A dark driveway, a side path you avoid walking at night, or a floodlight so badly aimed it blinds you at the front door and lights nothing useful in the garden. Outdoor lighting is easy to get wrong on a DIY basis, since aiming and sensor placement matter as much as the fitting itself.
Why this comes up
A driveway, path, or entry point that’s genuinely unsafe to walk after dark.
An existing sensor light aimed poorly or triggering constantly for no good reason.
Wanting better visibility for security around the property.
A new deck, pergola, or outdoor area needing lighting as part of the build.
A recent break-in or attempted break-in in the area prompting a security review.
Wanting lighting that looks intentional and designed, not just a single floodlight bolted to the eave.
How we handle it
Walk the property after dark to see the actual problem, not just guess from daylight.
Choose between sensor, dusk-to-dawn, or manually switched lighting, per position.
Discuss smart or app-controlled options if you want to check or adjust lighting remotely.
Run correctly rated external cable with weatherproof fittings throughout.
Aim and set sensors so they trigger on people, not passing cars or moving branches.
What to expect
Most installs are a day’s work. Cable routing around the building, particularly if it needs to go underground, is the main variable in how long it takes. We’ll also confirm switching, whether you want manual override alongside the sensor, since being able to turn a light on manually matters when you’re expecting visitors after dark. Once everything is aimed and tested, we’ll walk the property with you after dark to confirm it actually does the job before we call it finished.
What it costs
Driven more by the cable run than by the fittings themselves. Positions near an existing power supply cost far less than a light at the far end of the garden. Multiple lights on the same run cost less per fitting than a single isolated light requiring its own dedicated cable run.
Common questions
Why does my sensor light keep coming on?
Usually it’s aimed at a road, a heat source, or moving foliage. Repositioning fixes it far more often than replacing the unit.
Can outdoor cable go underground?
Yes, run correctly at the right depth with proper protection. It’s the neatest option where it’s practical.
Do I need planning permission for outdoor lighting?
Generally no for standard domestic lighting, though we’ll flag it if anything about your specific job needs it.
Can you fit lighting to an existing pergola or deck?
Yes, it’s a common add-on, and often cheaper if there’s already power nearby.
Do sensor lights use much power?
Very little. They’re only drawing power when triggered, and an LED fitting means even that brief burst costs next to nothing over a year.
Can outdoor lighting be controlled from my phone?
Yes, smart switches and app-controlled fittings are a common upgrade, particularly for anyone wanting to check or adjust lighting while away from home.
Is dusk-to-dawn lighting expensive to run?
LED dusk-to-dawn fittings use very little power for the hours they’re actually on, and modern units are efficient enough that running cost is rarely a real concern.