Lighting FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Landscapers and electricians deal with low-voltage lighting systems only occasionally and as an afterthought. They lack the expertise of a creative landscape lighting specialist like LightQuest.
We can’t even begin to describe all the poorly conceived systems we’ve seen from electricians and landscapers over our years of operation. Save yourself time, money, and stress by having the job done right the first time!
The answer is after. The placement of lighting fixtures and effects depends upon landscape elements and plantings being in place. The only exception to this is for retaining walls and patio as some wiring will need to be done as the work is completed.
Systems are generally installed during the non-frost months – approximately April 1st to December 15th. This is also the only time that service or repair work can be done, so call early!
We typically install cable at a depth of 3″ to 6″, although this may vary based on digging conditions. In very rocky ground, the cable will be installed closer to the surface to avoid turning up rocks everywhere – which can create a mess! In mulched or rock-covered plant beds the cable will be buried just under the mulch or rocks.
- Ease of installation: less disruptive to existing landscapes.
- Safety: you cannot get shocked by low-voltage lighting, whereas line voltage can be dangerous if connections get old or frayed.
- Energy efficiency: low voltage lamps provide more lumens of light per watt used. We illuminate walkways with just a 3 – 4-watt lamp and large trees with 5 – 10-watt lamps.
- Flexibility: low voltage systems can be moved or changed much more easily than line voltage systems.
It depends on your home, your property, and what you want it to feel like at night.
Most systems are designed based on fixture count, layout, and the level of detail in the design. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all product — it’s a custom design built specifically for your home.
The good news? Most homeowners are surprised how affordable it is to run. A professionally designed system often costs about the same as a cup of coffee per month.
The cost isn’t about the state — it’s about the design.
We design systems across Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, and every project is tailored to the home, landscape, and how you want to use the space. Whether you’re in Lake Forest or Lake Geneva, the investment is driven by the vision — not your zip code.
Absolutely — and not just for how it looks.
Most homeowners call us for one reason: safety, beauty, or usability.
What they end up getting is all three.
A well-lit home:
- Feels safer
- Looks dramatically better
- Gets used more at night
And there’s real data behind it…
- Homes with outdoor lighting can see up to a 20% increase in value
- Some studies show 50–100% ROI
- 41% of buyers consider outdoor lighting essential
- And homes that are well-lit are significantly less likely to be targeted
At the end of the day, this isn’t just lighting — it’s how your home lives after dark.
Lighting instantly elevates how your home is perceived. It adds depth, highlights architecture, and gives your home that finished, high-end look every night.
But there’s also a security side to it.
Studies show that homes with good exterior lighting are far less likely to be targeted. In fact, many burglars actively avoid well-lit homes.
So you’re not just adding beauty —
you’re adding presence, protection, and value all at once.
It’s the standard for professional outdoor lighting.
Instead of running at 120 volts like your home, it runs at 12 volts — making it safer, more efficient, and much easier to design cleanly around your landscaping.
We take your home’s power and step it down through a transformer.
From there, power is distributed through wiring to each fixture — uplights, path lights, accent lights — all placed with intention to create the right look across your property.
Yes — extremely.
That’s one of the biggest advantages. It significantly reduces shock risk and is designed specifically for residential environments.
Yes — it’s the heart of the system.
It converts your home’s power into the low voltage your lighting system needs to run.
For residential homes, almost always.
It’s safer, more flexible, and allows us to design without tearing up your yard. It also makes it easier to expand or adjust your system later.
It needs to handle your system today — and tomorrow.
We always design with extra capacity so you can add lighting later without starting over.
Not nearly as much as most people think.
With modern LED systems, most homes spend just a few dollars a month — often less than a single coffee.
For simple decoration, they can work.
But if you want consistent brightness, durability, and a clean professional look — wired low-voltage systems are the way to go.
Yes — and it’s not close.
LEDs:
- Use less energy
- Run cooler
- Last dramatically longer
That’s why almost every professional system today is LED
Most LED systems last tens of thousands of hours — often 10+ years depending on usage.
It’s one of the reasons homeowners choose professional systems over cheaper alternatives.
Lighting that guides — not blinds.
We design pathway lighting to improve visibility while keeping it soft, clean, and inviting.
It’s all about layering.
