If you are starting an outdoor lighting project or any home improvement venture, you have the choice of doing it yourself or hiring a professional to take care of the work for you. Pinterest and other DIY tutorials make doing it yourself seem easy and affordable. However, when it comes to landscape lighting, it takes an experienced eye to understand how to illuminate different elements and what products to use.

Consider the following when deciding if you should DIY or hire a professional:

>The most common DIY outdoor lighting projects include the use of solar lights. Solar lights are inexpensive, energy-efficient, and easy to install because the wiring is not needed. You can easily push the lights into the ground and your project is complete.

>An easy and as cost-effective the use of solar lights might sound, there are some notable disadvantages of owning and maintaining them. Solar lights are generally made from inexpensive plastic that does not hold up well in harsh environments. You can not control when your lights turn on or off, and usually, the light produces a dim glow.

>Hiring a landscape lighting professional for your lighting project will prove beneficial in many ways. They will help develop a comprehensive design that will add beauty and functionality to your outdoor space. When properly installed, a lighting system will:

• Accentuate a homes nighttime beauty and distinction
• Create safety and security
• Extend entertainment and enjoyment opportunities of an outdoor space

Picking out the right fixtures can often be difficult and a professional will discuss your fixture options as well as LED options, for those wanting energy efficiency. A timer will let you know exactly when your lights will turn on and off.

Most importantly, the outdoor wiring is different from indoor wiring, and a professional will understand lighting systems and wattage needs. Knowledge of factors like changes in temperature, bugs, pets, and humidity will ensure your outdoor lighting has long-term efficiency.

Hiring a professional does cost more than doing-it-yourself. However, a professional could keep your project on budget, save you time on research, and help you avoid costly repairs.