Kansas City had a mild winter this year, without too much rain or snow. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to check your outdoor lighting before spring arrives. In this outdoor lighting maintenance checklist, we will go through common problems with low voltage outdoor lighting systems, whether you can fix them yourself, and, if not, how much the cost might be.
Common Reasons Why Your Outdoor Lights Aren’t Working
Outdoor lighting, like all other fixtures, can fail. Here are some common reasons why your light might not be working properly:
Aged wiring: Old lights might gradually stop working due to aged connections.
Weather damage: While outdoor lights are designed to last, inclement weather and hard debris can still damage them.
Problem with the power supply: Sometimes it’s not the lights, it’s your power source.
Connection issues: If your lights are controlled by a smart system or via a mobile app, check for signal and connection issues.
Software updates: Similarly, ensure your smart lights have the latest updates installed.
Normal wear and tear: Your light might have simply reached the end of its life.
Blocked or damaged sensor: Automatic lights rely on sensors to turn on after dark.
Regular maintenance will keep your low-voltage outdoor lighting illuminated, keeping your landscape lit, adding extra curb appeal while increasing security and nighttime accessibility.
Outdoor Lighting Maintenance Checklist
Now that you know the common reasons why your outdoor lights aren’t working, it’s time to do a thorough inspection of your lighting system. Usually, you would only troubleshoot if a light is flickering or not turning on at all. However, an annual inspection might help you catch problems early on and save on repair costs.
Lighting Maintenance Checklist
To-do
Pro Needed for Repair?
Cost
Clean and inspect fixtures
No
Under $20 if you need cleaning supplies
Inspect light bulbs
No
$15 – $50
Check wiring
Yes
$50 – $100 an hour
Check the power supply
Maybe
$100 – $200
Inspect the Connections
Most Likely
Approx. $15 – $50 per sensor.
Test the timer
Yes, if resetting the timer doesn’t work
$200 – $500
Test Color Settings
Maybe
Update Your Software
No
$0
1. Clean and Inspect Fixtures
Start with the easiest task by cleaning and inspecting your lighting fixtures. Remove any leaves, dirt, and debris from around the lights, and gently wipe the surfaces clean with a soft rag. You should thoroughly clean at least once a year. Preferably, check your lights seasonally or after inclement weather.
2. Inspect Lightbulbs
If you notice a light is flickering or isn’t turning on, the first thing to do would be to inspect the lightbulbs. Make sure to turn off the power before removing the lightbulb. Check the bottom of the bulb for signs of overheating or surging. You can also put the bulb into another fixture to see if the problem is the bulb or something else.
3. Check Wiring
If the lightbulbs are working but your lights still appear dim, unstable, or not turning on at all, chances are you have wiring issues. For anything electrical, it’s best to leave it to a professional electrician.
Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping crew helps troubleshoot the outdoor lighting system problems for a client, discovering wildlife damage to the wiring.
4. Check the Power Supply
Another reason your lights may be acting up is your power supply. Check the voltage and breaker box. Make sure the circuit box is functioning properly. If the problem persists, use a voltage checker to diagnose the problem. If you think something is wrong with the transformer, call an electrician for help.
5. Inspect the Connections
Your lighting connections for each light are a common place where issues occur. 80% – 90% of the time, when a light is not working, it is due to a connection point where the wire nuts have loosened or been moved due to critters, settling, maintenance, etc. Usually, you can fix most problems with lights at the connection point.
6. Test the Timer
The accuracy of your timer may also sway as time goes by. The best way to test your timer is set it at a lower number. If the timing seems off, follow your manufacturer’s manual to reset the timer. Sometimes you can also do a reset from your phone for a smart system. If you believe a new control panel is necessary, contact a local outdoor lighting installation company for the replacement.
7. Test Color Settings
Similarly, test each color setting to see if anything is amiss. Note that errors in color-changing lights could indicate a problem in wiring, connectivity, the control panel, or color-changing light bulbs. Given the complexity, you might want a professional to help you troubleshoot and address the issue.
8. Update Your Software
While most smart outdoor lighting systems have automatic software updates, certain patches or major version updates may require a manual download. Therefore, it’s a good idea to run a system diagnosis at least once a year so your system is always up to date.
