How much does permanent outdoor lighting cost?

Permanent outdoor lighting is priced like a trim job with electronics attached. Four things drive the number: how much linear footage gets lit, how hard that footage is to reach, which system you choose, and who installs it.

1. Linear footage sets the baseline

Everything starts with total mounted run length. Measure the eaves, fascia, gables and trim runs you actually want lit — not the whole perimeter.

• Front elevation only: typically 60 to 140 linear feet
• Front plus one side: typically 120 to 220 linear feet
• Full wrap: often 250 to 450+ linear feet

More footage means more track, more pucks and more labour. It also usually means a slightly better rate per foot, because setup is a fixed cost.

2. Complexity changes the labour, not the materials

Two homes with identical footage can differ by thousands.

• Simple: single storey, one or two straight runs, ladder-accessible
• Moderate: two storeys, a few gables, some steep pitch
• Complex: three or more gables, dormers, high peaks, restricted access needing scaffold or a lift
• Very complex: steep multi-level rooflines, cut stone or stucco fascia, long power runs

3. System tier

Brand and model affect puck spacing, colour quality, control options and warranty. Tighter spacing means more pucks per foot — better blending, higher material cost. Cheaper systems save money on day one and cost it back in colour consistency and replacement parts.

4. Labour, permits and electrical

• Crew time, staging and clean-up
• A dedicated circuit or exterior outlet if one is not already close
• Permits or HOA paperwork in some jurisdictions
• Fascia repair, if the substrate is not sound

What a complete quote must show

1. Total linear feet by elevation, and the runs included
2. Exact system, model and puck spacing
3. Light count and mounting hardware type
4. Controller, power supply and electrical work
5. Workmanship warranty length and what voids it
6. Manufacturer warranty on the lights themselves
7. Payment schedule and expected install duration

Ways to reduce the price honestly

• Start with the front elevation and extend later — ask for the future runs to be quoted now.
• Keep the runs straight; every extra gable is disproportionate labour.
• Supply your own mounting hardware if your installer is open to it.
• Book in the off season, when crews are not in holiday rush.

Beware of anything far below the local range. The usual corners cut are surface-mounted clips instead of proper channel, undersized power supplies, and no workmanship warranty.