Hiring a landscape lighting company is a significant decision. The system they install will be on your property every night for the next 20+ years — if it’s done right. If it’s done wrong, you’ll be dealing with corroded fixtures, failed connections, and repeated service calls within a few years. Asking the right questions upfront can save you from a costly mistake. Here are seven questions every Austin homeowner should ask before signing a contract.
1. What material are your fixtures made from?
This is the most important question. The correct answer is solid brass or solid copper. Aluminum corrodes in Central Texas’s climate. Composite and plastic fixtures crack from thermal expansion and UV exposure. If a company uses aluminum or composite fixtures, thank them for their time and call the next company on your list.
2. How do you install the wire runs?
Ask specifically about their trenching method. Companies that use trenching machines risk damaging your irrigation system, severing tree roots, and leaving visible scars in your lawn. We hand-trench every run — it takes longer but causes no damage to your property.
3. Do you offer a free consultation and design?
Any reputable company should offer a no-cost, no-obligation consultation at your property. Be skeptical of companies that want to provide a quote without visiting your property — outdoor lighting design cannot be done effectively without seeing the actual space.
4. Can I see examples of your local work?
Ask for photos of completed projects — ideally in your neighborhood or a similar style of home. Local work matters because the trees, architecture, and climate of Austin are specific. A company with a track record of beautiful installations in Austin is far better qualified than one that mostly works elsewhere.
5. What is included in your warranty and maintenance?
Get clarity on what’s covered and for how long. Do they offer ongoing maintenance programs? Will they come out promptly when something isn’t working? A company that stands behind its work will have clear, confident answers here.
6. Are you licensed and insured in Texas?
Always verify that any contractor working on your property is properly licensed and carries liability insurance. This protects you if anything goes wrong during the installation process.
7. Can I have an evening demonstration?
The best companies will offer to demonstrate their fixtures at your property at night before you commit. This gives you a real-world preview of the effect rather than having to imagine it from photos. We always offer this — check out our FAQ page for more details, or call 281-570-7552.