FAQs

We make this process as easy as possible for our clients.  Once you contact us, we will provide you with options to set up your design consultation.  At this time, we will discuss your vision.  If you don’t have one, don’t worry, we are trained professionals and can help guide you through the process.  After that a company representative will take measurements and photos of your property.  Once we have the measurements and your design ideas we will get started creating your perfect lighting design.  You will then receive a digitized image along with your quote.  Then it is time for you to shine.  Give us the go ahead and sit back and we will light up your life.  

Illuminating Design only uses commercial grade products for all aspects of your installation.  They do cost a bit more, but the added quality and reliability are truly worth the additional investment.

For a truly customer-centric approach you need to focus on the life of the installation and the ease of use not just a lower initial cost.  Many times, when shortcuts or value products are used, they tend to breakdown faster over time which leads to additional service calls and added aggravation.  

At Illuminating Design, we celebrate the holidays 365 days a year.  We recommend getting your order in as early as possible.  Yes, that could mean as early as February or March.  The holidays are the busiest time of the year for our company due to the extensive list of holiday installations we are contracted for, so contact us early for the best installation dates.  No, it is not required to get your order placed that early, but it does help.

That is determined by the size and details of your installation.  Most residential or community installations can be completed in 1 day.   Larger installations could take a bit longer. If you desire, we can let you know the time needed for installation at the time you receive your estimate.

Our goal is to make this process as smooth as possible for you.  Most times our quotes include products (rental or purchase), installation, service for a specific period and removal (if temporary lighting).  We will also line item out all items so you can see exactly what you are receiving.  We even go as far as to tell you how many lights we will install per item in holiday lighting.  We feel clarity helps prevent confusion.

Are they trained to install lighting? Do they offer service for the lighting?  Are they properly insured (i.e. insurance to run live electrical on your home)?  Do they have the proper equipment?  How will they attach lights? Have you seen other installations they have completed?  Has this crew done it or did the company do a few jobs here and there?  Those are just the start of the question you need to consider if you are hiring a contractor who specializes in another business and tells you they will install you lights.

A short answer is sure.  If you don’t mind an uninsured and untrained person working on extension ladders with live electrical around your home and hoping for the best. However, our recommendation is don’t take that chance with your home and allow a professional to do the job.  

We use only LED, and in many cases low voltage LED lighting, so you will only see a minimal amount of increase in power consumption.  Your energy bill will actually lower if you have been using incandescent lighting.

• 20+ years in business
• 10 M+ lights installed
• 3000 + installations
• Certified installer
• Preferred installer for National Manufacturers
• Fast turnaround on service calls
• Installers are employees of Illuminating Design
• Our training program
• Our Customer Success Journey
• Satisfaction Guaranteed
• Family Owned

We are here for you for your lighting problems.  You other problems you are on your own.  If something we have installed is not working with your lighting simply contact us and we will get a service team out to help you shine again.  Most times we can help you the following day if you contact us prior to 3 pm.  

Since we are not on your board or in your neighborhood we do not know you HOA guidelines.  It is always a good idea to check with them prior to ordering.  Deposits are used to purchase products for your job thus are nonrefundable.  

Purchases are final however if you need to cancel an installation we can credit some or all of your deposit to another date.  We purchase products specifically for your installation thus we cannot offer a refund.  

We know you may have already own lighting however we are only able to stand behind our installations with a satisfcation guarantee because we know we only use the best products on the market with the lowest failure rates.  Rather get into a situation where we have to go back and forth about was it the product or how it was installed, we find it better to supply our clients with the best experience by using our commercial grade vetted products.  So in short we do not install your lighting.  

Illuminating Design installs various types of lighting so here is a good baseline.

• Holiday Lighting Residential - $1500 minimum  most $1500 - $3000+
• Neighborhood front - $1500 minimum  most  $2500 - $6000+
• Holiday Commercial - $1500 minimum   Job dependent
• Landscape Lighting Residential $1800 - $3000+
• Landscape Neighborhood - $3000 - $5000+
• Landscape Commercial – Job dependent
• Permanent Trim Lighting residential $4000 -$6000+ (approx 125 linear ft)
• Commercial – Job dependent

We provide professional event lighting for weddings, corporate events, private parties, graduations, and large outdoor celebrations. Our team designs custom lighting layouts for venues, backyards, barns, and commercial spaces throughout the local area. Services include string lighting, uplighting, pathway lighting, and focal accent lighting to create a safe, visually stunning event atmosphere.

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You should book event lighting at least 30 days in advance to secure your preferred event date. Spring and fall weekends typically fill 4–8 weeks early in our local service area. Booking early ensures proper design planning, equipment reservation, and coordination with planners, venues, and other vendors for a seamless setup.

Yes, we regularly install event lighting at private homes, backyards, farms, and outdoor venues. Our licensed team handles secure mounting, temporary power solutions, and safe wiring to meet local electrical standards. We design lighting layouts that enhance patios, tents, trees, and walkways without damaging landscaping or structures.

