Lights Increase Home Value

The use of outdoor lighting can increase a home's value and interest. The addition of outdoor lighting provides a romantic allure to a landscape by creating shadows and contrasts. Lights also increase safety and security by illuminating walks and warding off intruders. Outdoor lighting accents the beauty of any landscape for a fairly small initial investment.

By placing low to medium intensity lighting along a walkway or driveway, you direct traffic to the front or back door. The use of these fixtures gives enough light for a guest to see a path to the door without being blinded by floodlights or feeling like they are walking down an airport runway. The use of lighting on a walkway or driveway also gives the hardscapes (the driveway and walkway) character at night. Lights show off plantings along the drive or walk.

Homes that are dark when guests arrive are not only dangerous, but also give an unwelcome feeling. Outdoor lighting along walks gives the house an inviting or "welcoming" feel and decreases the chances of a guest slipping or tripping over steps.

The use of uplighting or downlighting on plants also adds interest to a landscape by emphasizing a favorite plant form. The uplighting of a Heritage River Birch, for example, has a striking effect. The form of the tree is brought out, as well as the cinnamon-colored exfoliating bark. The use of this lighting also adds light to a dark area of the yard, helping guests reach your front door or deter an intruder lurking in the bushes.The addition of lighting allows the use of patios and decks at night and increases a homeowner's field of view by illuminating more of the backyard area. The use of floodlights adds light to dark areas. Medium-intensity lighting offers a warm, pleasing glow to the eye. The use of patio or deck lighting also makes it easier to take the dog out at night or bring in firewood on a dark chilly evening.

The installation of outdoor lighting can be inexpensive or very costly depending on the hardware you choose and the amount of lighting you install, but it is well worth the initial investment. Well-placed lighting adds value to your property as well as improves the appearance of your home and landscape. Lighting is both functional and beautiful and is well worth the investment.