If you’re considering permanent outdoor lighting for your home, one of your first questions is probably: how much does permanent outdoor lighting cost?

The answer depends on the size and design of your home, how many linear feet of lighting you want installed, roofline complexity and the type of lighting system being installed.

For homeowners throughout the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina, permanent outdoor lighting is best viewed as a long-term exterior upgrade rather than simply an alternative to Christmas lights.

What Does Permanent Outdoor Lighting Typically Cost?

Most professionally installed permanent outdoor lighting systems are priced according to the linear footage of the home being illuminated.

A straightforward front roofline will generally require fewer lights and less installation time than a large home with multiple peaks, dormers, second-story rooflines and other architectural features.

Because every home is different, an on-site or photo-based estimate is usually the best way to determine an accurate price.

Piedmont Illumination evaluates the home’s roofline, desired coverage and overall lighting design before providing a quote.

What Affects Permanent Outdoor Lighting Cost?

1. Linear Footage

Linear footage is one of the biggest factors affecting the overall project cost.

A home requiring approximately 100 feet of lighting will naturally require less material than a property needing 200 or 300 feet.

It’s also important to determine which areas of the home should actually be illuminated. More lighting isn’t always better. A professionally designed system should complement the architecture of the house.

2. Roofline Complexity

Two homes with similar square footage can require completely different permanent lighting installations.

Features that may affect installation include:

• Multiple roof peaks
• Dormers
• Second-story rooflines
• Gables
• Changes in roof elevation
• Difficult-to-access areas
• Complex architectural features

A simple ranch-style home may require a much different installation than a large two-story home with multiple peaks and rooflines.

3. Lighting System Quality

Not every permanent outdoor lighting system is the same.

Homeowners should consider more than just the initial installation price. The appearance of the track during the daytime, LED quality, control system, color options and overall installation quality all matter.

Because the system becomes part of the exterior of your home, the finished installation should look clean even when the lights are turned off.

4. How Much of the Home You Want Illuminated

You don’t necessarily need permanent lighting installed around every side of your home.

Popular areas include:

• Front rooflines
• Peaks and gables
• Garage rooflines
• Side rooflines
• Rear entertaining areas
• Architectural features

A professional lighting design can help determine which areas will provide the best appearance without adding unnecessary footage.

Is Permanent Outdoor Lighting Only for Christmas?

No. This is one of the biggest differences between permanent outdoor lighting and traditional Christmas lights.

A professionally installed system can provide warm-white architectural lighting throughout the year. This creates an elegant roofline accent without making your home look like a Christmas display every night.

When you want color, the same system can be used for:

• Christmas
• Halloween
• Fourth of July
• Valentine’s Day
• Birthdays
• Parties
• Game days
• Special events

Permanent Lighting vs. Traditional Christmas Lights

Traditional Christmas lighting and permanent outdoor lighting serve different needs.

Professional Christmas light installation is ideal for homeowners who want the classic seasonal C9 appearance without installing, maintaining and removing lights themselves.

Permanent outdoor lighting is designed for homeowners who want one professionally installed system they can use throughout the entire year.

Permanent lighting generally requires a larger upfront investment, but homeowners don’t have to repeat the same installation and removal process every Christmas season.

Piedmont Illumination offers both options, allowing homeowners to choose the lighting style that makes the most sense for their property.

Is Permanent Outdoor Lighting Worth It?

For many homeowners, the biggest advantage is versatility.

You’re not purchasing a lighting system that can only be used for several weeks around Christmas. Permanent outdoor lighting can be used throughout the entire year.

Warm-white lighting can provide an upscale architectural appearance, while customizable colors allow you to completely change the look for holidays, celebrations and special events.

There’s also the convenience of not having to climb ladders, hang lights or remove them every season.

Should You Get Multiple Permanent Lighting Quotes?

Comparing quotes can be helpful, but homeowners should make sure they’re comparing similar systems and installations.

A lower price doesn’t necessarily mean you’re receiving the same product or installation quality.

Questions worth asking include:

• What lighting system is being installed?
• How will the track look during the daytime?
• Where will wiring and connections be located?
• What areas of the home are included?
• Can the system produce quality warm-white lighting?
• How is the lighting controlled?
• What happens if a light or component needs service?
• Does the installer provide support after installation?

Permanent Outdoor Lighting in the Piedmont Triad

Piedmont Illumination provides professional permanent outdoor lighting throughout the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina, including Greensboro, Asheboro, High Point and surrounding communities.

Our goal is to create lighting that complements the architecture of the home rather than simply looking like lights attached to a roofline.

For everyday use, choose an elegant warm-white appearance. When a holiday, game day or special occasion arrives, switch to custom colors and scenes.