Many Austin homeowners have an existing landscape lighting system that was installed years — or even decades — ago. Maybe it was included with the original landscaping and has always been marginal. Maybe it worked fine for years but is now failing. Or maybe you’ve simply grown to appreciate what good lighting can do and want to upgrade. Retrofitting an existing system is one of our most common projects.
Assessing Your Existing System
The first step is honest assessment. We look at the transformer (capacity, condition, control features), the wire runs (burial depth, condition, routing), the fixture count and placement, and the overall design intent. Sometimes the bones of an existing system are solid and the upgrade is primarily new fixtures and a transformer. Other times, the wiring is inadequate or poorly routed and a more comprehensive renovation is warranted.
LED Retrofit: The Quick Win
If your existing system uses older halogen or incandescent lamps, the single fastest and most cost-effective upgrade is converting to LED. Modern LED retrofit lamps fit most existing fixture housings and deliver dramatically better efficiency, color quality, and lamp life. This can transform the look and feel of your lighting immediately without replacing any fixtures.
Fixture Upgrades
When existing fixtures are plastic, corroded, or misaligned, replacement is usually the right call. Quality brass fixtures installed in existing lamp positions dramatically improve both the aesthetics and long-term reliability of the system.
Smart Transformer Upgrades
Older transformer technology — manual timers, single zones, limited capacity — is a significant limitation. Upgrading to a modern smart transformer with app control, astronomical timing, and multiple zones immediately unlocks new functionality for your entire system without replacing a single fixture.
Redesign for Your Current Landscape
Landscapes change over time. Trees grow, plants fill in, hardscape gets added. An existing lighting design may no longer reflect the landscape’s current form. A redesign — even keeping much of the existing infrastructure — can produce dramatically better results.
Upgrade Your System Today
Majestic Outdoor Lighting Design has upgraded hundreds of Austin landscape lighting systems. Call us at 281-570-7552 for an assessment of your existing system.