Types of Lighting Archives -

June 5, 2019June 5, 2019

Thinking Basement Build-Out? Consult the Pros

What’s the Goal of Your Basement Build-Out?

Dreaming of finishing your basement? Kids moving out or moving back home? Mancave? Or dreams of a home theatre? Whatever the idea, whatever the plan for your basement build-out, O’Grady Companies, can help bring your project to light!

Where to Start

Finding a reputable contractor and subcontractors is the first and most important step on your basement endeavor. Do your homework by asking family and friends if they know of anyone. If so, be sure to look online for them as well; checking their reviews, website, history and more. It would be prudent to speak with more than one entity and to get a written estimate from each.

basement-framework — Interior wall framing basement build-out

Be sure the contractor yo hire has the skills to take on your vision and fits your budget before signing any contracts or committing. Select someone that you know is familiar with the proper permitting and zoning regulations in your city or town and, can bring in specialists to handle any electrical and necessary plumbing work.

“Lights – Lights – Action”

A typical basement build-out starts with framing and ends with the proper flooring. Electrical is central to your project and it must be done properly to start so you are safe and have the lighting you’ve dreamed of and desired. Not only lighting – it’s the set up for your heating and cooling, ceiling fans, your audio, and more!

Since it is a basement, don’t skimp on the lighting – you’re going to need it! Better to have too many, than too little – so have a good lighting plan in mind! Think ‘atmosphere’ and design your electrical plan – sketch it out and have fun with it! Consulting with a reputable, local electrician is a wise choice too. They can provide tips and little known facts that you would otherwise not know.

basement-remodel — Bright ideas for your basement

Take note in your home where your switch plates are and then walk the basement or buildout area and take the placement of switches in mind. Something to definitely think about ahead of time.

Independence … It’s a Good Thing

Give heavy thought to having a separate, dedicated circuit strictly for your electronics and exercise equipment. It’s just added security against electric overload.

“A Must … I Want”

Make a list of the absolute ‘must haves’ and then the ‘I’d really like’. Then you can more clearly decide on what you’re able and willing to spend. Only then should you move forward and commit to a contractor. Once you’ve decided what you’re willing to spend, talk to a contractor.

Be aware that it’s somewhat typical to spend 15% to 20% of your home’s value on a basement build-out. Don’t spend more unless you have plans to stay in your home for more than five years.

Let’s talk ROI

What is the value a finished basement will provide you in the future? Will it help you rent or sell your home? If not, investing funds in other parts of your home or property might be a wiser way to go – an overall better investment.

A Real Plus!

Basement, even finished ones, don’t typically add square footage to your home for the appraisal sake; they can, however, have a significant impact on the marketability of your home. A truly finished basement, with all the bells and whistles, recoups nearly 70% of its cost in positive resale value – not to mention years of enjoyment for you and your family!

May 11, 2019May 13, 2019

Upgrade Your Kitchen with Under Cabinet Lighting

Under cabinet lighting is the most exciting and memorable finishing touch for your upgrade, remodel, or brand new kitchen or bar.

You have meticulously chosen the perfect paint colors, carefully installed complimentary cabinets and countertops, and upgraded to appliances that even Jane Jetson would be envious of, now don’t miss the final exclamation point … under cabinet lighting! It’s the little things that mean the most sometimes and this can bring you from ‘stellar to stunning’ in the flick of a switch!

There are many lighting choices to explore and compare.

Under cabinet lighting gives a warm, low light that highlights your kitchen features and task areas when you don’t need or want bright lights. To guide midnight snackers or early risers, the blare will be kept at bay. Aesthetically speaking, under cabinet lighting is exquisitely beautiful when reflected against granite or stone countertops, as the lighting highlights the various mica flecks and additional subtle glimmer from natural materials.

Oh, what to choose, what to choose …

Puck Lighting

True to the name, puck light resembles the design of a hockey puck lights cast focused light on special design features such as the faucet ensemble or the custom backsplash. This is a type of recessed lighting.

Under cabinet Strip Lighting

Also recessed, under cabinet strip lighting are sleek and slim and in LED or fluorescent strips. Rope lighting is also another option; however, the light is not as powerful so you may need to rely more on overhead lighting.

LED

LED lighting is energy efficient, so you won’t worry about the lights remaining on for extended periods of time. You can also consider motion detecting sensors to have the lights come on by themselves or dimmer control to adjust the brightness level.

A homeowner can install under cabinet lights; however, having a certified electrician install this for you is a wise choice. This affords you the peace of mind that best lights for your needs are chosen with the proper wattage, any unsightly wires go unseen, and everything is correctly installed.

Kitchen design enhancement with under cabinet lighting

With the added benefits of under cabinet lighting from beauty to practicality, it is definitely something you don’t want to overlook. So get with your designer and Frederick, MD electrical contractors, the O’Grady Electric Companies and showcase your new design in the perfect light!

April 14, 2019April 14, 2019

The Importance of Landscape Lighting – the Beauty and the Benefit

Landscape Lighting and Home Security – the perfect pair!

Both for beauty and security, landscaping lighting does both when done correctly.

It has taken time, effort, and money to get your landscaping to be what you envisioned. Don’t let your efforts go hidden at night. With soft, subtle, and strategic landscape lighting, you (and your neighbors) will enjoy and appreciate the evening glow and added safety of proper lighting.

Lighting that Sets the Mood and Adds Ambiance

One of the top and most appreciated benefits of landscape lighting is aesthetics. There are countless ways to arrange the perfect lighting for both your front and back yard. Create the surrounding and feel you desire, whether bright and beautiful or romantically dim and inviting. Emphasize a beautiful tree, specific plants, or an inviting pool or other water feature – there are no limitations.

