Outdoor Lighting Consultation

During your consultation, our designer evaluates your property using professional lighting design principles that go far beyond simply placing fixtures at regular intervals. We analyze focal point hierarchy to determine which architectural and landscape features should receive primary emphasis, secondary accent, and ambient fill lighting. This layered approach creates the depth and dimension that distinguishes professional installations from DIY efforts. We assess the reflective properties of your home's exterior materials, because brick, stone, stucco, painted wood, and vinyl each interact with light differently and require specific fixture selections and aiming angles to achieve optimal results.

Transformer sizing is one of the most critical technical assessments performed during the consultation. Every 12-volt low-voltage lighting system requires a transformer that converts standard 120V household current to the safe 12V used by landscape fixtures. Our designers calculate the total wattage demand of the proposed system, account for voltage drop across wire runs, and specify transformer capacity with appropriate headroom for future expansion. For larger properties in The Palisades, River Hills, or estates along Lake Wylie, we frequently design multi-transformer systems with dedicated zones to ensure consistent voltage delivery across long wire runs that may exceed two hundred feet from the transformer location.

Wire run planning is another technical element addressed during the consultation that has enormous impact on long-term system performance. Voltage drop, the gradual reduction in voltage as electricity travels through wire over distance, is the single most common cause of uneven brightness in landscape lighting systems. Our designers calculate voltage drop for every proposed wire run using industry-standard formulas that account for wire gauge, run length, fixture load, and connection type. We specify 12-gauge or 10-gauge direct-burial copper wire based on these calculations, and we design hub-and-spoke wiring topologies that minimize run lengths and balance loads across transformer taps. This meticulous planning during the consultation phase eliminates the brightness inconsistencies that plague poorly designed systems.

Fixture selection during the consultation is guided by both aesthetic goals and environmental durability requirements specific to the Charlotte-area climate. We specify fixtures manufactured from cast brass, solid copper, or marine-grade aluminum with minimum IP65 weather ratings suitable for the humid subtropical conditions of the Carolina Piedmont. LED lamp specifications include color rendering index values above 80, consistent 2700K warm white color temperature across all fixtures, and expected lifespans exceeding 40,000 hours. Our preferred Unique Lighting Systems fixtures are designed and manufactured specifically for professional landscape lighting applications, with superior build quality that withstands the heat, humidity, red clay exposure, and seasonal temperature swings characteristic of our service area.

Is the outdoor lighting consultation really free with no obligation?

Absolutely. Our on-site consultation is completely complimentary with zero obligation. We invest in meeting with you at your property because it is the only way to develop an accurate, customized design. There is no cost, no contract, and no pressure to proceed. Approximately thirty percent of the homeowners we consult with decide to phase their project or wait for a future date, and that is perfectly fine. Our consultation gives you the information you need to make a confident decision on your timeline.

How long does a typical lighting consultation take?

Most consultations last between sixty and ninety minutes. The first thirty minutes involve walking your property and evaluating the architecture, landscaping, and site conditions. The next thirty minutes focus on discussing your goals, reviewing design concepts, and explaining the proposed approach. The final portion covers technical planning, budget discussion, and scheduling a nighttime demonstration if desired. We never rush a consultation because the quality of the design depends on a thorough, unhurried evaluation.

Should I have specific ideas before scheduling a consultation?

Having specific ideas is helpful but absolutely not required. Many of our best projects begin with homeowners who simply know they want their property to look better at night but have no idea what is possible. Our designer will identify opportunities you may never have considered, from uplighting mature trees to creating moonlighting effects from canopy branches, silhouetting ornamental grasses, or grazing light across textured stone walls. Feel free to share photos of lighting you admire, but do not worry if you come to the consultation with a blank slate.

What should I do to prepare for the consultation?

No special preparation is needed. If you have a property survey or landscape plan available, having those accessible is helpful but not required. If there are specific areas of concern, such as a dark walkway that feels unsafe or a patio you cannot use after sunset, make a mental note to mention those to your designer. If you have an existing lighting system, leave it turned on before the visit so our designer can evaluate its current condition and performance.

Can you consult on a property that is still under construction?

Yes, and this is actually one of the best times to begin the lighting design process. Consulting during construction allows us to coordinate with your builder, electrician, and landscaper to pre-run wire conduits through hardscape before it is poured, position transformer locations near electrical panels with dedicated circuits, and plan fixture placements before landscaping is installed. This proactive approach avoids the need to trench through finished lawns and gardens, saving both cost and disruption.

Do you consult on commercial properties or only residential?

While Fireflies Landscape Lighting primarily serves residential clients across the Lake Wylie, Charlotte, Fort Mill, and Tega Cay areas, we do accept select commercial and HOA common-area lighting projects. Commercial consultations follow a similar process but may involve additional site visits, stakeholder coordination, and more detailed technical specifications. Contact us at (803) 889-0096 to discuss your commercial project, and we will let you know if it falls within our service scope.

What happens after the consultation if I decide to proceed?

After you decide to move forward, we prepare a detailed proposal that includes a fixture-by-fixture layout, specific product selections with specifications, transformer and wiring plan, total project cost, and estimated installation timeline. Once you approve the proposal and we receive the scheduling deposit, we order materials and schedule your installation date, typically within two to four weeks depending on material availability and our current project queue.

Can I get a consultation for just one area of my property?

Of course. Many homeowners start with a focused area such as the front facade, a backyard patio, or a specific landscape feature. We design every system with future expansion in mind, specifying transformer capacity, wire gauge, and hub locations that accommodate additional zones later. This phased approach allows you to spread the investment over time while ensuring the final comprehensive system functions as a cohesive whole.

How far in advance should I schedule a consultation?

We recommend scheduling at least one to two weeks in advance, though we can sometimes accommodate shorter timelines. Spring and fall are our busiest consultation seasons as homeowners prepare for outdoor entertaining or holiday lighting. If you have a specific event or deadline, mention that when scheduling so we can prioritize accordingly. Call (803) 889-0096 to find the next available appointment for your area.

Will the designer who does my consultation also design and oversee the installation?

Yes. At Fireflies Landscape Lighting, the designer who conducts your consultation develops the detailed design plan and oversees the installation to ensure the finished system matches the design intent. This continuity from consultation through installation eliminates the miscommunication that occurs when different people handle different phases of a project. Your designer is your single point of contact throughout the entire process.

What areas do you serve for consultations?

We provide free on-site consultations throughout the greater Charlotte metropolitan area, including Lake Wylie, Tega Cay, Fort Mill, Indian Land, Waxhaw, Weddington, Ballantyne, Myers Park, South Charlotte, Pineville, and surrounding communities. Our central location allows us to serve clients across both North and South Carolina sides of the metro area. If you are unsure whether your property falls within our service area, call (803) 889-0096 and we will confirm.

Can both homeowners be present during the consultation?

We strongly encourage both homeowners to participate in the consultation whenever possible. Outdoor lighting is a significant home improvement investment, and having both decision-makers present ensures everyone hears the same information, asks their questions, and provides input on design priorities. This also avoids the common situation where one spouse needs to relay information to the other, which often leads to misunderstandings and delays in the decision-making process.