If you are planning to install permanent outdoor lights, there are a few things worth checking before installation day.
Most of the work is handled by the installer, but a little preparation can make the job faster and help avoid problems later.
Here are the main things we normally look at before starting.
Decide Which Parts of the House You Want Lit
The first thing is deciding where you actually want the lights.
Some homeowners only want the front of the house.
Others want:
- Front only
- Front and sides
- Upper and lower levels
- Garage area
- Backyard
- Full house
You do not always need to light every roofline.
Sometimes lighting the main front sections gives the house a great look without adding unnecessary footage.
Send Clear Photos
If you are getting an estimate remotely, clear photos help a lot.
Try to send:
- Straight front photo
- Left side
- Right side
- Back, if you want lights there
- Any high peaks or difficult areas
Daytime photos are usually best because the soffit, fascia, and roofline are easier to see.
From there, we can usually get a good idea of the layout and approximate footage.
Think About the Track Colour
The track should blend with the house as much as possible.
White and black are the most common options.
If your soffit is white, white track usually disappears pretty well from the ground.
For darker soffits or fascia, black may look better.
The goal is to make the system look clean when the lights are turned off.
Check the Soffit and Fascia
Before installing a permanent system, the mounting area should be in good condition.
If the soffit or fascia is loose, damaged, or rotting, it is better to repair that first.
You do not want to install permanent track onto something that may need to be replaced soon.
If you are planning roof, gutter, soffit, or fascia work, tell the installer before the lighting goes up.
Make Sure There Is Access Around the House
Installers need room for ladders and equipment.
Before installation day, it helps to move:
- Vehicles
- Patio furniture
- Garbage bins
- Planters
- Toys
- Other items close to the house
You do not need to clear the whole property.
Just giving enough room around the areas being worked on makes the job easier.
Think About Power
Permanent outdoor lights need a power source.
The exact setup depends on the lighting system and the size of the installation.
Possible locations may include:
- Garage
- Utility area
- Attic access
- Mechanical room
- Protected exterior location
For larger installations, more than one power supply may be needed.
The installer should check this before starting the job.
Wi-Fi Can Be Important
If the lighting system uses an app and Wi-Fi controller, the Wi-Fi signal near the controller location should be reasonably strong.
If your garage or exterior area has very weak Wi-Fi, it is worth knowing before installation.
Sometimes moving the controller location or improving Wi-Fi coverage can solve the problem.
Tell the Installer About Any Renovations
If you are planning any exterior work soon, mention it.
This includes:
- New roof
- New gutters
- Soffit replacement
- Fascia replacement
- Exterior painting
- Siding work
It may make more sense to complete that work before installing the lights.
Otherwise, part of the lighting system may need to be removed and installed again later.
Ask Where the Wiring Will Go
This is a good question to ask before installation.
The wiring should be kept as clean and hidden as possible.
Depending on the house, wiring may run through the garage, soffit, attic, or another protected area.
Every home is different.
The installer should be able to explain the basic wiring plan before the job starts.
Ask About Power Injection
If you have a larger home, ask whether the system will need power injection.
On longer runs, voltage can drop farther away from the power supply.
Power injection helps keep brightness and colours consistent across the entire roofline.
It is usually hidden, so homeowners may never notice it, but it is an important part of a properly planned system.
Check the Warranty Before Installation
Before the work starts, make sure you understand what is covered.
Ask about the warranty for:
- LED modules
- Track
- Controller
- Power supplies
- Installation
- Labour
It is better to ask these questions before installation rather than after something goes wrong.
You Do Not Need to Pick Every Colour in Advance
Some customers think they need to decide exactly how the lights will look before installation.
You do not.
Once the system is installed, you can usually change colours, brightness, patterns, and schedules from the app.
What matters before installation is the physical layout, not the colour you plan to use later.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for permanent outdoor lighting is pretty simple.
Decide which rooflines you want, send clear photos, make sure the mounting area is in good condition, and give the installer enough access to work safely.
The rest should be planned during the estimate and installation.
At Northam Lights, we install permanent outdoor LED lighting for homes and commercial properties across British Columbia and Alberta.
If you are thinking about installing permanent lights, send us a few photos of your property and we can help with the layout, approximate footage, and installation options.