Planning an outdoor wedding or party? Warm and inviting lighting makes any event even better; thereby making your guests feel extra special too!

Pathway landscape lighting — Private pathway outdoor lighting

Home Safety with Proper Lighting

Safety is an added benefit to having the proper landscape lighting. If the pathway to your front door or through your yard isn’t properly lit you risk a potential fall or walking into something, so additional light means additional safety!

Pathways

Lining lights along the landscape of a paved or stone pathway is a smart way to guide guests and make them feel safe. This can also help keep guests off of your lawn and steer clear from any shrubberies and other plants.

Pools, Ponds, and Other Water Features

Landscape lighting that highlights your pool, pond, or other water feature in your yard is wise; so no one accidentally stumbles upon or falls into a pool or other body of water or runs into a stone or concrete statue or fixture.

Backyard pool feature lighting — Lighting highlights backyard swimming pool

General light cast over the full yard to alert guests of the presence of water and is a great way to avoid any mishaps or hidden dangers. The added plus may be that it highlights the beauty and craftsmanship of a pool or water feature too!

Home Security

Good lighting can deter a potential burglar or theft – it is always wise to be proactive and take preventative measures to keeping you and your family safe. Having a properly, well-lit yard can keep out potential intruders and makes you more aware of anything in the yard.

Having your backyard fully lit makes it much difficult for unwanted intruders to sneak around if everything is illuminated.

Getting Started with Your Landscape Lighting Plans

With the warm weather and longer days, now is the perfect time to get started on the landscape lighting you’ve always wanted. O’Grady Companies will come to your home and give you an estimate and take you through from start to finish.

Don’t know exactly where to start or what you’re ultimately aiming to achieve? No worries, one of our licensed technicians will offer you excellent suggestions, giving you peace of mind throughout the whole process.

Finally

Landscape lighting is an affordable and wise way for your yard to look good and promote safety at the same time.

Whether it is as simple as a few lights around your entrance pathway or driveway, or illuminating the entirety of your yard, we have you covered. Keep these tips in mind as you plan your landscape lighting and contact us today with any questions and to get on your way!

March 31, 2019April 14, 2019

Recessed Lighting – To Have or Not-to-Have, that is the Question

Also referred to as pot lighting or can lighting, recessed lighting is typically mounted in the ceiling rather than surface mounted on the wall or celling.

Have a Plan and Be Informed

A lighting plan is a very important factor to consider when home building, remodeling, or renovating. Lighting sets the mood and affects your surroundings, so consider the environment you will plan to use with recessed lighting. Will it be task, accent or decorative or a combination of all three? Not only is functionality import, esthetics obviously are as well – sometimes even more so. Explore your options and be sure to consult with a certified electrical contractor or lighting designer to know what is feasible and what may not be when taking on a new home project. Having a basic understanding about the proper lighting you aim for will give you the confidence that you are making the right decision. You will no longer be in the dark about what is best for you and your home.

NOW WHAT

Prior to Choosing

Location, Location, Location

Don’t Veer Too Far from the Wall. When lights are located at a great distance from the wall where the beam angle may not meet the wall, it can give a darker, cave-like appearance due to darker walls. Having a wall-wash effect from recessed lights, brightens a room by properly lighting the wall space.

Too Much of a Good Thing

To avoid a room feeling too sterile or stark, make sure you have layers of lighting beside just having recessed lights. Recessed lights do provide ample effective and efficient light; however, adding other lighting sources, such as floor or table lamps, is a wise from both a design and practicality choice.

recessed-lighting-bathroom — Recessed lighting features in bathroom

No, Those Aren’t Bags Under Your Eyes

It’s just poor lighting perhaps. Recessed downlights naturally focus their beam of light downward; thereby causing undesirable facial shadows when placed above a bathroom sink and mirror area. This is especially the case if it is the only light source in the space. Having bathroom lighting that casts light from the side of the mirror and works with the recessed downlights, will balance things out, minimizing shadowing, and you will look much better and brighter!

‘Saturday Night Fever’

Be aware of the distance between ceiling fans and light fixtures. For these types of issues, your professional electrician is the hero here. Unless you’re a huge fan of the 70s, the ceiling fan and lights should be carefully considered. Ceiling fans hung too low or too close to the beam angle of can lights may cause a strobe effect as the blades rotate causing an on and off shadow.

Not to be Confused

Simply because one lighting fixture may be bigger than another – let’s say an 8-inch can vs. a 6-inch can – doesn’t mean it provides more light or is brighter. The amount of light is dictated by the lamp, the light source, and a said type of lamp will suit different light fixture sizes.

An Important Role

Bulbs play an important role. The bulb/lamp that’s used in recessed lighting has a significant role in the brightness, quality of light, angle of the beam, and the efficiency of the fixture. Deciding on the initial lighting fixture is only a part of the process – choosing the correct bulb/lamp to accommodate your lighting needs is the other half. Consult with your electrician or lighting designer with help on deciding the right lamp and fixture combination.

Best Laid Plans

A drawing, sketch, or blueprint of your actual ceiling showing the proposed layout of recessed fixtures is key to be able to visualize things in their proper place. Prior to actually going forward with the plan and cutting the holes, marking the fixture locations on the celling will be super helpful and ensure design and placement is done to your satisfaction.

Thinking about recessed lighting for your new home or renovation in Frederick, MD? O’Grady Companies has the experience and the skills to make your space beautiful and inviting! Let our licensed electrical contractors walk you through the process and give you great ideas to make the most of your vision and budget. Call for a consultation and estimate today!