We're considering a major remodel of our front. Lots of earth to move, so it will be the largest home expense we've had. The lighting accounts for $6,000 of the estimate. Each step has a light and there are lights for the retaining walls. I'm not against the lighting, but what are your thoughts on the following:
1 - I'm very handy, but not interesting in back breaking jobs. After the pavers are in, could I just run my own set of electric lights? Maybe ask them to bury some conduit for me. I see where removing caps makes installation not a hassle, so it's more about running wire to an outlet that won't look goofy.
2 - Can I get enough brightness from solar vs electric? Posts from 2010 say now, but it's 2017, so maybe better solar lights are available?
3 - I see that removing caps from the wall or step areas is not that big of a deal - actually my son works for this hardscaper and although's it's tedious, he's done it as well. I'm wondering if there are solar lights that I could drop in there, instead of running wires? I realize I might be replacing them over time, but for some reason I'm not convinced that electric will be hassle-free either. Maybe I'm wrong.
4 - I've seen the solar paver lights, where the light is the size of a paver. Simply dig out the paver and replace it with a light. Any good? By good, will it provide enough light for a front walk? Stay in place, etc.?
Any other thoughts? Recommend brands, etc.?
Thanks
1 - I'm very handy, but not interesting in back breaking jobs. After the pavers are in, could I just run my own set of electric lights? Maybe ask them to bury some conduit for me. I see where removing caps makes installation not a hassle, so it's more about running wire to an outlet that won't look goofy.
2 - Can I get enough brightness from solar vs electric? Posts from 2010 say now, but it's 2017, so maybe better solar lights are available?
3 - I see that removing caps from the wall or step areas is not that big of a deal - actually my son works for this hardscaper and although's it's tedious, he's done it as well. I'm wondering if there are solar lights that I could drop in there, instead of running wires? I realize I might be replacing them over time, but for some reason I'm not convinced that electric will be hassle-free either. Maybe I'm wrong.
4 - I've seen the solar paver lights, where the light is the size of a paver. Simply dig out the paver and replace it with a light. Any good? By good, will it provide enough light for a front walk? Stay in place, etc.?
Any other thoughts? Recommend brands, etc.?
Thanks