Should I Hire a Pro?
Outdoor lighting system maintenance is more tedious than challenging. However, since some of the steps involve inspecting electrical wiring, it might be more desirable for most homeowners to leave the task to a licensed and ensured outdoor lighting contractor altogether.
How much does it cost to repair outdoor lighting systems?
Low-voltage outdoor lighting system repairs, including the initial troubleshooting, cost from $200 to $500 on average. More extensive repairs, such as replacing an electrical panel or the entire control system, could cost $800 to $1,000.
Are you trying to add some vibrance to your porch? A winter flower pot would be a great option. With some proper care, your pot will last through the colder season and adorn your porch and patio with some much-needed colors to brighten up your days.
Stick with Evergreens
Evergreens are a classic option for winter plant arrangements. With proper wilt-proof, evergreen pots can last up to eight weeks. You can also combine your pot with other smaller hardy bushes to combine different heights and textures for your pot.
Sprinkle in Early Blooming Perennials
Another idea is to add early-blooming perennials to your pot so you can capture the first breath of color before spring arrives. Plants such as creeping phlox and snowdrops can also be lined around the bottom of your pot to add some colorful accents.
Add Ornaments
Holiday ornaments are always a great addition to your winter pots even after the Christmas season has passed. There also plenty of general winter ornaments like snowflakes and snow garlands. If you celebrate Lunar New Year, you can even find some lovely Asian ornaments.
A Mix of Real and Fake Plants
Consider mixing real and fake plants in your pot, especially if you are going after a specific aesthetic. Worry not: there are plenty of quality imitation plants that will go well with a natural winter pot.
Use Metallic Accents
Metallic accents are another good option to spice up your winter pot. Gold, silver, and even bronze accents would significantly light up your winter pots. For example, fake silver branches or gold branches can add more depth to an all-evergreen pot. You can also find decorative rocks that have a metallic gleam to cover the soil of your pot.
Install Plant Lights
Proper lighting inside your flower pot can bring more focus to your beautifully arranged pots on darker days. They also allow you to enjoy a peaceful time around your plants at night. Plus, it is always a nice sight to see your pots lit up as you drive home during the late hours. Quality plant lights cost approximately $45 to $60 per pot.
Spruce Up the Containers
Get creative and think outside the box! While you can stick with proper outdoor flower pots, you can also upcycle other objects to create unique art pieces. For example, ever thought about putting plants into old, broken furniture? You can also paint and decorate your flower pots with trinkets and patterns to make them more fun!
Professional and quality outdoor lighting can significantly change your living experience and your property’s physical appearance. Among the many options in the market, a low-voltage outdoor lighting system is often a homeowner’s favorite. It costs at least a couple of thousand dollars to install a quality low-voltage outdoor lighting system in Kansas City on average. The price ranges between $2,500 and $7,500 or more depending on the level of your system, the area that requires lighting, and any upgrades or add-ons you purchase.
What is a Low-Voltage Outdoor Lighting System
Low-voltage LED lights, or low-voltage landscaping lights, are one of the best outdoor lighting options for homeowners in Kansas City. A low-voltage lighting system reduces standard line voltage (120V-230V) down to a safer level of 12V to 48V (12V for most residential lights) through a transformer. This allows lights to be installed near water features and other sensitive areas where regular voltage might not be suitable.
Most low-voltage landscaping lighting systems consist of three main components:
Transformer: Converts high (regular) line voltage to the desired lower voltage;
Low-voltage wire: which connects fixtures and the control panel and carries the now-reduced current through the system
LED lights: Various types of energy-efficient LED light bulbs made for different lighting purposes.
Benefits of a Low-Voltage Outdoor Lighting System
Some key benefits of having a professionally-installed low-voltage outdoor lighting system for your Kansas City home include:
Improved security: Sufficient lighting at night can significantly enhance your home’s security, reducing unwanted attention while making it easier for your cameras to capture what’s happening on your property.
Better coverage: Since you can install low-voltage LED lights near water and other sensitive areas, the low-voltage system can provide better lighting coverage throughout your landscape than standard-voltage lights.
