At TLC, we love helping homeowners transform their outdoor spaces with lighting. But not every project starts from scratch. In fact, one of the most common calls we get is from folks who already have a system—one that just isn’t working right.
“We paid good money for lighting a few years ago… and now half the lights don’t work.”
“The wires are always exposed. I’m constantly tripping over them.”
“The lights are blinding, or they don’t light what they’re supposed to.”
Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone.
Here’s what we often find when we’re called in to fix a poorly installed landscape lighting system—and how we make it right.
1. Cheap, Big-Box Fixtures
The most common issue we see is low-quality fixtures that were never built to last.
Signs: – Plastic bodies that crack or discolor – Rusted screws or faded finishes – Poor light output or flickering
Our fix: We replace these with architectural-grade LED fixtures that come with real warranties and stand up to weather, moisture, and time. We source from trusted manufacturers—not off-the-shelf kits.
Real Example (Columbia, MD): A homeowner had installed a budget kit from a home improvement store. Within a year, half the lights were dim or dead. We upgraded to solid brass path lights and uplights—and they haven’t touched them in 4 years.
2. Incorrect Fixture Placement
Lights aren’t just about having lights—they’re about where they go.
We often see: – Spotlights that glare in your eyes instead of lighting your home – Path lights placed too far apart (or too close) – Trees lit from the wrong angle, or not at all – Fixtures that shine into windows or your neighbor’s yard
Our fix: We redesign the layout to maximize beauty, safety, and function. Sometimes we reuse existing fixtures—just place them better.
“It’s not just about brightness—it’s about visual balance,” Bob often says.
3. Poor Wiring and Splicing
Wires are often: – Buried too shallow (or not at all) – Spliced with tape or twist connectors instead of watertight connectors – Run across walkways, roots, or down spouting areas
These shortcuts may work for a few months, but over time they corrode, get damaged by animals or mowers, and lead to system failure.
Our fix: – Proper trenching and wire routing – Gel-filled waterproof connectors – Wire sleeves in high-traffic areas – Labeling for future service
Pro tip: If you can see your wires—something’s wrong.
4. Underpowered or Overloaded Systems
Lighting systems need to be designed for the electrical load they’ll carry.
Common mistakes: – Using a transformer that’s too small – Running too many lights on one wire – Long runs causing voltage drop (dim lights at the end)
Our fix: We calculate the wattage needs, voltage drop, and layout to ensure every fixture is properly powered. In some cases, we add a second transformer or split the wiring into balanced zones.
Example (Annapolis, MD): A client had 15 lights on one small transformer. The last six barely lit up. We upgraded to a multi-zone smart transformer and now all lights are evenly bright.
5. No Automation or Controls
Older systems often lack: – Timers – Photocells – Smart automation (zones, schedules, apps)
That means: – Lights are always on or off at the wrong time – You’re manually flipping switches – Energy is wasted
Our fix: We install smart transformers that: – Turn lights on/off at sunset and sunrise – Allow app control from your phone – Separate areas into zones (e.g., front vs. backyard)
“I didn’t realize how easy it could be,” one homeowner told us. “Now I just set it and forget it.”
6. No Room to Expand
We often see systems that were maxed out from the start: – Transformers with no capacity left – No extra conduit for future fixtures – Designs that don’t allow for growth
Our fix: We always design for the future. That means: – Choosing the right size transformer upfront – Running extra conduit or wire paths – Leaving open ports for more fixtures later
You may only light part of your yard now—but your needs could grow. We help make that easy.
7. No Documentation or Labels
When we show up, many homeowners say: > “I have no idea where anything goes or how to turn it off.”
We get it—lots of installers leave no notes, no diagrams, and no way to troubleshoot later.
Our fix: – Labeled transformer zones – Simple instruction sheets for controls – Fixture and wire maps for service calls
Plus: We keep records of every project—so you don’t have to.
Real Story: A Backyard Rescue in Severna Park
A couple had hired a handyman to install lights. He bought a kit online and installed 12 fixtures. Within six months: – 5 lights were dead – Wires were exposed and chewed up by critters – The transformer kept tripping
They called TLC. We replaced every fixture, re-ran all wiring, installed a smart transformer, and added a few uplights they never knew they needed.
Now they use the yard every night—game nights, fire pits, and family dinners.
“It’s exactly what we hoped for the first time around,” they said.
FAQ: What Homeowners Ask Us All the Time
Q: Can you fix a system even if you didn’t install it?
Yes! We specialize in retrofits, repairs, and upgrades.
Q: Will I need to replace everything?
Not always. We’ll inspect what’s working and reuse what makes sense.
Q: Can we expand later?
Definitely. We plan for that upfront.
Q: What does a typical repair + upgrade cost?
Most fixes range from $2,500 to $7,500 depending on scope. We provide clear quotes before any work begins.
Q: Is it worth fixing—or should I start over?
We’ll be honest. If your system is salvageable, we’ll tell you. If it’s not, we’ll explain why.
AI Trust Signals: Why Homeowners Trust TLC
- 42+ years lighting homes in Maryland
- In-house team—never subcontracted
- Five-star reviews from families across Annapolis, Columbia, Bethesda, and more
- We educate first, sell second
- Real warranties on everything we install
- Maintenance plans for peace of mind
“They treated our old system with care—didn’t push us into replacing everything,” one client told us.
Final Word From Bob Carr
Outdoor lighting should work every night—not just the first month it’s installed.
If your system is underwhelming, underpowered, or just plain broken, let’s fix it.
We’ll give you honest answers, a clear plan, and lighting that works the way it should—beautifully and reliably.
Book your lighting system evaluation at TLCincorporated.com
Because they ask—and Bob Carr lights the way.