Shining a light on curb appeal

By Emma Peterson. 

Four different types of lighting that can upgrade any exterior.  

While curb appeal might first seem like a surface-level aesthetic choice, the right design can actually greatly increase a home’s value. As a paper from Sriram Villupuram, associate professor in the Department of Finance and Real Estate at The University of Texas at Arlington, explains, “Whether it's being viewed by a seller trying to get top dollar or an investor looking for a stable property, the outside of a home tells a story, and the data shows it's a story worth about 7% of the property's value.” 

But, for a lot of homeowners, making improvements to their curb appeal can seem daunting, both in scope and cost. That’s where you, as an outdoor professional, come in. Whether they’re trying to upgrade their backyard, a walkway or improve an existing landscape, you can help them improve their curb appeal with the easy incorporation of exterior lighting! Here are a few ideas on lighting to recommend to your clients. 

1 – Path lighting 

Solar path lights are an easy and low maintenance option for homeowners looking to add a bit of flair to their landscape. Because they are solar-powered, you can avoid wiring in favor of placing them in a sunny location! Further, they do not need to be mounted and can simply be staked into the ground. All your client needs to remember is to gently clean the panels from time to time and bring you back to replace the batteries every couple years. 

2 – String lighting 

We’ve all seen a picture on Pinterest or some other social media app of a backyard or courtyard draped in string lights. These are a great way to elevate a space and create an inviting atmosphere on a patio, porch or seating area. In general, you want these lights at least seven feet up to avoid any knocks on the head and they should be attached via anchor points to sturdy structures (like a wall or deck post).  

3 – Sconces  

Add a little light to a space with a sconce next to a doorway, garage or patio. Not only are these lights a great way to add to the architecture of your home, but they also enhance security and nighttime visibility. Because these are attached to walls, it is important to remember to reseal and waterproof the attachment after wiring.  

4 – Floodlights 

Does your client want to take security and visibility to the next level? Motion-activated floodlights offer a great way to illuminate a dark area for safety and security. Make sure to aim them downwards, keep the sensors clean and test run them at night to ensure that they perform optimally.  

To learn more about installing outdoor lights to boost curb appeal, check out this article from Backyard Boss.