The Landscape Lighting Installation Process
The 5 Stages of Our Landscape Lighting Installations
Blue Hour Lighting installs new systems and repairs existing ones for residential, commercial, and HOA properties. These stages are tailored to the specific requirements of commercial and HOA work:
The Initial Consultation
Your Lighting Plan
Next, we create a lighting plan overlaid on a detailed, high-quality diagram of your property, along with a written estimate. The plan gives you a clear view of the proposed landscape lighting, including:
- Fixture locations and aiming directions. Each fixture is marked where it will be installed, with its intended aiming direction shown on the diagram.
- Fixture type and wattage. The appropriate fixture for each location is identified, such as uplights, path lights, or step lights, along with its wattage.
- Transformer locations and cable paths. Each transformer location is shown, along with how the low-voltage cable will be routed across the property.
- Lighting zones. The diagram shows how the system is divided into zones, allowing different areas to be controlled independently.
A detailed layout is standard for every project. An architectural-grade plan is available as an added-cost option for projects that require a more formal level of documentation.
Your Review & Approval
Professional Installation
Hardscape & the Electrical Connection
When a patio, driveway, wall, or other masonry feature is under construction, Blue Hour Lighting can coordinate sleeves for future wiring before the work is finished. On existing hardscape, we core-drill to recess a fixture or route wiring through the masonry joints.
We typically mount transformers on the home or on a post near an exterior outlet. Where no properly protected outlet is available, our in-house electrician installs one as part of the project. Transformer capacity, wire gauge, voltage drop, and fixture selection all factor into the engineering behind a low-voltage landscape lighting installation.
Final Fixture Adjustment
When Your Property Already Has a Lighting System
Reduced voltage at distant fixtures
Improper wire size reduces voltage over long cable runs, leaving landscape lights at the far end of the system dim or inconsistent. Replacing the wire with the correct gauge restores even output across the run.
Intermittent failures or dark zones
Poor connections that were not properly waterproofed fail over time and cause outages in individual fixtures or entire zones. Remaking those connections with outdoor-rated waterproof connectors eliminates the failure point.
Overloaded circuits and transformers
A transformer or circuit carrying more fixtures than it was rated for will underperform. Redistributing the load or upgrading the transformer corrects the problem.
Blue Hour Lighting provides maintenance to keep installed systems working year after year. Typical maintenance includes two visits per year, spring and fall, to check connections and adjust fixtures.
The Process for Commercial & HOA Properties
Commercial and HOA properties follow the same general sequence, with adjustments for the scale and approval structure of the project.
Commercial Buildings & Office Parks
Blue Hour Lighting begins work on commercial buildings and office parks with a paid lighting-level inspection and assessment. The assessment documents current conditions, identifies deficiencies, and provides the information needed to scope the project accurately.
HOA-Managed Properties
HOA-managed apartment buildings follow a similar path. An assessment protects residents and reduces liability exposure, and our experience with HOAs keeps the documentation and review process moving smoothly from the start.
Read more about our lighting for commercial properties and HOAs.
The Licenses & Certifications Behind Our Installations
Blue Hour Lighting is licensed and insured and holds county and state licenses where required:
WC-32147-H19
Dutchess County, NY
Certifications
Blue Hour Lighting specializes in landscape lighting for homes and properties throughout Westchester County, including Chappaqua, Scarsdale, Rye, Bronxville, Armonk, Harrison, Croton-on-Hudson, and surrounding communities.
Request a Free Consultation
To discuss landscape lighting for your property or schedule a consultation, call 845-202-3369 or email info@bluehourlighting.com. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscape Lighting Installation
How long does a landscape lighting installation take?
What happens if a light stops working after the installation?
How much does custom outdoor lighting design cost for my home?
Can outdoor speakers be installed at the same time as the landscape lighting?
When a project includes both landscape lighting and outdoor sound system design and installation, Blue Hour Lighting plans them together. The wire runs, trenching, transformers, speakers, and controls are designed as one coordinated installation, which reduces disruption to your property. Blue Hour Lighting is a Sonance authorized dealer and installer.
Can a landscape lighting system be expanded or adjusted later?
The lighting plan divides the system into zones so different areas can be controlled independently. As plantings grow and the property changes, the design can be adjusted, and fixtures can be added. The optional maintenance plan includes adjusting the fixtures. Smart controls and automation are also available for an existing system.
Which fixture brands does Blue Hour Lighting install?
Blue Hour Lighting installs professional-grade LED fixtures from Kichler, CAST Lighting, FX Luminaire, Brilliance LED, Auroralight, Unique Lighting Systems, and Infinity Lighting. Lutron is available for controls, and Sonance is used for outdoor audio. Many of the available fixtures carry a lifetime factory warranty, depending on the product selected. Blue Hour Lighting is a Gold Level Kichler LightPro contractor and selects from these landscape lighting brands for each project.
Does Blue Hour Lighting install landscape lighting near me?
Blue Hour Lighting serves homeowners and property managers across Westchester County and the Hudson Valley and the Connecticut communities around Greenwich. Call 845-202-3369 or email info@bluehourlighting.com to discuss a project for your residential or commercial property.