Yes, our event lighting service includes full installation, on-site testing, and complete removal after your event. Setup is typically completed 24–48 hours before the event date, and removal occurs within 1 days after. This turnkey service ensures safe installation and zero cleanup responsibilities for hosts.  If your schedule differs in most cases we can accomidate scheudle requests if our schedule allows

Professional landscape lighting improves curb appeal, increases nighttime visibility, and enhances property security immediately. Strategically placed LED fixtures illuminate pathways, driveways, trees, and architectural features. Many homeowners notice a dramatic visual upgrade the same evening installation is completed, along with safer navigation around steps and walkways. With RGB landscape lighting homeowners can change the look for holidays or events immediately

Landscape lighting designs typically include pathways, patios, driveways, gardens, trees, retaining walls, and home facades. Our custom layouts focus on safety zones first, such as steps and walkways, then highlight architectural and landscape features. Each lighting plan is tailored to maximize visual depth and balanced illumination.

Professional LED landscape lighting systems are designed to last for years with proper installation and maintenance. LED fixtures provide long operational life and consistent brightness while using minimal electricity. Our systems are weather-resistant and built to handle seasonal changes in the local climate.  With our extended warrantee we can extend the life of your system with no surprise costs to the client.

Yes, professionally installed landscape lighting can increase perceived home value by improving curb appeal and nighttime presentation. Well-lit properties often stand out in the neighborhood and make stronger impressions on visitors and buyers. Enhanced outdoor aesthetics combined with improved safety make lighting a smart exterior upgrade.

Permanent trim lighting is a professionally installed LED lighting system mounted discreetly along your roofline. The low-profile fixtures blend with your trim and remain in place year-round. Homeowners can control colors, brightness, and patterns for holidays, game days, or everyday accent lighting using a smart control system.

Yes, permanent trim lighting is designed for year-round use beyond holidays. Homeowners commonly use it for accent lighting, birthdays, patriotic displays, school events, and everyday architectural lighting. The customizable color settings allow you to switch themes instantly without reinstalling lights each season.

No, permanent trim lighting is designed to remain discreet during daylight hours. The LED track is installed along rooflines to blend with your home’s trim. From street level, most systems are barely noticeable until illuminated at night.

Yes, permanent trim lighting is professionally installed using weather-rated components and secure mounting systems. Our team follows local electrical standards and uses low-voltage LED systems designed for long-term outdoor exposure. Proper installation reduces risks associated with seasonal ladder use and temporary wiring.

Yes, our permanent trim lighting systems include smart controls that allow color changes and scheduling from your phone. Homeowners can program patterns for holidays, sports events, or seasonal themes within minutes. This convenience makes switching displays quick without climbing ladders or replacing bulbs.  As the technology upgrades your system upgrades as well at no additional cost to you.

A full-service holiday lighting design includes custom layout planning,  your products, professional installation, in-season maintenance, and post-season removal. We provide commercial-grade lights, secure roofline mounting, and clean wiring organization. After the holidays, we return to safely remove and pack up all lighting components.

We book for the holiday season all year.  Most years prime installation slots are taken by early fall.  The earlier you book the better selection of installation dates are available.  Early scheduling guarantees design planning time and avoids peak-season calendar limitations.

Yes, we create fully custom holiday lighting designs tailored to your home’s architecture and landscaping. Each design highlights the best your property has to offfer - rooflines, peaks, entryways, trees, and pathways for balanced illumination. Custom layouts provide a polished, professional look that stands out from basic installations.

If a bulb or strand stops working, we provide maintenance service as part of our holiday lighting package - most times within 24-48 hours. Our team responds promptly during the season to repair or replace affected sections. This ensures your home remains fully illuminated throughout the holidays without homeowner troubleshooting.  We limit service issues by testing all products in our warehouse and checking for any damage after each installation season to ensure they are in good condition to be installed the following year.

Yes, professionally designed commercial lighting improves visibility in parking lots, walkways, and building entrances. Bright, uniform lighting reduces dark zones and enhances security perception for customers and employees. Many retail and hospitality properties use layered lighting strategies to support safer evening operations and reduce accident risks.

Lighting directly influences guest comfort, mood, and first impressions within seconds of arrival. Hotels and restaurants benefit from warm architectural lighting, pathway illumination, and focal accents that guide guests smoothly from parking to entry. Inviting hospitality lighting creates a welcoming environment that encourages longer visits and repeat business.

Yes, professional exterior lighting can increase visibility from the street and make your shopping center feel open and active after dark. Well-lit storefronts and parking areas attract attention from passing drivers and encourage evening visits. Many retail properties extend customer activity by 2–3 hours simply by improving nighttime illumination.

Strategically designed lighting enhances visibility in streets, parks, parking lots, and walkways, helping to reduce accidents and deter crime. Modern LED and smart lighting systems also improve energy efficiency while maintaining consistent illumination for community safety.

Upgraded campus lighting improves student safety, enhances the learning environment, and creates a welcoming atmosphere for events and activities. Energy-efficient solutions can also significantly reduce operational costs while supporting sustainability goals.

Custom lighting installations can transform school campuses for seasonal displays or special events, attracting community participation and increasing fundraising opportunities. Well-designed lighting creates a memorable experience that encourages higher attendance and donations.

Apartment communities benefit from well-lit entrances, pathways, parking areas, and shared spaces. Proper lighting increases resident safety, improves property value, and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the property.  Many residents choose their apartments based on communal areas, so adding engaging lighting in the common areas increase community value to the potenial resident.

Yes. LED lightingand smart lighting controls help municipalities, schools, and residential communities reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs while meeting environmental and sustainability standards.