If you’re like most people, your home is one of your most prized possessions. So naturally, you want to ensure that it’s as beautiful and inviting as possible, both inside and out. One way to add extra curb appeal (and value) is by installing landscape lighting and audio systems to your yard.
Not quite convinced? Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider these upgrades.
1. Enhanced Home Security
Security lighting is one of the most effective ways to deter burglars from breaking and entering. A well-lit home or property makes it much more difficult for burglars to operate without being seen and provides a clear deterrent against would-be thieves.
Research agrees.
In partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, the New York City Police Department and the New York City Housing Authority, the scientific research team Crime Lab carried out a study on the impact of LED lighting on public housing developments in New York City. Specifically, the effect of street lighting on crime.
The study found significant reductions in crime after installing LED lighting. Furthermore, after they accounted for potential spatial spillovers, they found that the provision of streetlights LED at a minimum, to a 36% reduction in nighttime outdoor index crimes-a reassuring result for anyone considering outdoor lighting for their home or business.
Security Lighting
As you can see, a little light can go a long way to keep your home and family safe. Landscape lighting can provide a much-needed sense of security, especially if you live in a remote or dark area. Luckily, there are several different types of security lighting available such as:
- Landscape lights: these lights are specifically designed to light up walkways and landscaping features.
- Motion sensor lights: these lights turn on when they detect movement and provide a surprise for anyone who might be lurking around.
- Flood lights: A flood light is nothing to joke about. These powerful lights can illuminate a wide area, making it difficult for anyone to hide.
Whichever type of outdoor landscape lighting you choose, install it in strategic locations around your home or property, and consider using timers or sensors to ensure that the lights are only on when needed.
In addition to deterring burglars, LED landscape lighting can also help to make your home safer for you and your family. For example, a well-lit walkway and staircases can prevent trips and falls and ensure everyone can see where they’re going, even in the dark.
With careful planning, security lighting can be an invaluable tool in keeping your home or property safe from burglars.
Scare Off Intruders with Outdoor Audio
Another way to keep your home safe is by using outdoor audio. Outdoor speakers can be placed in strategic locations around your property and used to audio tracks or noises at specific times. This can effectively scare off potential intruders and make it sound like someone is home.
Consider hiding the speakers in bushes or under decking and use a timer or motion sensor to ensure that the noise only goes off when you want it to. You can also link the outdoor audio system to your home security system to activate the sound when the alarm is triggered.
Though it may seem small, outdoor audio can be a powerful deterrent against burglars and other potential intruders.
2. Ambiance and Entertainment
In addition to security, landscape lighting and outdoor audio can also create a more enjoyable outdoor space. Landscape lighting can highlight your garden or yard features and create a beautiful ambiance in the evening. Outdoor speakers can provide background music for entertaining guests or simply add some extra enjoyment to your time spent outside.
Create the Perfect Ambiance with Landscape Lighting
In addition to security, landscape lighting can also create the perfect ambiance for your home. Soft, subtle lighting can accentuate your landscaping features and highlight different areas of your property. This can be a terrific way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests or simply enjoy your outdoor space in the evening.
Landscape lighting is also an excellent way to show off your home during the holidays. By using colored lights, you can create a festive atmosphere that will really make your house stand out.
Landscape lighting can also create dramatic effects, such as:
- Highlighting a fountain or water feature
- Creating a moonlit garden.
- Illuminating a garden path
- Creating a “moonlight” effect with blue or white lights
With help from architectural light fixtures, you can transform your outdoor living space into a true extension of your home.
However, not every outdoor space or backyard needs the same lighting fixtures. Fortunately, there are many options for landscape lighting available, including:
- String lights: these are ideal for wrapping around trees or bushes.
- Post lights: these work well to light up a walkway or driveway.
- Spotlights: spotlights are excellent accent lighting. With these, you can highlight specific features such as sculptures or fountains.
- In-ground lights: these can be used to highlight steps or for pathway lighting.
- Lanterns: lanterns provide softer light and can be hung from tree branches or placed on the ground.
- Deck lights: these are designed to be placed on deck rails and provide soft but adequate lighting.
- Step lights: as the name suggests, step lights are designed to be placed on steps. This is an excellent way to ensure that your guests can see where they’re going and avoid accidents.
- Wall lights: wall lights can light up a patio or other outdoor area.
No matter your vision for your outdoor space, the possibilities are endless. With some creativity, you can use landscape lighting to transform your outdoor space into a truly magical place.
Audio Ambiance for Your Outdoor Spaces
Landscape lighting is an excellent way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests, but outdoor audio can take it one step further. Outdoor speakers can play music or other sounds, adding another layer of ambiance to your outdoor space.
If you have a pool, consider installing underwater speakers to create a truly unique experience. Or, if you enjoy entertaining guests, use the speakers to create a party atmosphere with some background music.
Outdoor audio can also create a more relaxing atmosphere. For example, consider playing the sound of rain or waves crashing on the shore to help you relax after a long day.
With some careful planning, landscape lighting and outdoor audio can transform your outdoor space into the perfect place for entertaining, relaxing, or simply enjoying the outdoors.
3. Increased Home Value
When it comes to home improvements that add value, many people focus on the inside of the house. However, several upgrades can be made to the outside of the home that can also have a significant impact. Landscape lighting and outdoor audio are two examples of features that can make a property more appealing and increase its resale value.
Light Up Your Landscape for Future Sales
Landscape lighting is a wonderful way to improve your home’s curb appeal and make it more attractive to potential buyers. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors Research Department’s study, more than 70% of surveyed homeowners found a greater desire in being home after installing outdoor lighting. Likewise, 60% stated they even had a greater sense of enjoyment and relaxation. So, it’s safe to say that it’s worth considering if you’re looking to boost your home’s resale value.
In addition, by installing low voltage LED landscape lighting, you can also save on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. So, not only will you be increasing the value of your home, but you’ll also be doing your part to help the environment. Take it up a level and add solar paneling to your home as well for even more savings and appeal. Solar lights are an excellent way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and make it more sustainable.
Make a Good First Impression with Outdoor Audio
Any real estate agent will tell you that one of the keys to selling a house is making it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. And while there are several ways to do this, one of the most impactful is to focus on the outdoor spaces.
One simple way to make a strong impression is to invest in outdoor audio. A quality sound system can create an inviting atmosphere, and it can also be a major selling point for potential buyers.
4. Easy System Control and Automation
With the right equipment home automation system, you can control your landscape lighting and outdoor audio from your smartphone or another mobile device.
Lighting control and automation are very convenient. For example, if you’re away on vacation, you can use your smartphone to turn on the lights and music to deter burglars. Or, if you’re entertaining guests, you can use your smartphone to control the mood of the party.
So why not kick back in your patio furniture, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor by installing landscape lighting and outdoor audio? You, your family, and your guests will enjoy it.
Invest in Landscape Lighting & Home Audio for Your Home Today
Installing landscape lighting and audio can make your home stand out from the rest and provide the perfect place to relax and entertain guests.
If you’re ready to invest in landscape lighting and outdoor audio for your home, chat with our audio and lighting experts! Our team specializes in enhancing beautiful outdoor spaces with stunning lighting effects and state-of-the-art audio systems. We offer professional lighting and home audio services, home automation services, and much more. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create the home of your dreams!
