Best lighting pros near Walled Lake, MI

Your maintenance needs revolve around the type of foundation you choose, as well as how you furnish or decorate it. Patios require little else other than the occasional hose-down, but decks and other wooden structures will require annual power washing and sealing. You may also need to restain the wood every two to three years.

Adding a solid roof rather than building a pergola or leaving the space open will make maintenance much easier. Without a roof, you will need to spend more time sweeping, washing, and covering your furniture to protect it from UV bleaching.

Inspect for burnt-out bulbs, secure connections, and protect from water exposure to maintain functionality.

If you need to visually inspect your Christmas lights to determine which are good and which need replacement, there are a few things to look for. First, look for discoloration, such as a dark spot or two on the inside of the glass. The spot is an indication of a burnt filament. Also, look for missing filaments, cracked bulb glass, and broken sockets.

The five common types of landscape lighting are up-lighting, down-lighting, spotlights, built-in lighting, and pathway lighting.

• Up-lighting casts light upwards from the ground, mostly for aesthetic purposes.

• Down-lighting directs light onto the ground, lighting pathways, or outdoor space.

• Spotlights cast direct, focused lighting in any direction.

• Built-in lighting integrates lighting into an outdoor feature.

• Pathway lighting illuminates walkways, increasing safety.