of their energy
Cost-Effective – LEDs cost 10 times less than traditional light sources over the lifespan of the bulb
Long-Lasting – LED light bulbs last up to 50 times longer than traditional bulbs (50,000-hour lifespan vs. 1,000-hr lifespan)
Eco-Friendly – Other than sunlight, LEDs are the No. 1 environmentally-friendly light source
LEDs have quickly become the go-to landscape light source for many homeowners, thanks to their longer lifespan, greater durability and lower maintenance and energy costs.
LEDs are a smart and cost-effective alternative for landscape lighting, and you’ll more than re-coup your initial investment over time.
Spend Twice as Much Time Outside by Doubling Down on Lighting
When temperatures start to climb, parties, dinners and family gatherings also begin to move outside. Landscape lighting lets you enjoy your outdoor space at all hours, extending the amount of time and use you get from your yard.
Strategically-placed path and well lights outline pathways, stairs and railings, accenting unique features and helping guests navigate through the space.
Low-voltage flood and wash lights illuminate larger areas, without disrupting the ambience, so you can roll back the darkness and spend more time enjoying your yard.
Landscape lighting design lets you take advantage of nice weather late into the night – whether you’re entertaining dozens of guests or enjoying a cozy night in.
Showcase Your Home with 24/7 Curb Appeal
Even if you’re not staying out until the early morning hours, however, landscape lighting is still a worthwhile investment. It’s just as stylish as utilitarian, and it instantly boosts your curb appeal 24/7.
Landscape light elements emphasize your home’s unique architecture, while showcasing a well-manicured lawn, vibrant garden or inviting patio.
Flood, wash, well and downlights pull different points of interest, like trees and fountains, into focus, and illuminate your entire outdoor living area.
You work hard to keep up your home all year, so you should put it on display – day or night.
An Upgrade that’s as Easy as 1-2-3
Landscape lighting is often one of the first upgrades homeowners turn to, when they decide to put their home on the market.
Not only is it a selling point and sought-after amenity among today’s home buyer, its curb appeal-enhancing elements can also help move a home from the market faster.
Nevertheless, landscape lighting also has endless advantages for the homeowner with no intentions to sell – from strong ROI and high energy savings, to enhancing a yard’s appearance, visibility and utility.
To find a landscape lighting contractor in your area, visit our contact a contractor page today.