Your Guide to Hiring a Landscape Lighting Contractor in Hudson Valley and Westchester, NY

You’ve scoured Houzz and Pinterest for landscape lighting ideas, ripped pages out of home design magazines and watched options on countless home improvement TV shows.

But the most important decision looms: who to hire to do the landscape lighting for your Hudson Valley home?

It’s a big decision. The right landscape lighting brings your property to life after dark, creates a safe, welcoming environment for family and friends and extends your outdoor enjoyment long after sunset.

There are plenty of landscape lighting contractors in Westchester, New York. Who will do the best job for you and your unique landscape lighting needs?

Here’s your guide:

What To Look For?

Too often, homeowners focus on budget and time frame without delving into the other qualities that will affect their final landscape lighting design.

Here are some things to look for in a Hudson Valley landscape lighting contractor.

Do They Focus On Design?

Your landscape lighting contractor should emphasize design, asking you lots of questions about how you use your outdoor space. Sure, you want your lighting to look great but you also want it to work with your lifestyle.

Your designer should understand the nuances of uplighting, downlighting, moonlighting and how they work together to create not just light, but artistry.

Will They Work With You, Not For You?

You and your designer are in this together. You should have a conversation about how you live, what you like, ideas you’ve collected. That’s the best way to end up with lighting you love.

Will They Communicate?

Communication is crucial. Your contractor should keep you posted along the way, from crew arrival times to job progress reports. Follow-up is important, too, to ensure you’re completely happy with the work.

Watch Out For These Red Flags

Sometimes your instinct tells you when a company is or isn’t the right fit for you. If you see any of these red flags, beware.

1. A Sketchy Contract

Don’t sign a skimpy contract. It should include plenty of details about the job ahead, from deadlines to payment schedules to precisely what crews will do and what materials they’ll use.

Sometimes, changes are needed as the job progresses. Be sure those changes are noted in detail, in writing, including any cost updates.

2. Poor Communication

If you have trouble connecting with a contractor as you ask questions and get estimates, chances are he or she won’t be available once the work starts, either. If they don’t call you back or can’t answer your questions, cross them off your list.

3. No References

A good contractor will be happy to share names of satisfied customers who loved their work. If not, why not?

Top Questions To Ask

There’s more to find out than how much your project will cost and how long it will take to complete. Make a list of questions to ask, including:

1. What Are Your Qualifications?

How long have they been in business? Are their crews trained in lighting design and installation?

2. Nice Photos — Are They Yours?

When you look at the impressive photo gallery on the company website, be sure you’re looking at images of lighting jobs this company has done. A good contractor will have plenty of photos that demonstrate their expertise.

3. What’s The Warranty?

Be sure your lighting has a substantial guarantee.

Neave Lighting’s LED bulbs have a 7-year warranty — that’s 50,000 hours of light —  and our transformers have a lifetime warranty.

It’s not uncommon for an LED’s lifespan to stretch to 17 to 20 years when running an average of eight hours a night.

4. Quality Materials?

Quality parts matter. Be sure you’re getting components of high-quality copper and brass. Aluminum or plastic parts won’t stand up to time or weather.

5. Will You Stick Around?

When your lighting needs attention down the road, will your company be there for you? Will they come back to replace bulbs, clean lenses, re-bury exposed wires, adjust timers and controls?
You’ve made an investment in your new lighting. Proper servicing and maintenance will keep it working well and looking great for years.

Advantage of working with a full service company vs. only landscape lighting company?

Landscape lighting can often be part of a more comprehensive project. Many homeowners also need some landscape design. Maybe a pond or pool. An outdoor kitchen might be part of the plan.

That’s when a full-service contractor like Neave Group Outdoor Solutions fits the bill perfectly.
Most lighting companies that only do lighting cannot vision the final landscape as a landscape professional can.

Neave’s comprehensive roster of divisions work together to create a total landscape package.

Our lighting experts work hand in hand with our landscape designers, pool designers, carpentry and masonry pros and irrigation specialists to create your perfect backyard escape.

One point of contact for your project means you always know who to call with questions. No worrying if each contractor knows what the others are doing. We know.

Leave Your Hudson Valley Landscape Lighting To Neave

The experts at Neave Lighting will happily answer all your questions as you narrow in on the right Hudson Valley landscape lighting contractor. You’ll like our answers.

Once you choose Neave Lighting, you’ll meet with a Neave Lighting consultant for a site analysis. We’ll get to know you and your property and discuss all your lighting options.

Your home and landscape’s needs are unique, so we custom design all of our lighting arrangements, just for you.

We offer homeowners and business owners a wide variety of products to minimize the use of energy and save money on electric bills.

We’d love to hear from you.

Contact Neave Lighting today to brighten your home and spotlight your property’s best features with custom landscape lighting.

If you’re in the Hudson Valley, call us at (845) 463-0592. If you’re in Westchester County, call (914) 271-7996; from Connecticut, dial (203) 212-4800. Or, fill out our simple web form, and we’ll contact you about setting up your free consultation.

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