Architectural & Landscape
Lighting & Design

What to look for when selecting an ethical Architectural & Landscape Lighting & Design Company:

1. They should show you their Certified Low Voltage contractor's license as required by law before being asked.

2. Explains the need to verify that their contractor's license is legitimate. Make a copy of the license and check it with the appropriate state agency.

3. Trust, you can tell a lot about any contractor by how they deal with you before you sign a contract. Make sure you feel comfortable with the person in front of you before making a buying decision.

4. Look for a company with a proven track record.

5. Look for a company that shows you a copy of their insurance cover letter.

6. Make sure they show you proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance to protect you if your property is damaged or if someone is injured working on your property.

7. Verify and actually call references.

8. Ask how they handle problems and complaints.

9. A good contractor should educate you enough to make a wise decision.

10. Look for a company that listens to you and thoroughly answers your questions.

11. Don't accept a verbal estimate. Estimates should be detailed and in writing on company stationary.

12. Get everything in writing. Make sure what is in the contract is actually what is going into your home or business.

13. Never be pressured into making a decision today.

14. Don't think you've discovered a great bargain if you get a bid that is substantially lower than other bids. Remember, you get what you pay for. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

15. Look for a company that will give you a lifetime warranty on the three key components of your system which are transformers, fixtures and wire. Also look for a company which warranties their installation and provides an annual maintenance program to maintain your investment.

16. Look for a company which provides you with a basic blueprint of your installation.

Questions to ask when selecting a business in this industry: 

1. 1. Does the company have a Low Voltage Contractor license? There are many companies in this industry that are not qualified and do not have a Low Voltage Contractor's license.

2. Will you show me proof of Workers' Compensation and General Liability insurance?

3. Does the company do above ground installation?

4. Will you provide a detailed estimate or itemized contract on Company letterhead?

5. Does the company ask for excessive deposits or cash payment or checks made to an individual?

6. What layout does the installer use? Hub and Spoke is an accepted method.

7. How are wiring connections protected from underground corrosion? Wire connections should all be either above ground at the transformer or located in a protected Hum or soldered.

8. Check to see if the company uses three-dimensional lighting system? Also what is the maximum number of lights the installer normally designs in a run. Five should be the maximum. Also make sure the company utilizes a Low Voltage system.

9. Ask the installer if they know the optimum voltage per fixture?

10. Does the installer utilize both a Voltmeter and AMP probe to ensure proper design and performance?

11. Does the installer place an extra wire at each fixture to account for changes to your landscape design and future growth?

12. Ask the installer if all connections are in grease tubes and not connected with wire nuts?

13. Ask the installer if all long runs are 10 gauge wires?

14. You get what you pay for. If you want a qualified and licensed contractor, you may need to pay a little more, but in most cases it is money well spent.

15. Companies that do not perform criminal background checks on their workers.

Elegant Custom Images has developed into a state renowned lighting design and installation company, rated among the top five in the Southeastern United States. This is measured by volume, quality for both design and installation technique, and is rated by four different manufacturers. Elegant Custom Images is rated Number 1 in the Orlando Better Business Bureau.

The company was founded on the premise of doing award ranked lighting design along with installation procedures that will last a lifetime. With the Winter Garden area as its operations base, the entire central Florida Region is very accessible. The company does extensive work across the Southeastern United States as well for select clientele.

Elegant Custom Images has gained its reputation by getting projects completed on schedule, and doing what they say they can do. All of their projects are high quality, medium to very high-end homes and light commercial. As an example, they use fixtures, transformers, and wire rated at Twenty-five years. They solder or crimp all connections and use the hub and home run system for design. Soldering or crimping is very important, as connections are the first to cause problems in any system. When soldering or crimping, the system stays in tact and takes a weak link in a normal system and makes it last a lifetime. They only use the hub and home run method, amp and volt everything, spreading the amp load across multiple breakers in order to keep the amp loading as minimal as possible. Normally, the transformers are oversized as well to spread the amp loads out and keep the system running as cool as it can.

There are many contractors to choose from. ECI is insured and has its low voltage license. Their customers feel they are the best at what they do. Please give them a call and they will be more than happy to visit with you and give you some ideas on what you could expect from one of their designed systems.

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