Custom Outdoor Lighting Systems Hilton Head Island Bluffton Beaufort

The first step is an in-person consultation. We walk your property and discuss design ideas based on your lighting needs and vision. This will be followed by an itemized estimate attached to an email, often with some breakdowns for options. When requested, an application will be submitted to an architectural review board (ARB). Depending on the community, this is usually based on a standard PDF form, with a copy of your site plan with markings for fixture placements, plus some fixture spec sheets or photos (we will provide everything you need). ARBs routinely look for optical features such as cowls (glare guards) as well as reasonable LED brightness levels. After final approval, installation is often 2-3 weeks out. Expect a couple of days for installing cables, transformer, and fixtures. In the evening we will return for aiming and adjusting the fixtures.

Projects vary based on property size and number of zones or scenes (front, back, etc.), but jobs typically start between mid-$3,000 and upper $4,000, installed (parts & labor). This can easily increase for larger scale projects, but we also suggest beginning with at least one complete zone (front or back) and building additional zones in phases. Transformers are intentionally over-sized to be flexible for zone add-ons or changes. With almost two decades of experience, we are able to keep our systems market-competitive by sourcing high quality materials directly from manufacturers, plus our routine go-to fixtures are often purchased in bulk at a discount. Fixtures are either solid brass, copper, or stainless steel, to meet the challenging climate and sea air of our coastal islands. Cabling is premium 12/2 copper stranded wire made for landscape lighting, and transformers are stainless steel with lifetime warranty. Expect periodic or routine maintenance to keep fixtures clean and adjusted, to replace LED bulbs as needed (these may get damaged by lighting), or to keep up with changes on your property (new patios, trees, walkways, etc.).

Yes, each system can be operated automatically and there are many different options. Some homeowners request wifi controllers you can operate with a cell phone, requiring that the transformer has a clear signal to your router or a signal booster. Many homeowners prefer the low-tech reliability and simplicity of countdown timers, which come with photocells and are easy to set up and maintain. A countdown timer turns the system on automatically when the sun goes down, and the homeowner can select the number of hours it will remain operating (4, 6, or 8 hours, or dusk to dawn). A third type of timer that is also very popular has a digital astronomical feature, these timers do not need wifi, they are programmed to calculate sunset nightly, and they can be set to turn off the system at any time (e.g. 11PM). Digital timers may require some technical skill should you decide to make any adjustments on your own.

The primary method is with a flat spade, specifically made for landscapers. The process is called slit-trenching, in which we make a slice or cut into the turf grass or garden bed, and then place the cable down inside of it. We work carefully around sprinkler systems and throughout the property to avoid damage, but occasionally it is possible to cut a drip tube, etc. We do not use mechanised trenching machines in our practice.

As long as the original system was installed professionally with proper materials and methods, we would be happy to stop by for an inspection and consultation for renovations, etc. Contact us for more information, as we need to examine fixture type, cabling and power, as well as original methods used for connections, etc. Otherwise, a system with poor connections begins to have failures from corrosion, and the cables become compromised, requiring new cables and/or fixtures. Aluminum fixtures often need to be replaced as they become seized at threads (common) or damaged from corrosion and water intrusion. Also note that one of the biggest causes for needing new cabling is failed connections resulting from from improper wire nuts, electrical tape used to cover splices, or “pierce-point” style connectors that come with consumer-grade fixtures.

We only install low-voltage lighting systems, these have a transformer that plugs into a receptacle on a GFCI circuit (same as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor locations). Often we are able to mount a transformer on an outdoor wall adjacent to an irrigation controller, etc. At the initial consultation we will look for an available outlet. Occasionally a licensed electrician will need to install one. A licensed electrician would also be required if you are interested in having 120V outdoor fixtures or flood lights installed or repaired.