[jwholden]

I stopped at an irrigation supplier a couple of weeks ago to pick up supplies for the common fixes. While there the guy noticed I was a landscaper and started telling me about the new landscape lighting they were carrying. Normally, I would brush him off and be done with it but...

I have just been asked by a customer about who to use for landscape lighting. I called another client of mine and asked who did his work and passed the name along. My customer said the lighting guy was going to come on Saturday night and give a live demo of the proposed system. She was VERY excited!!!

I gave one bid on lighting this year based on Home Depot supplies and honestly I have been looking for a supplier. This company is upscale and I like the product they carry. Further, I like the one stop concept of picking up supplies.

I do see a demand for knowledgeable lighting guys around here though I don't know what kind of prices the market will bear. I'm excited!

So I'm off to school tomorrow!

Oh, this is the company http://www.cast-lighting.com/

[Stonehenge]

Installing low voltage lighting is really pretty easy. There are some simple rules to follow for the basic setup, and away you go.

I like mounting the transformer either in the garage or in the basement - somewhere away from the elements, and curious kids.

Just make sure the transformer has some kind of overload protection - don't want too much juice flowing if a short exists somewhere. On that topic, don't be afraid to use mix fixture brands, and transformer brands, for that matter.

My local supplier likes selling transformers with a digital timer, but those things are just begging for callbacks - nobody can figure out how to operate them. Stick to analog if you can, otherwise bake a few timer setting visits into the price.

Brands around here: Nightscaping, Kichler, FX.

They may offer a starter kit - lights, and other goodies to give that live demonstration to aid in the sales process. Don't know if it's worth it, as I've never tried it. But I believe it's expensive.

[jwholden]

Thnks for the other brand names. I want to see what else is out there for comparison sake.

[Stonehenge]

I think Kichler lights have a wonderful sense of style. My supplier says they aren't as durable as another brand (don't recall which), but I've always really liked the options they offer, the styles they have. And their marketing pieces are great, too.

[jwholden]

I went to the seminar today and had a great time. I am ready to install my first 'professional' landscape lighting system. All I need is a volunteer.

Let me go over the highlights,

This company uses solid brass fixtures which have a lifetime guarantee. They are TOTALLY geared toward the upscale market and have an array of products and marketing material that definitely caters to this customer base. Their theory is to sell the lighting, not pretty fixtures (Though the fixtures are quite nice in my opinion).

A couple differences I see between this company and Home Depot brands are:

(1) Cast has a nice transformer that has different taps to compensate for voltage drop over long runs of wire. By keeping the line voltage in the optimal range the bulbs last longer and all lights shine with the same brightness.

(2) They have a very thorough system of installation methods that will keep the system in top shape for years and make it very easy to maintain. This system includes tinned marine grade wire, something called a spider splice where you hook your 'home run' wire to the lights, and all connections are soldered to ensure no problems.

I used a solder pot today which makes soldering idiot proof. You dip all splices into the solder pot and boy are they tight once the solder cools. Add a waterproof wire nut and aint nothin gonna screw up that splice.

(3) They have a very unique system of labeling the lights right on the fixture so you don't screw up when you replace the bulbs. Furthermore the system of Spider Splices makes if very easy to chase down problems or make additions/changes to the system. Apparently landscape light bulbs come in different wattages and different angles depending on the effect you desire.

I know I sound like a salesmen for this company but I was impressed. I should say that I have not been to any other lighting seminars and the methods above may be standard practice for all upscale lighting companies.

Now the Bad News...

I spoke to an irrigation contractor who bought a demo kit and has tried selling these jobs. However, he has had a lot of trouble with the cost of the installation. He said that everyone loves the demo but their face drops when he says what the system will cost.

The instructor said that the best way to price these systems was a fixed price of $200-250 per fixture which would cover the cost of the transformer and wires. They recommended we set a minimum job price so we don't end up eating a transformer when installing six lights.

My question to those brave souls who made it down the page this far is if this is the going rate for professionally installed landscape lighting? I like the product but just don't see more than a few of my current customers going for it. However, if this is where the cost of installation should be I'll market this service more aggressively and hopefully have a nice add on.

[jwholden]

A solder pot, a must have.

This puppy will come in real handy the next time I have to rewire the trailer plugs!

[jwholden]

A Kousa Dogwood uplite.

[jwholden]

Cross lite birdbath.

[jwholden]

Uplite tree. Drank a little too much coffee this morning.

[jwholden]

Path lighting. I think those are some elegant fixtures!

[jwholden]

This concludes my presentaion. I would now like to take a few moments to answer any questions you may have.


John
Landscape Design and Installation, Masonry Services, & Nightscaping

[Rex Mann]

We offer the landscape lighting as an add-on. It's a nice way to have the clients have us back the next year as they already know and trust our company.

As for the high price. Consider the source. The manufacture wants to sell product. By implying that you could charge these prices and get fantastic margins inspires some contractors to heavily market this new service.

You do not charge by the square foot for pavers and walls. Why would you do that for lighting.

I know all my costs going in, just like pavers. I charge accordingly.

Most of the lights I use are in the pavers or walls.

Peace,

Rex

[Rex Mann]

JW,

A little bit of light goes a long long way. Less is more when
it comes to lighting.

Peace,

Rex

[SprinklerGuy]

I remember back in early to mid 1990's the going rate was about $100 per light here in Phoenix/Scottsdale. Nowdays guys are quoting clients approx. 125-150 per fixture.

we generally add up all the parts, figure the labor and come up with a price...you know normal bidding! We usually end up in the area of 125-150 also, depending on the total amount of fixtures....some guys are still doing it for 100 bucks a fixture but they are solo......less overhead

[jwholden]

Thanks for the input Sprinkler Guy.

Can I ask what line of lighting you install?