We combine:
- House lighting
- Path lighting
- Landscape accents
The goal isn’t brightness — it’s depth and balance.
Uplighting.
It highlights structure, adds depth, and creates that dramatic nighttime look that makes a property feel complete.
They’re decorative string lights used to create a soft, social atmosphere — perfect for patios and gathering spaces.
That’s where lighting really changes how you live.
We design these spaces to feel warm, inviting, and usable — often combining lighting, bistro lights, and even outdoor audio.
Transformers can be hung onto any exterior wall. All that is needed is a standard (GFCI) outlet box.
The typical solution is to put an astronomical timer inside of the transformer box. This timer knows the time for sunset and sunrise each day for your area. The time to turn on and off will change a little each day to adjust automatically. This timer will even have daylight savings time programmed and has a battery backup. There are other options available, just ask your LightQuest specialist for details.
Our average client spends about $10,000. We have also completed larger, more complex lighting projects at several of southeast Wisconsin’s and northern Illinois’s most spectacular residences for up to $100K.
We have access to many lines of quality light fixtures!
Most systems are installed in 1–2 days.
And because we use low-voltage, there’s minimal disruption to your landscaping.
No — not when it’s done right.
We install with precision so your landscaping stays intact.
Yes — and we plan for it.
Every system is designed with future expansion in mind.
Absolutely.
We repair, upgrade, and redesign systems all the time — especially older or poorly installed ones.
Usually caused by:
- Voltage drop
- Overloaded systems
- Poor design
That’s where professional design makes all the difference.
Common issues include:
- Timer problems
- Transformer issues
- Wiring damage
- Bulb failure
We can diagnose and fix all of it.
If you care about how it looks — a lighting specialist.
This is design, not just wiring.
Ask:
- Do they specialize in lighting?
- Do they design custom systems?
- What warranties do they offer?
Do they support and maintain the system?
Because this isn’t just installing lights.
It’s:
- Placement
- Beam angles
- Balance
- Long-term performance
Done right, your home looks incredible.
Done wrong… it just looks bright.
Permanent outdoor lighting is a system installed directly on your home that stays in place year-round.
It’s designed for:
- Everyday curb appeal
- Holidays
- Special occasions
All without the hassle of putting lights up and taking them down every season.
Yes — that’s exactly how they’re designed.
Our systems are installed in a custom aluminum track that blends into your home and virtually disappears during the day. At night, it transforms your home with clean, precise lighting.
We also approach this a little differently than most…
We only install permanent lighting for clients who already have landscape lighting — or are installing it at the same time. That way, everything works together and your home looks intentional, not pieced together.
Yes — and the flexibility is incredible.
Most systems offer over a million different color and pattern combinations, allowing you to match holidays, events, or just the mood you want your home to have.
From subtle and elegant… to bold and festive… it’s all controlled with ease.
Yes — it’s one of our core services.
We design and install clean, professional holiday displays that fit your home — not the typical “overdone” look.
Earlier than most people think.
We recommend booking by the first week of November, as our schedule typically fills up before Thanksgiving.
Once the season gets close, availability becomes very limited.
Yes — and we design them the same way we design lighting: with intention.
We offer four levels of outdoor audio, depending on how you want your space to feel.
At the entry level, we can integrate a 12-volt Bluetooth speaker directly into your landscape lighting system — simple, clean, and easy to use.
From there, we scale all the way up to WiFi-connected systems with Sonos streaming and concert-quality speakers that can fill your entire backyard with rich, even sound.
The goal isn’t just volume — it’s creating an experience.
When lighting and audio are designed together, your backyard doesn’t just look incredible… it becomes a place people want to stay.
For long-term use — it’s not even close.
No charging.
No dragging speakers in and out.
No uneven sound.
Instead, you get a system that’s always ready and designed specifically for your space — so the sound feels natural wherever you are in the yard.
Yes — that’s a big part of what we do.
Our speakers are designed to integrate into your landscape so you hear them… but don’t see them. The result is clean, high-end sound without clutter.
They’re built for the outdoors — and backed to prove it.
Our speakers and amplifiers come with an industry-leading 5-year warranty, so you can count on long-term performance through every season.
We serve Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, including:
Kenosha, Racine, Milwaukee-area suburbs, Lake County, and Cook County.
If you’re in those areas — most likely, yes.