The short answer is yes and no.
There really hasn’t been a study that I know of to prove that professional outdoor lighting actually increases the monetary value of a home. It has been published, however, that a well designed and installed professional outdoor lighting system does add a perceived 20% increase in value. This means that it makes a home LOOK like it’s worth 20% more. Ideally, that indicates that it does indeed increase the value of a home because, as we all know, we take great stock in the way things look and usually are quite willing to pay more for things that look good than those that do not.
Personally, I think that a well-designed professional outdoor lighting system adds a lot of VALUE to any property. This value may not always be monetary, but it is always worth – however subjective. Let’s look at the word:
· Value: noun 1. relative worth, merit, or importance: the value of a college education; the value of a queen in chess. 2. monetary or material worth, as in commerce or trade …
As you can see, even the dictionary places worth above monetary value. So what is professional outdoor lighting worth when you and your guests can move around safely at night? What is the worth of the lighting if a burglar decides to go to the neighbor’s unlit house because it’s dark? What is it worth to you when you can sit outside after dark, feeling safe and comfortable with soft lighting in the area? These are the things that I feel have value far exceeding what the monetary expense of an outdoor lighting system may have been.
I also believe that great lighting really does add monetary value. Like many other home improvements, you are actually spending good money to make your property look better, be safer and be more secure. When someone puts their home on the market, and then shows that home before and after dark, they easily display the increased “value” of the home (and its extended potential use of outdoor spaces) simply due to the professional outdoor lighting. To me – and also many potential buyers – this will increase the value of the home, which can translate in to real dollars.
Maybe we can help add real value to your home. Drop us a note and let’s take a look.
I am a landscape designer in search of a experienced lighting professional to handle the lighting side of our installations. I have a current project at hand that needs an immediate bid if your are interested and located in the DFW area. Please reply.
Hello Jyme,
Although we primarily serve the greater Austin area, we have been known to venture into the DFW area from time to time. I will send you an email so we can discuss your project. Thank you