As the nights start to draw in it feels like summer is over and all we have to look forward to are log fires and an indoor life. The door to the garden is shutting and it wont be long before I leave and return home in the dark. It happens every year so I'm not sure why it always feels like a bit of a shock but the 'outdoor room' seems to be lost in a lot of peoples homes and only the remaining warm weekends leave time to spend in the garden. But does it have to be that way? This week the temperatures have remained in double figures overnight and, ok so you might need a jumper but all is not lost in the garden, we just need a little light relief from the darkening evenings.
If we want to make the most of our space here in the UK, not matter how small, lighting will help us continue to enjoy the great outdoors well into October if not all year round! But not only is lighting good for extending our outdoor use its also good for security as criminals may reconsider trying to break into your home or car if they can't do this under the cover of darkness.
Although its often an extra cost, that seems optional, whilst having a new garden or driveway installed, this is the best time to lay cables and install a lighting scheme. Hardwiring your lights to the mains gives you the most options in terms of fittings and the way in which you control the lights and whilst solar powered lighting has come a long way in the last few years, hardwired systems tend to last longer and perform better as there is no reliance on a solar panel or sunshine.
Most of the lighting we put in now is controlled via a wireless system and so theres no need to cut into the plastering or add switches where you don't want them, in fact nearly all our systems are now accessible with your mobile phone or a simple remote key fob. One project we are currently working on runs the lights from the same remote that operates the electric gates so when the client returns home the lights come on as he goes down the driveway.
And then comes the choice of halogen fittings or LED; Collingwood, one of the largest suppliers of outdoor lighting has recently discontinued all of their halogen fittings and are now a LED only supplier. The reason is two fold, halogen bulbs need replacing regularly where as LED bulbs tend to last for years and LED lighting is low energy, so as well as being better for the environment they are also better on the wallet in the long run.
Finally when it comes to lighting no truer is the saying you get what you pay for; buy cheap, buy twice or even three times! A good spotlight should cost between £50-£200 and at the higher end you will get up to a 10 year warrantee. Generally the seals on the cheaper lights go first and once water gets in they will need replacing so even if they are made with stainless steel its often what you cant see that counts. For a basic 4 light system that can be added to at a later date we usually suggest a minimum budget of £500. Less is often more with lighting though and simply uplighting a tree or feature can make a big difference to a garden and a wall light next to a patio can be complimented by candles on the table so this doesn't have to break the bank.
One of the bigger costs is the electrician but with all lighting it is vital to consult and use a certified contractor, lighting is not a DIY product (unless you go down the route of solar power) and we always ensure our systems are signed off with a British Standard certificates. Whilst money can be saved by digging in cables yourself all wiring should be done by the professionals and regulations fully adhered to.
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