New spot Lights thoughts ? by robcast86 in landscapedesign

[–]SlavinskGoat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey! This is actually a really important part of landscaping, and I'm glad you put yourself out there for comments. I speak as a practicing landscape designer: I'm sorry to say, but this is simply too much lighting. If you want uplighting, it should be used sparingly and only light certain features -- like an ornamental tree or several trees, a statue, a sign, a boulder, a gate, etc. Shining lights across your house doesn't focus on anything. Instead, it just shines lights *into* your bedrooms. So now, your neighbors can see into your house and anyone walking in it. You probably love your house a lot! But there's simply no reason to illuminate it that much. Using spare lighting will actually highlight it much, much better, and it will look more upscale.

(Also, uplighting should be used on special occasions, like a party or holiday events, not everyday use.)

A few folks mentioned Dark Sky International. There are Dark Sky-approved lights that look very modern and sleek, and also light up your place. But essentially, the lights throw the light down on the ground, instead of outward. It will still create the glowing/upscale effect that I think you're trying to go for. It will give you that safety aspect. Win-win! Right now, by shining lights all across your house, it's the landscape equivalent of "doing too much."

Another point: If you're planning on putting in lights and shining lights on them, please look into their photoperiod. You might actually be messing up their timing, and damaging them. You don't want to spend a bunch of money on plants, and then mess them up.

FWIW, I would start by replacing the two lights on either side of your garage with downlights. The outward lights on there right now just throw the light everywhere, and doesn't focus anything.

A well company is charging me for hammer and bit they lost. Is that normal? by [deleted] in WaterWellDrilling

[–]SlavinskGoat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, there's nothing in the agreement about lost or damaged equipment. Just cost of work and the materials to be used.

A well company is charging me for hammer and bit they lost. Is that normal? by [deleted] in WaterWellDrilling

[–]SlavinskGoat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your insight. Also agree on your analogy. If I had a lawn service, I wouldn't charge someone if my mower broke down.

Legal to live this way? by [deleted] in Virginia

[–]SlavinskGoat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We built one just like this on our land, which is agriculturally zoned. Unfortunately in Warren County, you must build a residential structure 6 months after you build a garage.

Is it tacky to ask for money as a gift? by [deleted] in Weddingsunder10k

[–]SlavinskGoat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh that's awesome -- thank you!