Frequently Asked Questions

Low-voltage systems operate at 12 volts instead of 120, which reduces corrosion risk from moisture exposure in Texas Gulf Coast humidity. The lower electrical load also generates less heat, extending fixture lifespan when temperatures regularly exceed 95 degrees. This makes low-voltage ideal for year-round outdoor use in the Houston metro climate.

Both owners visit the property to evaluate architectural features, landscaping, and your vision for outdoor lighting. You'll see design options for permanent, landscape, and accent lighting tailored to your home's layout. Within 3-5 minutes of the visit, you receive a written estimate and design plan via email.

Permanent systems use paint-matched track mounted to soffits and rooflines, staying in place year-round with no seasonal installation or removal. You control colors and patterns through an app for holidays, events, or everyday ambiance. Traditional string lights require annual setup, create fire hazards from worn wiring, and fade from UV exposure within one season.

September through early November offers the best availability before the December holiday rush drives peak demand. Installing before Thanksgiving lets you test and adjust lighting designs during cooler weather, and ensures your system is ready when neighbors begin decorating. Summer installations work well for landscape lighting focused on year-round curb appeal rather than seasonal displays.

Project scope determines pricing—number of fixtures, wiring distance from transformer to installation points, and feature complexity like tree uplighting versus simple pathway lights. Larger properties with mature landscaping require more fixtures and longer wire runs. Material quality, fixture style, and whether you're integrating landscape lighting with an existing permanent system also influence total cost.

RL & G Lighting specializes in gable peak installations that larger national companies often decline due to access challenges or crew skill gaps. The two-owner model ensures experienced hands manage every detail of complex roofline work. Paint-matched track adapts to angles and architectural features that standard clip-on systems can't navigate.

Lightning strikes and severe weather can damage adapters, transformers, or wiring in outdoor systems. RL & G replaced a lightning-damaged adapter the same day a customer called and handled the full manufacturer warranty process on their behalf. Because both owners manage service calls directly, you reach the people who installed your system—not a remote call center.

Accent lighting highlights architectural details, creates depth in landscaping, and extends usable hours for patios and outdoor entertaining areas. Uplighting on trees or downlighting from structures adds visual layers that make spaces feel larger and more inviting. Integrated with landscape and permanent systems, accent lighting lets you control ambiance for different occasions through app-based settings.

Veteran-owned businesses bring military discipline to project execution, and RL & G's owner-operated model means both partners attend every estimate and stay involved through installation. National franchises route calls to remote centers where customers become account numbers. Here, you talk directly to Christopher or Ricky—the same people who'll install your lighting and handle service requests.

One crew handles outdoor lighting installation plus interior painting, tile backsplash work, faucet repairs, appliance installation, and other home maintenance. You avoid coordinating multiple contractors, and the same trusted team manages related projects during a single visit. This bundling works especially well when preparing homes for entertaining or seasonal updates.

As Houston's only partner installer for PermTrack, Govee, and AsahomeTrack systems, RL & G offers manufacturer-direct support and warranty processing that general contractors can't provide. This partnership ensures access to the latest system features, priority technical support, and streamlined replacement parts when needed. You're working with installers trained specifically on the systems they're mounting to your home.

Start by identifying what's not working—dim fixtures, limited color options, worn wiring, or lack of smart controls. Upgrading often involves replacing outdated transformers, adding fixtures to expand coverage, or switching to app-controlled systems for easier customization. If your current system is over five years old or requires frequent bulb replacement, a full upgrade to low-voltage permanent lighting typically offers better long-term value than piecemeal repairs.