What You’re Really Getting With “XX Lights for $XXXX” Packages
Lighting packages that promise a fixed number of lights for a set price might seem like a great deal. But what are you really paying for? More often than not, the answer is: speed over quality, and shortcuts that leave your home with less-than-stellar results.
Gutter Lighting Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All (And Here’s Why It Shouldn’t Be)
You’ve probably seen the ads—“15 lights for $3,499!” The price tag is attractive, but the execution often isn’t. Here’s how most of those installs actually look:
The Problems with Cookie-Cutter Lighting Packages
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Lights placed too far away: Instead of taking the time to mount lights close to architectural features, many companies place fixtures 30–50+ feet back just to reach the second story. That distance leads to glare, lost beam focus, and hotspots.
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Bulky uplights in the gutters: Rather than using purpose-built gutter fixtures, they jam in the same uplights they’d use in mulch beds. These were never designed to go overhead—and it shows.
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Glare in your eyes, not beauty on your home: Improperly aimed lights can shine directly into windows or your line of sight, creating harsh spots instead of clean highlights.
Why Do They Do It This Way?
One word: Time.
Proper architectural lighting, especially in gutters, takes effort:
What Real Gutter Lighting Requires
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Fishing low-voltage wire through gutter downspouts (often an hour-long task per run)
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Removing and replacing gutter guards, which are common throughout Virginia
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Drilling custom mounts for each fixture to ensure long-term stability and correct aim
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Nighttime fine-tuning, when adjustments matter most for visual effect
That’s why some companies skip these steps entirely. But shortcuts don’t save your curb appeal—they just save them labor.
At NightOak, We Do Things Differently
We don’t follow the fast path—we follow the right one. At NightOak Outdoor Lighting, we:
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Use low-profile fixtures made specifically for soffits and gutters—not bulky ground uplights
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Custom design every layout based on your home’s architecture, not a fixed light count
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Perform on-site nighttime adjustments to fine-tune every beam
Lighting your home shouldn’t be templated. It should be tailored.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s wrong with placing lights far from the house to reach the second story?
Lights placed too far back create glare, uneven coverage, and often wash out the lower level. Proper lighting should highlight features—not blind you.
Can uplights be installed in gutters?
Standard uplights aren’t meant for gutters. They’re bulky, exposed, and can create maintenance and water flow issues. We use slim, purpose-built fixtures.
Why is custom gutter lighting more expensive?
Because it involves labor-intensive steps: wire fishing, mount installation, gutter guard removal, and nighttime aiming. It takes more time—but the result is far superior.
Done Once. Done Right.
If you’re looking for lighting that enhances your home instead of overpowering it, skip the shortcuts. Let’s design something intentional—something lasting.
Contact NightOak Outdoor Lighting today and get a quote that reflects real quality, not a templated install. Online Calendar
