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.
Another May, another graduation season. Before diving into your next chapter, make sure to spend some time celebrating all the hard work you’ve put into completing your degree program. Here are 10 backyard graduation party ideas for Kansas City Grads to make some unforgettable memories:
1. Graduation Cookout
A backyard graduation cookout is probably the most iconic graduation party idea for summer grads, especially in a city that loves its BBQ. After all, part of growing up is being able to man the grill yourself.
Prepare a balanced mixture of meat, veggies, and pre-made sides like salads and cheesy corn. Combine it with some cold beer or canned cocktails; you’re sure to remember your last party with classmates before diving into your futures.
2. Add Some Sporting Flare
For the athletic grads, embrace your school’s sporting team one last time. Decorate your deck with school colors. Don’t forget the mascot, too! If you’ve won a couple of trophies and medals during your time on the team, this is the perfect time to put them on the table as a centerpiece to highlight your accomplishments.
Not an athlete yourself? No worries. Chief’s and Royal’s themes never get old.
Photo from Unsplash
3. Build a Memory Board
We all get sentimental after a few drinks, especially during graduation. Bring your notebooks, old textbooks, and other memorable objects. While this can be easily done digitally, putting together a memory board physically is different. After all, this could be your last time doing a group assignment with your classmates for a long time.
Prepare some Post-it notes, scrapbook papers, markers, and highlighters. You are ready to build a one-of-a-kind memory board. If you want to make it more special, get a Polaroid camera and capture your backyard graduation party to add to the board.
4. Graduation Picnic or Potluck
Bring your own picnic basket, or prepare one dish per person for a fun graduation potluck. This can be done in the backyard or inside the dining area. To add more challenge, you can require everybody to bring something inspired by their time at the school. For example, a charcuterie board spelling out the year of graduation.
Photo: Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping
5. Graduation Pool Party
You can easily put on a graduation pool party with college color pool floaties. Pool parties always bring out the inner child, so it’s the perfect choice for recent grads transitioning into the more serious grown-up world. Don’t forget to add some college-themed floaties, balloons, towels, and other decorations.
6. Backyard Mixer
A simple backyard mixer is a quick, easy graduation party idea for Kansas City. Hang some string lights, bring in some of Kansas City’s talented local caterers. You can even rent a smart selfie station and create your own hashtag to document every moment on social media. Backyard mixers can also turn into a great networking opportunity sometimes, so make sure you get the contact information from your peers before you part ways.
7. Hollywood Night
For reasons unknown, a Hollywood-themed party is considered a must for the graduation season. Maybe it’s about having one last crazy hurrah? Either way, we’ve got the perfect checklist for you.
For a graduation Hollywood night, you’ll need solid outdoor lighting and audio: a lighted sign is the minimum. Colorful, changing lights and a powerful sound system would be even better. You can even turn this into a Hollywood masquerade with glittering paper masks.
8. Dream Destination Travel Party
Graduation parties are the best time to dream wildly, so what’s more fitting than a travel-themed party? Maybe you won’t get to travel together this year, but you can plan everything and decorate your patio with a Tuscany seaside vibe or eloquent French artistry.
9. Movie Under the Stars
An outdoor movie would be perfect for the nerdy friends who are not into the party scene, especially with Kansas City’s cool and nice evening weather in late May and early June. A portable projector with a basic screen would work, or you can connect your movie audio to Bluetooth speakers for a more elevated experience.
Love browsing through colorful garden designs, but limited by the space available at home? Here are 8 flower garden designs for small spaces that will brighten up your yard without taking up too much room.
Photo from Unsplash
Raised Flower Beds
Raised flower beds can be built in areas where a regular, in-ground flower bed may not be feasible. You can determine the sizes and shapes of these boxes. Raised garden beds also add some rustic charm to your landscape. In addition to raised flower beds, you can also use stock tanks to create a mini flower or vegetable garden.
Photo: Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping
Sloped Designs
If you have existing stairs and slopes in your landscape, you can add a mini flower garden at the bottom of each slope. This will bring some color to the plain stairs. You can also build flower beds utilizing retaining walls if your home sits on a hilly top with steps leading down to the sidewalk.
Photo from Unsplash
Curved Gardens
Curved flower gardens are flexible and pleasing to the eye. They can be installed along paver walkways or stepping stones and work great for smaller spaces with a more compact landscape layout.
Photo: Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping
Container Gardens
The biggest advantage of container gardens is convenience. You don’t have to worry about planting flowers into the soil, which means you can place containers on paved grounds. You can use practically anything you want as a container, as long as you add drainage holes to the bo
If you can’t find any dedicated areas to build a flower bed, look under trees. All you need to do is remove any grass or weeds, add new mulch, and then add some sort of edging. Voila, you have a perfect flower bed for plants that will thrive in partial to full shade.
Photo: Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping
Focus on One Centerpiece
When it comes to garden design for small spaces, often, less is more. Focus on one centerpiece: a dwarf fruit tree, a clipped hedge with a unique geometrical shape, or a small water feature. Then, build your flower garden around to compensate for the view.
Photo from Unsplash
Vertical Designs
Vertical flower gardens can significantly compensate for the space restriction in your yard. Utilize railings and decorative arches to grow ivy, wisteria, rose vines, and grapes. You can also lead various vines, such as decorative ivy, up your exterior wall.
Photo: Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping
Immersive Flower Gardens
If you have a small yard, why not turn the whole area into a flower garden? That way, you don’t need to worry about separating flowers from the rest of your landscape. You can also add picnic chairs and other outdoor furniture for a more dynamic design.
Photo: Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping
Maintaining Your Flower Garden
Regular and proper maintenance is key to keeping your flower garden vibrant and healthy. Some easy maintenance tasks you can do yourself include pulling out weeds, removing debris, regular watering, and fertilizing. For seasonal landscaping tasks like bush trimming, cutting back perennials before spring, or overall plant care, it’s best to hire a property care professional.
Are you ready? Try one of theses flower garden designs for small spaces and let us know which one is your favorite!
![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)
