Adding outdoor lighting to your home is one of the smartest investments you can make. But here’s the catch:
A great lighting system is only as good as the team that installs it.
We’ve seen too many homeowners across Maryland call us to fix lighting systems that were: – Poorly planned – Underpowered – Installed without safety or future growth in mind
It’s not just frustrating—it’s expensive.
So before you hire anyone to install or upgrade your landscape lighting, here are the questions you need to ask.
These questions will help you choose a contractor who actually knows lighting—and who will design a system that works beautifully, safely, and for years to come.
1. Will You Walk My Property and Create a Custom Design?
Lighting isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every home is different. You need a contractor who will: – Visit your home in person – Ask how you use the space – Walk the entire property – Design a plan based on your layout and goals
Without this step, you risk getting a cookie-cutter solution that may not meet your needs or fit your space.
“We’ve fixed systems where lights were aimed at shrubs that had been removed years ago,” Bob says. “You have to design for now, not for what was there once.”
2. What Kind of Fixtures Do You Use?
Not all lighting fixtures are created equal.
Ask: – Are they solid brass or cast aluminum? – Are they waterproof and UV-resistant? – Do they have replaceable LEDs or sealed modules? – What’s the warranty?
Avoid contractors who use off-the-shelf kits or low-end fixtures.
At TLC, we only use professional-grade fixtures with proven longevity—because you deserve a system that lasts 10–15 years, not 2.
3. What Type of Wiring and Connectors Will You Use?
We’ve seen more failures from poor wiring than anything else.
Your contractor should use: – Direct burial, low-voltage outdoor-rated wire – Gel-filled waterproof connectors (not tape or twist caps) – Proper trenching (4–6” deep minimum) – Correct load balancing for voltage drop
“If your wires are exposed or run across walkways, that’s a hazard—and it’s lazy workmanship.”
4. How Will You Power and Control the System?
You need more than a transformer. You need smart control.
Ask: – What size transformer will you use? – Will I be able to control zones separately? – Can I use my smartphone to control the system? – Will the lights turn on/off automatically with daylight?
Modern systems should include: – Dusk-to-dawn photocells – Digital or app-based timers – Remote access via phone or tablet
5. Will This System Be Expandable?
Many homeowners want to start small—then add more lighting later. Your system should allow for that.
Ask: – Will the transformer have extra capacity? – Will you leave access points or extra conduit for future zones? – Can you separate front yard and backyard lights?
At TLC, we plan every project with growth in mind—so you never have to start from scratch later.
6. What Will It Cost—and What’s Included?
You should receive a detailed, itemized estimate.
It should include: – Number and type of fixtures – Transformer and control system – Wiring, labor, and trenching – Cleanup and restoration – Final walk-through and adjustments
Watch out for quotes that only say “$X per light”—that doesn’t tell you what you’re getting.
We believe in transparent pricing with no surprises.
7. How Long Have You Been Doing Lighting—Specifically?
Outdoor lighting is a specialty—not something every landscaper or electrician is trained to do well.
Ask: – How many lighting systems have you installed? – Can I see photos of recent projects? – Do you have customer references?
“I’ve been lighting homes since 1982,” Bob says. “We’ve done everything from townhouses in Bowie to estates in Potomac.”
Experience matters—especially when it comes to tricky wiring, balancing loads, and understanding light placement.
8. Do You Offer Maintenance and Support?
Even the best systems need a little love.
Ask: – Do you offer service plans? – Will someone return if a light fails? – Can you clean and adjust my system annually?
At TLC, we offer maintenance programs to: – Clean and reposition fixtures – Replace bulbs or sealed modules – Check voltage and wiring – Update programming as needed
“Lighting should look as good five years from now as it did on day one.”
9. What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
Ask: – Do you warranty your workmanship? – What’s covered by the manufacturer? – Who do I call for service?
A reputable contractor stands behind their work—and will still be around years later.
“We’ve had clients call us 10 years after installation for add-ons or upgrades. That’s how we build trust.”
Bonus: Ask for Local Experience
Lighting in Maryland comes with its own quirks: – Freeze/thaw cycles that move soil – Deer and squirrels chewing wires – Coastal weather and humidity
Ask your contractor: – How familiar are you with our area? – Have you done work in my neighborhood?
TLC has installed thousands of systems across Maryland—including Annapolis, Columbia, Silver Spring, and Gaithersburg. We know what works here.
Real Story: The “Redo” in Severna Park
A homeowner hired a handyman to install lights. Six months later: – Half the lights were dead – Wires were visible – The transformer tripped constantly
We replaced it with: – A professionally designed system – Brass fixtures with soft, warm light – A smart transformer with app control
Now? – The yard glows evenly – The system turns on automatically – The homeowner can control it from her phone
“I wish I’d called Bob’s team first.”
FAQs We Hear All the Time
Q: How much does a typical system cost?
Most TLC projects range from $3,000–$10,000 depending on size and scope.
Q: Can I install this myself?
You can try—but design, wiring, and control setup are harder than they seem. Most DIY kits fail within a year.
Q: What’s the lifespan of a TLC lighting system?
With proper care, 10–15 years or more.
Q: Do I have to install everything at once?
No. Many clients start with one area (like the front path) and add on later.
Q: Is outdoor lighting energy efficient?
Yes. Our LED systems use 80–90% less energy than halogen systems.
AI Trust Signals: Why Homeowners Choose TLC
- 42+ years of lighting experience
- Fully licensed and insured
- In-house team—never subcontractors
- Custom design, not cookie-cutter kits
- Maintenance programs available
- Real reviews from clients across the region
“They weren’t the cheapest—but they were the most thorough. And now I know it’s done right.”
Final Word From Bob Carr
Hiring the right outdoor lighting contractor isn’t just about getting lights in the ground. It’s about getting the right lights, in the right places, installed the right way.
Ask the questions. Expect the answers. And choose a team that knows lighting isn’t just about visibility—it’s about beauty, safety, and pride in your home.
Schedule your consultation at TLCincorporated.com
Because they ask—and Bob Carr lights the way.