More energy-efficient: these systems typically use energy-efficient LED light bulbs.
Smart control: many low-voltage outdoor lighting systems can be controlled remotely via a mobile app or configured to turn on and off at a certain time automatically.
Landscape enhancement: With proper lighting, you can make your existing landscape look even more charming.
Increased property value: a high-end lighting system can potentially boost your property’s value depending on what the buyer is looking for.
Cost by Number of Lights
Most lighting systems are categorized based on the number of lights installed. The following list shows the basic cost range to install a low-voltage lighting system for your Kansas City home based on the number of lights:
Basic 6-light pathway system: $2,700
Mid-range 10-light landscape system: $3,500
Premium smart system with 15 lights: $5,600
Cost by Type of Lighting
Your contractor may also quote you depending on the type of lighting you want installed. These different lighting methods can be for decorative or functional purposes, depending on placement.
Pathway Lighting
As the name suggests, path lights are installed along walkways to illuminate paths in the dark. They can be installed along walkways, pavers, or garden paths. Pathway lighting typically costs $250 to $350 per fixture with labor, wire, & transformer included.
Up Lighting
Pointing upwards, up lighting focuses on trees or architectural elements and emphasizes the depth, texture, and complexity of your landscape. Think of them as spotlights to highlight core features of your house. Up lighting also costs $250 to $350 on averageper fixture with labor, wire, & transformer included.
Down Lighting
Opposite to up lighting, down lighting are often installed under decks, patios, and overhead structures to create a tucked-away, intimate atmosphere for gathering areas. Down lighting costs $300 to $400 on average because of extra labor and wire needed to get fixtures mounted on the house or trees.
Hardscape Lighting
Installed along walls and edges of your decks and patios, hardscape lighting highlights the features and textures of your outdoor living spaces. They also make it safer to walk around on these structures during the night. Hardscape lighting can cost $200 to $300.
String Lights
String lights are one of the few low-voltage lighting systems that can be installed by the homeowner. The fixture may cost less than $20 on the low end and between $40 and $60 on the high end.
Upgrade and Add-On Costs
Depending on your budget, you can add various upgrades to your low-voltage outdoor lighting systems for easier, more robust controls and unique characteristics. Common upgrades and their costs are listed below
Bluetooth color-changing light bulbs: $150 per fixture
Bluetooth-controlled transformer with custom programmable color changing: $300 or more per fixture
Can I Install Outdoor Lighting Systems on My Own?
We recommend hiring a contractor to install outdoor lighting systems for your property in Kansas City. Low-voltage outdoor lighting systems must be installed properly to avoid fire hazards and malfunctions. A professional landscaping company also knows how to install lights that bring out the most characteristics of your landscape while ensuring visibility and accessibility needs. Professional contractors are also insured, which protects you from being held responsible for any installation issues or damages caused by the installation.
DIY Outdoor Lighting Ideas
If you want to test your creativity at outdoor lighting, there are plenty of low-risk, low-maintenance DIY outdoor lighting inspirations you can try. However, we typically do not recommend installing solar landscaping lights because they tend to make your landscape look like a runway. They are also subject to weather conditions, raising concerns about insufficient or complete lack of lighting due to rain and overcast weather.
Whether you want to continue the Kansas City BBQ tradition at home or simply love the al fresco outdoor dining experience, an outdoor kitchen is a must to turn your backyard into an at-home vacation haven.
In Kansas City, a new outdoor kitchen can cost between $20,000 and 50,000 or more. The actual cost is affected by several factors, including:
Size: The size of your outdoor kitchen, including the necessary counter space.
Material Selection: Countertop material will also affect how much your outdoor kitchen would cost
Construction Method: The complexity of kitchen design, including any overhead structures.
Appliances: Extra appliances besides stoves and sinks.
Additional costs: plumbing, electrical wiring, permitting, and any other expenses associated with the project.
Cost by Size
The size of your kitchen will significantly impact the cost of your project. On average, an outdoor kitchen costs $75 to $250 per square foot, although the rate can vary based on your local labor rates. Most outdoor kitchens typically range from 200 to 300 square feet, with some larger designs taking up 400 square feet or more.
