Installing interior and exterior home lighting is an important part of making your house more attractive. It can make your property look its best, while also serving as a form of security. There are many different types of fixtures available, but it’s important to choose one that meets your needs and budget. Whether you’re adding an outdoor kitchen, creating a nighttime oasis, or enhancing the aesthetics of your home, there are many reasons to install exterior lighting.
One of the easiest ways to improve your home’s curb appeal is to add some outdoor lighting. This can be anything from a small porch light to a line of roof lights. Not only does this make your house safer, it can help draw attention to your landscaping.
For your installation project to be successful, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment. The most basic of these is an electrician, but you can do it yourself with a little know how. A good handyman company will be able to get the job done in a hurry. They can even provide a free consultation, so you can get started.
Before you even begin, you’ll want to understand a little of the lingo associated with the process. Choosing the most appropriate type of light is an important first step, as some fixtures are not weatherproof. While they can be safely operated inside your home, you’ll want to ensure that they’re waterproof, especially if you live in a rainy climate. Besides, exterior lights have a tendency to fry in the rain, which are not only unsanitary, but dangerous.
In the same spirit, you’ll want to learn the most important steps to take when installing an outdoor light. In particular, you’ll need to identify where you’re planning to install it, which should include a spot for an electrical box and a few supports. If you’re going to mount the lights to a surface other than a wall, you’ll need to decide whether you’re going to use a screw cap or an integrated bracket.
To help with this task, you’ll need a handy dandy little tool. The most efficient way to do this is to cut the wires to size with a utility knife. When cutting the wires, you’ll need to strip a quarter inch of the insulation from the end of each wire.
Using a bendable wire hanger, you can check for proper studs, pipes, and other elements that may be preventing the light from properly installing. Once you’ve found these elements, you’ll need to wrap them in the right type of electrical tape. You can follow this with a couple of wire nuts, if you like.
When you’re all set up, you’ll need to test the fixture to ensure it works. Depending on the light, this could mean switching on a wall switch to power the fixture. Or, it might mean connecting the light to a supply line. Whatever you decide, make sure the light is functioning well and has a grounding wire.