5 Outdoor Lighting Mistakes Homeowners Make—and How to Avoid Them!

We get it—outdoor lighting can feel like one of those “set it and forget it” things. But when done right, it completely transforms your home’s curb appeal, adds safety, and creates a welcoming glow for evenings spent outside. At Lindquist Outdoor Lighting, we’ve helped hundreds of Colorado homeowners avoid common pitfalls, and today, we’re sharing what to watch out for—so your lighting not only works, but wows.

1. Relying on Solar Lights Alone

The mistake: Many homeowners start with solar lights because they’re convenient and affordable. The problem? They're often too dim, inconsistent, and unreliable—especially in shaded areas or during cloudy stretches.

The fix: A low-voltage landscape lighting system provides consistent, beautiful illumination every night—rain or shine. Our solid brass and copper fixtures are built to last and shine brighter, longer.

2. Poor Fixture Placement

The mistake: Lights placed too close together, too far apart, or aimed incorrectly can make even the most beautiful home look unbalanced—or worse, cause glare.

The fix: Good lighting design is all about balance and layering. We consider sightlines, elevation, and the natural features of your property to create a thoughtful layout that enhances architecture and landscape.

3. Skipping Professional Installation

The mistake: DIY kits often seem like a money-saver, but wiring issues, improper installation, and lack of planning can lead to short circuits, exposed cables, or underwhelming results.

The fix: A professional install ensures clean wiring, safe power connections, and smart planning for future upgrades. We take care to conceal wires, protect connections with heat-shrink seals, and bury lines at proper depths—especially important here in Colorado where lawn aeration is common.

4. Choosing Cheap, Short-Lived Fixtures

The mistake: Plastic fixtures or poorly made lights may look okay at first—but UV exposure, weather, and wear can break them down in just a few seasons.

The fix: We use solid brass and copper fixtures that not only age beautifully, but resist corrosion and perform reliably for years. It’s an investment that pays off in both beauty and durability.

5. Forgetting About Control & Flexibility

The mistake: Relying on a single timer or switch can limit your lighting’s impact—or worse, leave it on all day.

The fix: Our systems can include smart controls that let you adjust brightness, timing, and zones from your phone. Want your path lights on at dusk and your tree uplights dimmed after midnight? We can make that happen.

Let’s Light Your Home the Right Way

Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an outdated system, we're here to help you design lighting that’s as beautiful as it is functional. At Lindquist Outdoor Lighting, we bring craftsmanship, care, and creativity to every project.

Want a custom design tailored to your home?
Reach out for a free consultation—we’d love to help you create an outdoor space you can enjoy day and night.

📞 612.875.5106
📧 Justin@lindquistoutdoorlighting.com

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Why Landscapers and Home Builders Should Partner with a Lighting-Specific Subcontractor

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Low-Voltage vs. Solar Landscape Lighting: Why Low-Voltage is the Better Investment