Outdoor lighting can completely transform your property when it’s done right. But bad lighting? It’s like wearing a tailored suit with flip-flops. Something just feels off.
Whether you’re in Mississauga, North York, or Oakville, landscape lighting should enhance your home’s beauty, not create new problems. So how do you know if your setup is hurting more than helping?
Here are 5 common signs of a poor lighting installation and what we at BD Lights often do to correct them.
1. Uneven Light Distribution
Have you ever walked past a home where one side is glowing like a showroom, but the other side is lost in shadow? That’s uneven lighting.
The problem: Lights were installed without a proper plan or zoning. Some areas are over-lit while others are forgotten.
Fix it: At BD Lights, we always divide outdoor spaces into zones (like front entry, driveway, garden beds) and map light positions for even, balanced results.
2. Harsh Glare or Visible Bulbs
If you can see the bulb itself instead of the effect it creates, something went wrong.
The problem: Fixtures are installed at the wrong height or angle, pointing into people’s eyes instead of softly illuminating a surface.
Fix it: We use glare shields, proper beam angles, and warm LED tones (2700K–3000K) for a cozy feel.
3. Exposed Wires and Loose Fixtures
Nothing screams “DIY gone wrong” louder than a cable running across your lawn or a wobbly spotlight falling over every few days.
The problem: Cables aren’t buried, connectors aren’t weatherproof, and fixtures aren’t secured well.
Fix it: We often redo older setups using IP65-rated weatherproof fixtures, burying cables 2–3 inches deep, and using waterproof connectors that last. We even have a step-by-step DIY install guide to help you get it right.
4. Inconsistent Color Temperatures
Cool white on one tree, warm white on another? That’s like wearing mismatched shoes. Nobody may notice at first, but once they do, it’s all they see.
The problem: Different fixtures or bulbs from different brands were used without color-matching.
Fix it: At BD Lights, we always stick to uniform color temperature and test lighting at night before finalizing placement. This creates a clean, polished look across the property.
5. Lights Stop Working After One Season
Outdoor lighting should last through rain, snow, and Ontario winters..not fail after a few months.
The problem: Cheap fixtures, poor connections, or the wrong transformer size lead to failures.
Fix it: We use low-voltage LED fixtures, quality transformers with extra wattage buffer, and corrosion-resistant hardware.
Final Thoughts: Trust the Process, Not Just the Lights
A great lighting installation is more than just plugging in a few pretty fixtures, it’s about planning, quality materials, and thoughtful design.
If any of the signs above sound familiar, don’t worry. You’re not alone and most of them are easily fixable.
Whether you’re planning a DIY project or considering a professional setup in Toronto, Milton, or beyond, we’re happy to guide you. At BD Lights, we’re not here to sell, we’re here to help. And if you want to get it done right the first time, book a free consultation with us →
Common Questions We Hear (And Honest Answers)
Q: What type of outdoor lighting works best in Toronto?
Outdoor lighting that’s weather-resistant and low-voltage works best in Toronto’s changing climate. LED fixtures with proper insulation handle everything from hot, humid summers to freezing winters.
Q: Does BD Lights install lighting across the GTA?
Yes! BD Lights serves Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, Markham, and the entire GTA. We offer free consultations and custom lighting designs tailored to your home and neighborhood.
Q: Are low-voltage lights better than solar for GTA backyards?
Yes, low-voltage LED lights are more reliable than solar in GTA backyards. They stay consistently bright through cloudy days, last longer, and withstand Toronto’s seasonal extremes. Learn more in our detailed comparison here. Low Voltage vs. Solar: What’s Better for Landscape Lighting in Toronto, Mississauga & the GTA
