Light it up for safety and outdoor fun

With the huge increase in remote working since 2020, people have been spending a much greater proportion of their time in their own homes - and in their own outdoor spaces.

"As in many other parts of the world, many people in SA are now only commuting to an office a couple of times a week, while loadshedding and various other factors have also prompted a major change in how they spend their leisure time - and how they are lighting their patios, pathways and gardens," says Gerhard Kotzé, MD of the RealNet national estate agency group.

"People are increasingly not going out for meals or any recreational activities, especially at night, and this is reflected in the rising sales of things like home gyms, hot tubs, home theatre systems, computer gaming equipment, home pizza ovens, upmarket patio furniture and state-of-the-art braai equipment.

"And because the weather in SA, especially in summer, lends itself to outdoor dining and entertaining, it is also driving increased demand for all sorts of outdoor lighting."

Of course security remains a major consideration for most homeowners, he says, but in addition to deterring burglars and car thieves, the correct lighting can help to make paths and stairs safer at night, add a luxurious feel to an entertainment area and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.    

"Lights can also be used to emphasise special features in your garden, while underwater lighting certainly enhances the appeal of a swimming pool on a hot night. What is more, there is a huge range of DIY lighting options these days, so homeowners can often get the effects they want without spending a fortune."

For example, says Kotzé, solar-powered lights require no wiring or electrical outlet and can be placed anywhere as long as they get enough sunlight to recharge during the day. "They come in various styles, colours and sizes and are most useful to light paths, stairs and driveways. One can also buy solar-powered motion-sensing spotlights to maintain security during loadshedding

"You can also take advantage of your existing electrical installation and get your electrician just to mount outdoor lights at various points on your house or outbuildings. This is a good idea if you want elevated flood lights capable of illuminating your whole yard, door and garage lights, and ceiling fittings on covered porches or patios. And using rechargeable LED bulbs in these will also ensure that they stay on when the power goes off."

It is more expensive to add lights at a distance to your home, he notes, because your electrician will need to lay an additional cable that can withstand rain, heat and cold, and designer light fixtures will of course further increase the price. In addition, if you decide to go this route, you should make sure that these lights are connected to an interior switch or timer, so you don't need to go outdoors to turn them on or off.

"Alternatively, you could put up outdoor string lights to pretty up your patio or pool area when you have guests or plan an evening braai, and just unplug them when they're not in use."

However, says Kotzé, if you make any kind of change or addition to your original electrical system, you will need to get a new certificate of compliance for insurance as well as resale purposes.

"And finally, you should make sure that you are not giving your neighbours nightmares with your night lights. Static lights should not shine anywhere above the roof of your house or beyond your property lines and gateway, while motion sensors should not be so sensitive that the slightest leaf movement sets off your floodlights."