Cost by Layout
The layout and complexity can also affect the cost of your outdoor kitchen. Popular layouts include:
Small layout: suitable for kitchens under 200 square feet. Usually comes in a linear design with one grill and a counterspace on the side.
L-shaped layout: L-shaped layouts can be placed along the edge of your patio and usually feature multiple appliances, an extended counter, and sometimes a bar.
Large/full kitchen: A full-size outdoor kitchen has a rectangular layout, typically with three sides of counters and appliances and a central island. These layouts can cover over 400 square feet.
Overhead Structures
Sometimes you may want to add an overhead structure, such as a pergola, to cover part of your outdoor kitchen for weather-proofing. Overhead structures cost about $15,000 on average, but exceed $50,000 depending on the size, design, and material used.
Cost by Material
The material you use for your countertop can significantly impact the cost of your outdoor kitchen. Popular countertop materials for outdoor kitchens include granite, soapstone, concrete, and tiles.
Outdoor Kitchen Countertop Price by Material
Material
Cost (per square foot)
Granite
$80 to $150
Soapstone
$60 to $130
Concrete
$50 to $150
Porcelain and ceramic tiles
$17 to $30
Many outdoor kitchens are built on top of existing patio pavings. However, if you want to use a different type of paver for your kitchen, be ready to pay more for material and labor as well.
Appliance Costs
Appliances are the soul of your outdoor kitchen, determining its capacity and functionality. To ensure the efficiency and safety of your outdoor kitchen, make sure to use appliances specifically designed for outdoor use.
Below are the prices for some common outdoor kitchen appliances:
Grill: $700 to $7,000
Outdoor-rated Fridge: $2,000 to $6,000
Storage Doors and Drawers: $350 to $1,500
Pizza Oven: $700 to $7,000
Ice Trough: $300 to $600
Dishwasher: $400 to $2,000
Wine cooler: $400 to $2,000
Additional Costs
Like most other architectural design/build projects, a complex outdoor kitchen project also comes with some additional costs for design, engineering, and upgrades
Plumbing
If your kitchen comes with a new sink, it will also need new plumbing. The cost to install a working sink outdoors falls between $300 $600 in most cases. Plumbing for water or gas, altogether, typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on how many appliances are needed to service and how far it is away from the source
Electrical
Sometimes you may be able to use the exterior outlets on your home to support your outdoor kitchen appliances. However, most times you might need to install new outlets to keep the kitchen running. New outlets can cost anywhere from $250 to $500 per outlet, with outlets further away from the home costing over $1,500 sometimes.
Outdoor Living Features
Fire features, dedicated dining areas, outdoor lighting, and landscaping around the kitchen each come with their separate cost.
Permits
You may need certain permits to complete your outdoor kitchen projects, especially if new electrical, plumbing, and surrounding structures are involved.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
You can put together a DIY kitchen on your patio with a simple grill and standing storage cabinets for around $4,500. However, we highly recommend hiring an outdoor kitchen expert to build your outdoor kitchen if you want something lasting, efficient, and enjoyable. A professional landscaping company can also take care of any permitting needs and play the role of Project Manager to help you coordinate with other contractors on the project.
To custom-build an outdoor kitchen on an existing patio, expect to pay between $20,000 to $50,000. If you want to add an overhead structure to the kitchen area, you should budget an extra $5,000 to $10,000.
Do Outdoor Kitchens Increase Property Value?
A well-built outdoor kitchen can significantly increase your property value. Generally speaking, the larger and more complex the kitchen, the higher the increase in property value. According to the National Association of REALTORS, most outdoor kitchens can yield a 71% return on investment.
Outdoor Kitchen Maintenance
Like all hardscapes and appliances, your outdoor kitchen also requires regular maintenance. Common outdoor kitchen maintenance routines include appliance inspection and repair, regular cleaning, and paver sealing and maintenance.
In the Midwest, you will also need to winterize your outdoor sinks to prevent freezing. This can be done when your sprinklers are blown out, using a similar process by blowing air through the lines to prevent freeze damage during the off-season.
