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Cost to Install Landscape Lighting

January 09, 2023

A beautiful landscape is a perfect way to go the extra mile, adding beauty, character, and life to an outdoor area. While most people think of flowers, shrubs, and other greenery when it comes to a perfect yard, landscape lighting is one of the best ways to truly elevate the space. Many people worry about the potential costs, but installing landscape lighting can be surprisingly affordable.

Traditionally, installing landscape lighting in San Antonio starts at about $2,700 and generally tops at around $8,600. There are several ways to keep costs low without sacrificing quality. In this article, we’ll dive into where these numbers come from and what factors influence them, including:

  • The number and type of light fixtures needed
  • If you need to install a new circuit breaker
  • Whether you need to dig up any landscaping
  • The electrician you hire

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The Number and Type of Light Fixtures Needed

One of the biggest influences on the end cost of your lighting project is the number and type of actual light fixtures you need. The more lights you need, the more the installation will cost. Additionally, you can choose from a truly impressive range of lights, which also vary in price.

Typically, homeowners choose between halogen bulbs and LED bulbs. When calculating cost, halogen bulbs are often the more expensive choice due to requiring yearly replacements and having noticeably shorter lifespans. Plus, they require an additional $80 to $100 per light fixture to ensure they have power for 10 years. LED bulbs can last up to 100,000 hours and keep working for years without replacement. They also do not require any cost after installation to keep working. Regarding energy efficiency, LED lights are also far superior to halogen bulbs and will save you a lot of money on your power bill.

Beyond the bulbs themselves, lights have different purposes, which also affect their costs. Spotlights, floodlights, path lights, and many other lights have different starting prices and installation requirements that can adjust their cost.

If You Need To Install a New Circuit Breaker

An expense you might not expect can pop up with some houses. Many homes can’t fit landscape lights on their existing circuit breakers. Usually, this is due to the new landscape lights exceeding what the breaker can handle or because existing electronics already have the breaker box at capacity. Replacing this core component can cost an additional $200 to $300. If you would like to know if you need to factor a new circuit breaker into your budget, reach out to an electrician for a quick inspection.

Whether You Need To Dig Up Any Landscaping

Another aspect that can add some digits to your overall cost is whether or not there’s landscaping in the way. If you have a perfectly flat lawn with nothing blocking the electrician, that will be reflected in the price. Alternatively, the time and labor costs dramatically increase if you have a property with lots of trees, shrubbery, or other existing obstructions because your electrician will have to dig up the landscaping or run wiring around the various obstacles.

The Electrician You Hire

Finally, the most important portion of landscape lighting installation expenses is what electrician you hire. Professionals with better skills and more experience will often come with higher prices. On the other hand, homeowners should be wary of prices that feel too good to be true, as these electricians may have less experience or cut corners to keep costs low.

The more comprehensive your lighting needs are, the more important an electrician’s skill becomes. Think about the various types of lights you might need and how important it is to combine them safely and skillfully. An electrician’s skill can be the difference between an elegant lighting system that elevates the beauty of your outdoor areas while also making them secure or a system that blasts light without purpose. Plus, you want an electrician who will get it right the first time and not make any mistakes, so you don’t have to break the bank paying for costly repeat labor.

Beyond all of that, electricity is dangerous. A poor wiring job can result in fires, electric shock, and property damage.

When considering who to hire for your landscape lighting needs, make sure to check for a few things:

  • That they’re licensed and insured in Texas
  • They specialize in outdoor lighting
  • They provide references for their past work
  • They have the experience to tackle any potential problems
  • Other homeowners like and trust them

Thinking About Elevating Your Outdoor Spaces With Some Landscape Lighting? Reach Out to Jon Wayne!

At Jon Wayne, our experienced electricians are some of the best in Texas and the San Antonio area. We work hard to make sure you get the landscape you always dreamed of while also ensuring you don’t have to break the bank to get it. Schedule an appointment today, and we’ll discuss how we can help you.

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