How to Choose the Right Company

Not every landscape or electrical company is qualified to install a beautiful landscape and outdoor lighting system that will perform and last. Here are some questions to ask to help make your decision:

Are they licensed, bonded, and insured? (Verify at www.cslb.ca.gov)
Do they have a license to install landscape lighting as described on the Connecticut Consumer Protection website?
If they have employees do they have workers compensation insurance? (Verify at www.cslb.ca.gov)
How long has the foreman who will be working on your system been working in the industry?
Is there a tree climber involved or will everything be off of a ladder?
How many lighting systems have they installed?
How long have they been building outdoor lighting systems?
What is their education in lighting?
Do they have a portfolio of their work?
Is landscape lighting their only business or just a sideline?
Is the lighting sub-contracted so you can pay 20% more?
How long will it take to install your landscape lighting system and are there guaranteed completion dates?
Do they stand behind the installation and for how long? What is their warranty?
Will they tell you from day one maintenance is required to keep the system running and looking its best?
Do they offer maintenance and repair service for the systems they sell?
What can they tell you about the fixtures they plan on using?
What type of warranty do the have?
Can they explain the difference of a direct burial transformer and an above ground transformer?
Do they use high performance stainless steel multiple-output UL® 1838 rated (15 volt max) low voltage lighting transformers, manufactured specifically for landscape lighting use with a lifetime warranty?

Do they understand how to load balance a low voltage system so all lamps are operating between 11 and 12 volts to maximize lamp brightness and lamp life? Are they willing to guarantee this?
Do they install their system with waterproof wire connectors?
Are their systems remote control dimmable?
Do they offer remote control digital timer capability?
Do they care enough to return after dark to aim and adjust their systems and to view their own work?