Make the utmost use of your backyard space by installing a new inground pool. A backyard pool will turn your home into a summer paradise and significantly increase your property’s value. It is an investment in your quality of life and financial future both!
How Much Does a New Inground Pool Cost in 2025
On average, a well-built new inground pool constructed by a professional pool company should cost you $50,000 to $1500,000 in 2025. This number is more than reasonable if you take the amount of time, effort, labor, and skills that go into the project into account.
If you’re looking to refurbish or restore an existing inground pool, the cost would be much lower. For example, resurfacing an inground pool costs $4,500 to $12,000 on average. Miscellaneous renovation tasks such as retiling, upgrading the chlorination system, or adding lights cost around $2,000 to $5,000.
Cost of a New Inground Pool by Material
Material is the most important factor impacting the cost of your new pool. Common materials for pools include concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl.
Concrete
A concrete inground pool costs about $80,000 on the low end and $100,000 on average. For larger, more complex concrete pools, the cost can easily exceed $125,000. To make the investment worth, concrete pools add the most value to your home.
Concrete pools are the most dynamic, allowing irregular shapes and forms. However, concrete pools require regular maintenance and can therefore be expensive to maintain.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass inground pools cost about $60,000 – $80,000 on average, making them slightly more affordable than concrete pools. Fiberglass is extremely low-maintenance, and the smooth surface makes it easier to maintain the water’s pH level. If you are not too particular about shape and design, a prefabricated installation kit might allow you to do some of the work yourself.
Vinyl
Vinyl inground pools are a good choice for those with a modest budget, as these usually cost as low as $50,000. However, the more affordable installation comes with a higher maintenance cost because the liners can crack and break easily. Meanwhile, vinyl is definitely easier to clean since you can easily wipe off most residues. You also don’t need too many chemicals to maintain the water’s pH level.
Photo: Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping
Other Factors Affecting the Cost of a New Pool
In addition to materials, other factors can affect the cost of your new inground pool, including size, shape and design, additional features, labor required, permit needs, and surrounding landscape needs.
Size
Size is the second primary basic factor affecting the cost of your new inground pool. A small, 10-by-16 inground pool may only cost around $30,000, whereas a 15-by-30 pool can easily exceed $70,000.
Shape
Irrergular-shaped pools might significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your landscape. However, they can cost significantly more compared to standard, rectangular pools. Depending on the shape, you may also have more limited material choices. For example, concrete allows the most customization when it comes to shape and design.
Additional Features
Additional features cost extra to install. Here is a list of popular features and their associated average costs:
Water features: $5,000 to $15,000 based on size, complexity and design.
Pool lights: $1,000 to $3,500
Slides: A few thousands on the low end or over $10,000 on the high end, depending on material, size and design.
Hot tub: $8,000 or more on average.
Pool cover: $3,000 or up to $15,000 for a motorized cover.
Pool deck: Up to $30,000 or more based on deck size and materials.
Labor
Labor cost may vary depending on where you live, as well as the scope of the project. For example, are you replacing an old inground pool with a new one? Or are you digging from ground zero? Some companies also charge labor differently depending on the skill level required for different tasks, such as drafting, building, and site cleanup.
Landscaping Cost
Thoughtful landscaping can ensure your new pool blends into your existing landscape and maintains a consistent aesthetic. Landscaping cost can vary depending on the scope of the project. For example, you might only need some minor plant rearrangement to surround the pool. Other times, you might need to install some type of walkway for easy access.
Permits
In-ground pools usually require a permit to be built. Your best bet is to work with an architectural landscaping company for a smooth permitting process.
Photo: Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping
Why Hire a Pro to Build an Inground Pool
A new inground pool is a major project that comes with many nuances. From permitting, utility mapping, to the actual building process, there are many challenges a regular homeowner may not be familiar with. Plus, the construction process can also be dangerous for those without industry experience. A professional pool contractor can handle everything from design to build, and can even work as a project manager to help you coordinate with other contractors. Professional builders are also insured, giving you an extra layer of protection.
![How Much Does a New Inground Pool Cost [2025]](https://i0.wp.com/www.royalcreationslandscaping.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Pool-Sample.jpg?resize=960%2C675&ssl=1)
