What Homebuyers Want and How LED Low-Voltage Lighting Can Help Them

 Southern Landscape Lighting Systems of Alpharetta, GA, designs, installs, and services residential and commercial LED landscape lighting systems in the metro Atlanta area. The lighting team is dedicated to casting homeowners, prospective homebuyers, and professional home builders in the best light possible.

The National Association of Home Builders recently published a summary of a larger study involving 3,247 prospective and current homebuyers. The survey, conducted within the context of the pandemic, yielded key findings that have implications for professional home builders and the residential LED landscape lighting design and installation industry.

The purpose of the extensive study was to provide accurate, valid answers to the question, “What do homebuyers want in the post-pandemic era of homebuying?” The article describes the effect sheltering in place had on the centrality and importance of the home: “The home was suddenly catapulted into a new level of prominence; its purpose often expanding beyond just a functional dwelling to many other non-traditional roles, such as office, gym, or school.” The study introduced questions aimed specifically at measuring the impact of the crisis on home buyer preferences.

Below are some key findings of the study that have a direct bearing on landscape lighting and how landscape lighting can put professional home builders in a better light.

#1. Preferences have changed.

Households with a remote worker and/or virtual students are most likely to be affected by the pandemic: 43% of households with at least one remote worker and one virtual student affirm that their housing preferences have been altered by the pandemic, compared to only 9% of those with neither teleworkers nor virtual students.

The landscape lighting connection: The home has become a terminal for work, school, entertainment, recreation, and community. With more time spent at home, more homebuyers will explore curb appeal improvement options, which include landscape lighting.

#2. Outdoor amenities that expand the outdoor living space figure prominently on the homebuyer’s wish list.

Seventy-five percent or more of homebuyers want the following outdoor features: exterior lighting, a patio, a front porch, a rear porch, and a deck. The desire for other exterior features, including an outdoor kitchen, outdoor fireplace, or built-in grill, increases significantly with a corresponding increase in the price point of the home. Homebuyers are willing to fund projects that expand and enhance outdoor living spaces.

The landscape lighting connection: A patio, deck, outdoor kitchen, or fireplace needs landscape lighting to maximize safety. Also, landscape lighting extends the time available to enjoy outdoor living spaces. Activities can continue well into the evening hours.

#3. Homebuyers want energy efficiency.

Homebuyers are concerned (78%) about the environmental impact of their homes. Over half of homebuyers (57%) are willing to spend an extra $5,000 upfront to save $1,000 per year on utilities.

The landscape lighting connection: Efficient exterior lighting finds its way into the top five most wanted energy-efficient features. Lighting methods that use less energy than traditional bulbs are important to more than 70% of homebuyers. Converting a traditional halogen landscape lighting system to an LED low-voltage landscape lighting system makes complete sense to cost-conscious homebuyers who value sustainability. Currently, LED landscape bulbs last anywhere from 25,000 to 40,000 hours, depending on the situation. Homebuyers can save money while saving the Earth.

#4. Technology is a top priority.

Energy efficiency and home security are top tech priorities. A programmable thermostat, security cameras, video doorbell(s), wireless home security system, and a multi-zone HVAC system top the tech list.

The landscape lighting connection: A landscape lighting system enhances the effectiveness of a security system or other home security technology. Discreet, strategically positioned landscape lighting is necessary if a home security system is to provide the desired protection. Dangerous shadows and poorly lit walking paths can become hazardous.

#5. Homebuyers are conscientious about first impressions.

Homebuyers are thinking about the color of their front door. 24% want a white door, while 17% prefer that the door be brown.

The landscape lighting connection: Careful thought about the color of the front door indicates that the homebuyer is interested in curb appeal and especially the first impression a home evokes. An elegant, professionally designed, and installed LED low-voltage landscape lighting system is a pivotal factor in creating that breathtaking first impression.

#6. Homebuyers are thinking multi-generationally and with an accessibility view.

Multi-generational housing is a distinct preference for minorities.

• 53% of Hispanics
• 50% of African Americans
• 46% of Asians

In terms of accessibility, the top five most wanted features are non-slip floor surfaces and an entrance without steps. Sixty percent of homebuyers see these two amenities as essential or desirable.

The landscape lighting connection: The presence of older family members in the home necessitates that the yard is illuminated enough to be easily navigable. LED landscape lighting also complements accessibility features by making sure that walkways and entrances are safe and well-lit.

#7. Clean and bright are top priorities.

According to the study, the following features came in at the top of the list: “A laundry room and exterior lighting are the two most wanted features in a home (both rated essential or desirable by 87% of buyers). The Most Wanted List also includes two other exterior features: a patio (82%) and a front porch (75%)…”

The landscape lighting connection: Homeowners themselves express great interest in exterior lighting, as well as in patios and porches, which would benefit from the application of a lighting system.

