Know Before You Glow: Questions to Ask Ottawa Landscape Lighting Companies

Of all the home improvement services that you may have contracted in the past – from drywall installers to roofers to landscapers – surely the easiest task is hiring someone to point a bunch of lights at your house and garden.

But that’s not exactly the case. There are two sides to choosing the right landscape lighting company:

• The creative – Your investment in nighttime illumination is intended to beautify your home by accentuating its most attractive features that are just not visible during the day. Done right, effective Ottawa landscape lighting can also increase the value and curb appeal of your home.
• The technical – Energy consumption, equipment choice, electrical line installation, and load balancing are just some of the factors that only an experienced lighting technician can address. In addition to aesthetic improvements, the other goal of Ottawa landscape lighting is to enhance the nighttime safety and security of your family and guests. And once installation is completed, what about equipment warranties and maintenance services?

When shopping around for the right landscape lighting company, educating yourself in these areas will help you make a clear choice. Here's our advice on the questions you need to be asking.

1. What's the Buzz About the Company?
Nothing testifies to the quality of a home services provider than real-world examples and word-of-mouth recommendations. Ask about the length of their experience and the number of installations that they've completed. Check the website for testimonials and request to be put in touch with recent Ottawa landscape lighting clients. Take a drive by these homes in the evening and see the work for yourself. And be sure to ask these past clients a few questions about their experience.

2. How do They Rank Among Ottawa Landscape Lighting Pros?
Ask about the service provider's ranking with the Better Business Bureau and check to see if there are any open customer complaints. Nutri-Lawn Ottawa has been accredited by the BBB for over 20 years, and maintains an A+ ranking. If the company belongs to a local business association, this is also a good place to ask questions about their reputation for service quality.

Also ensure that the company name is currently registered with Service Ontario to avoid fly-by-night operations. You will also want to ask about their license to operate as electrical installers, and their insurance coverage for damage, liability and injury. Remember, the installers will be working on your property!

3. Does the Landscape Lighting Company Offer Consultation Services?
This serves two purposes. Firstly, a consultation provides you the opportunity to explain your ideas and have them translated into appropriate technical and creative design requirements. Second, this is your chance to assess the professionalism and competence of the company, and to gain some confidence in being able to envision the final result. Also, it's a chance to ask more questions! Even better is if the consultation is offered to you as a complimentary service.

4. What Kind of Product or Service Warranties and Guarantees are Provided?
As with any mechanical or electrical system around your home, occasional service or replacement may be necessary. You need to know how your investment will be protected, for how long, and by whom. What happens if something breaks down under normal use, and what kind of service plans are available? And don't take claims of a lifetime warranty for granted. Always ask, "Whose lifetime?" By the way, Landscape Lighting by Nutri-Lawn Ottawa will even service systems installed by our competitors.

5. Will the Installation Take Place on a Predetermined Schedule?
For a short period of time, this type of home installation can create a minimal disruption around your household. Access to the property is required, and technicians will need to tie into your electrical system. This means there will be a period when someone needs to be home and available. Your time is valuable, and you shouldn't be made to wait unnecessarily, so check to make sure that the installers have a reputation for showing up when they say they will.

We take pride in the reputation that we have with our clients, and that begins by answering any Ottawa landscape lighting questions that you have right up front. Contact us today so that we can give you the answers that you need.