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How to Budget for Backyard Lighting

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How to Budget for Backyard Lighting

Brighten up your outdoor space before gardening season hits without breaking your monthly budget.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $122.22/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,200 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Hard-wired landscape lighting changes how you use your yard at night. It adds safety to paths and creates a warm glow for evening relaxing. The installation usually takes a professional crew about two days to finish.

Book your contractor in late winter or very early spring. This is often their slow season, so you might get a better rate or a faster start date before the spring rush begins.

The 0% period is a deadline, not free money. If you have any balance left after the 18 months, the interest rate will jump up and apply to what you still owe.

The steps

  1. 01

    Get three quotes

    Don't just pick the first person you find online. Ask three different lighting installers to come out and give you a written estimate. Compare what kind of fixtures they plan to use so you know if the price difference is about quality or just labor.

  2. 02

    Set your budget

    The average project runs around $2200. Check your savings to see if you can cover the total upfront, or decide how much you want to spread out over the coming months.

  3. 03

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card

    This card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. By using this for the project, you could pay roughly $122.22 per month to clear the $2200 cost before the 18-month intro window on purchases expires.

  4. 04

    Confirm the warranty

    Ask the installer about the warranty on both the lights and the wiring. A good installer will guarantee their work for at least a year. Make sure you get the details in writing before the work starts.

  5. 05

    Schedule the install

    Lock in your date early to avoid the spring backlog. If you have the materials delivered ahead of time, keep them in a dry garage so the crew can start the moment they arrive.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Should I buy the lights myself?

It is usually better to let the pro buy them. They often get trade discounts you cannot access and know which brands hold up best in your specific climate.

Is low-voltage lighting worth it?

Yes. It is safer to install and much cheaper to run on your electric bill than standard high-voltage systems.

Does landscape lighting add value to my home?

It adds curb appeal and safety, which buyers like. While it might not lead to a massive jump in appraisal, it definitely makes your home easier to sell.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can end your 0% offer early. Set up an automatic payment for at least the minimum amount so you never accidentally void the deal.