\t\t\t\tTurns out, a surprising number of homeowners think landscape lighting is too extravagant for their modest properties. A perk for the owners of estates, mansions, mini-mansions, and grand residences. That is to say, for people with something to show off.\u00a0 A little reflection,\u00a0however,\u00a0 quickly flips this notion on its head. Landscape lighting is for smaller homes, too.<\/p>\n
The 2018 median sale price<\/a> for a single-family home in the Houston market was $237,500. That is, half (41,000) of the homes sold last year sold for that amount or less.\u00a0 \u00a0Many of these are purchased as rental properties. In fact, single-family homes account for about 40% of residential rentals<\/a> in the Houston area.<\/p>\n It\u2019s true everything\u2019s bigger in Texas, though. Houston-area homes come in each year in first or second place nationally in terms of median lot size. Right at the median price, the typical home <\/a>is a 1,900 sq. ft., 4-BR\/2.5 bath residence on a 3,000 \u2013 8, 000 square foot lot. It\u2019s also true that things are changing. A number of area builders have begun swimming against the recent trend. They\u2019ve joined a nationwide move toward smaller homes<\/a>, in the 1,100 \u2013 1,400 square foot range.<\/p>\n Whether a home is the owner\u2019s residence or an investment property, professional outdoor and landscape lighting makes sense. This is no less true for the smallest houses.<\/p>\n An artfully crafted outdoor lighting design can create a sense of spaciousness in the most modest setting. Expert selection and placement of fixtures adds depth and texture to the lightscape of house and grounds. A backyard, howsoever small, can become an inviting extension of the home\u2019s living space, in season. In sum, it can add more \u201chome\u201d to a house.<\/p>\n Then, of course, there are the practical matters of safety, security, and property value. There\u2019s no question regarding safety and security<\/a>. Proper outdoor lighting keeps accidents and crime away. As for property value, it\u2019s true that most home buyers come by day. That said, the picky ones often make a nighttime drive-by before making up their minds. A beautifully illuminated home helps them make that purchase decision. Nighttime photos in online listings are another way outdoor lighting adds value, for sales or for rentals.<\/p>\nSMALL, MEDIUM, LARGE<\/h3>\n
LIGHTING SMALLER HOMES<\/h3>\n