What Affects the Cost of Landscape Lighting?

• Number of fixtures — usually the largest single factor.
• Fixture quality, material and finish, especially for coastal exposure.
• Transformer size and number, and the control options you choose.
• Wire run lengths and difficulty — hardscape, roots and long drives add labor.
• Design complexity: in-tree mounting, step lights in existing hardscape or dock work.
• Whether the system is installed at once or in phases.

Two proposals with similar totals can describe very different systems. Ask each provider to put the following in writing:

• The number and type of fixtures, and what each one lights.
• Fixture materials and the lamp or LED specifications.
• Transformer capacity and how much room is left for expansion.
• What controls are included.
• What warranty or service terms apply, in writing.
• What is excluded from the scope.

If the full vision is beyond your current budget, a phased plan is often the best path. Design the complete system first, install the highest-impact areas — usually the entrance and key trees — and add zones later on the same infrastructure.

CMG Illumination provides pricing after a consultation and written scope. We do not publish starting prices, because the factors above make a generic number misleading.