Putting the Homebuyer and the Homebuilder in the Best Light

Since nearly 60% of homebuyers want new home construction, professional homebuilders should consider including LED low-voltage landscape lighting in their building plan to ensure the homebuyer is truly satisfied with the final product. The best time to involve a professional landscape lighting designer in the homebuying or homebuilding process is at the very beginning of the process when negotiations are taking place, and plans are being drawn.

For more information about outdoor LED lighting design, installation, and service, contact the Alpharetta office by phone at (770) 691-1221 or email at lindsey@southernlls.com.

Landscape Lighting for Backyard Brick Ovens

 

LED Landscape Lighting for Assisted Living Centers in Marietta, GA

 The team at Southern Landscape Lighting Systems of Marietta designs and installs outdoor LED lighting systems for a wide variety of applications. One such application is the installation of landscape lighting to enhance the beauty and safety of the outdoor facilities at an assisted living community.

The 2020 census reports that there are approximately 55 million Americans over the age of 65. Every day in the US, 10,000 people celebrate this milestone in their lives. Continuing care retirement communities meet the growing needs of this aging demographic.

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), “Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also called life care communities, offer different levels of service in one location. Many of them offer independent housing (houses or apartments), assisted living, and skilled nursing care, all on one campus. Healthcare services and recreation programs are also provided. In a CCRC, where you live depends on the level of service you need. People who can no longer live independently move to the assisted living facility or sometimes receive home care in their independent living unit. If necessary, they can enter the CCRC’s nursing home. Assisted living is for people who need help with daily care but not as much help as a nursing home provides. Assisted living facilities range in size from as few as 25 residents to 120 or more. Typically, a few “levels of care” are offered, with residents paying more for higher levels of care.”

The NIH goes on to describe more aspects of assisted living: “Assisted living residents usually live in their apartments or rooms and share common areas. They have access to many services, including up to three meals a day; assistance with personal care; help with medications, housekeeping, and laundry; 24-hour supervision, security, and on-site staff; and social and recreational activities. Exact arrangements vary from state to state.”

Georgia has almost 700 assisted living centers, and nearly half of these facilities are in the greater Atlanta area. Acworth, Alpharetta, and Marietta are dotted with numerous continuing-care retirement communities, many of which provide assisted living services. Nearly 13% of Marietta residents are over the age of 65.

Assistive lighting for assisted living

Many residents in continuing care and assisted living centers to enjoy a high level of independent living and mobility. These elder care communities offer exercise and recreational venues ranging from hiking trails and walking tracks to paved walkways and sitting areas with benches. Each venue accommodates one or more levels of independence and mobility. LED low-voltage landscape lighting provides assistive lighting at assisted living centers without compromising aesthetics. Landscape lighting not only expands safe access to venues after dark but also enhances aesthetic beauty.

Below are some practical applications for facility and grounds maintenance managers to consider when evaluating the safety, security, functionality, and aesthetics of the elder care facility.

Ramps and rails

Steps limit or prevent accessibility to residents in a wheelchair or using a walker. A knee or hip replacement can make climbing or descending steps risky. In place of steps, architects have incorporated gentle grades or constructed ramps. Eliminating steps does not forego the need to illuminate the sloped areas. Adequately bright path lighting assists the resident in discerning depth, which is necessary to prevent overbalance and a potential fall. Railings are very important in both upslopes and downslopes. On the upslope, the railing enables the resident to pull their way up the slope. On the downslope, the railing stabilizes the resident, preventing overbalance. A simple, well-lit bench at both the top and bottom of the incline adds a measure of safety as well as a nice aesthetic.

Steps and rest stops

Since a continuing care retirement center includes residents with a full range of mobility, some steps may be included in the landscape of the facility. These steps should be free of shadows, and glare should be kept to a minimum or eliminated.  Illuminated handrails provide an extra measure of security in case a resident loses their grip. A lighted bench for rest and recovery is important in areas where physical exertion may leave a resident in need of a brief rest.

Landscape lighting for the immobile

Once the sun goes down, mobility is restricted for many residents by choice or by physical limitations. Many continuing care residential communities (CCRCs) have made beautiful landscaping a top priority. Beautiful gardens, fabulous water features and statuary, meandering walkways, and magnificent trees festoon the landscape. This landscape can be experienced in all its glory after the sun sets with the help of a skilled landscape lighting artisan. Many residential retirement communities are on the outskirts of suburbs and are often visited by ample wildlife when darkness falls. Deer, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, and wild boar will amble through the gated neighborhoods, industrial parks, and even CCRCs. LED landscape lighting enables all residents, including the infirm, to enjoy the nocturnal antics of indigenous wildlife.

Other areas that would stand to benefit from LED low-voltage landscape lighting include:

• Recreational areas
• Dark or shadowed spaces during the daytime hours
• Therapeutic lighting (mood enhancement, sundowning, sleep enhancement)
• Lighting signage and curb appeal
• Landscaping for a robust nightlife

The metro Atlanta LED low-voltage lighting company offers an onsite, in-person consultation. Be sure to inquire about the onsite nighttime demonstration. A beautiful landscape deserves to be enjoyed, especially after sunset.

Contact Southern Landscape Lighting Systems for more information about landscape lighting installation. The Marietta office can be reached by calling (678) 616-9166 or by emailing lindsey@southernlls.com.

Landscape Lighting Company Explains Lighting Types and Techniques

 The team at Southern Landscape Lighting Systems of Acworth designs installs and services residential and commercial outdoor lighting systems in the metro Atlanta area. The company offers a nighttime demonstration so customers can have an idea of how LED low-voltage landscape lighting will impact the visual aesthetic of the home and landscape.

The Aesthetic Pleasures of LED Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting

A well-lit walking path evokes images that are elegant and other-worldly. A well-designed and creative LED low-voltage lighting design and installation can transform any ordinary and mundane landscape, backyard, or front yard into a magical getaway that brings visual, mental, and emotional peace, relief, and refreshment. The enjoyment experienced in the evening wandering the landscape is unmatched and never grows old. Almost as pleasing as roaming the well-illuminated yard is showing it off to friends and family.

Landscape lighting offers practical benefits for Acworth, GA, residents. It reclaims the darkness by illuminating the outdoor living space so family and friends can enjoy the deck, patio, pool, spa, or outdoor fireplace. LED landscape lighting is also beneficial for highlighting green areas such as raised planters, a vegetable or herb garden, a prized Japanese maple, or an elaborate, well-manicured espalier holly on the side of the house. The wide variety of venues, hardscapes, planting beds, trees, statuary, water features, and recreational areas around the home presents an almost insurmountable challenge to the typical homeowner seeking to install an LED low-voltage lighting system that provides safety, security, functionality, a charming aesthetic experience, and an inviting curb appeal.

Why Install Landscape Lighting

Below is an in-depth look at the advantages of landscape lighting.

1. Enhance safety around the yard.

A well-lit pathway is comfortable to navigate, especially for the elderly person who may experience difficulty seeing in the dim, dusk lighting. The loss of contrast affects depth perception, which can make navigating a gentle incline or a set of steps perilous and frightening. Illuminating walls, guardrails, and seating areas can improve orientation.

2. Transform the backyard into a retreat.

Color temperature, light brightness, and positioning, along with beam width and angle, can instantly create an ambiance that gives the yard a more composed and relaxed feel, much like a resort or retreat.

3. Draws attention to the landscape features most valued or appreciated by the homeowner.

 A custom mural from a regional artist, a signature statue from a renowned sculptor, an antique farm implement, a fishpond brimming with award-winning koi, a swimming pool, a putting green, or an illuminated play station for the grandchildren, or a meandering path lined with country rock from the Georgia mountains may be featured attractions in a landscape furnished with a well-designed landscape lighting system. Custom programming capabilities allow the homeowner to create settings and showcase individual elements in the yard.

4. Create a new and original aesthetic.

Fixtures come in a variety of shapes, styles, and colors to accommodate individual tastes and preferences.

5. Improve home value.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, almost 9 out of ten homebuyers rate exterior lighting as essential and highly desirable. A captivating LED low-voltage landscape lighting system can have a positive ROI.

Different Types of Outdoor Lights

The selection of landscape lighting fixtures is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Options abound. Here are some popular examples: uplights, downlights, path lights, deck and patio lights, wall lights, and hardscape lights.

Lighting Techniques

• Path lighting makes walkways, paths, and stairs safe while adding a warm and inviting atmosphere to the location.
• Uplighting is perfect for drawing attention to a distinctive architectural feature of the home or an element in the yard. The boulders, trees, or the side of the house are prime subjects for uplighting.
• Downlighting can be used to brighten an entire area of the yard and improve overall visibility. Moonlighting, a form of downlighting, is used in a tree to make branches and leaves appear as shadows.
• Deck and patio lighting are akin to downlighting. The light fixtures are more prominent. Consideration should be given to style, size, and finish as a means to accentuate the color palette of the deck or patio. Used properly, this lighting technique splashes sitting areas with a liberal amount of light to illuminate faces and enhance social interaction.
• Hardscape lighting focuses on walls, steps, pavers, water features, boulders, and firepits. This technique spotlights the object and is employed to light an outdoor kitchen island.
• Wall lighting involves fixtures that are engineered to light up walls, and these fixtures may be installed in the walls. This technique creates a designer feel for the spaces where this application is in use.

For premium products and superior design, installation, and maintenance, trust the professionals at Southern Landscape Lighting Systems of Acworth, GA. The team can be reached by email at lindsey@southernlls.com or by phone at (678) 324-6842.