Hello…
Not sure I’m in the correct Forum category, but here we go.
I’m starting from scratch, literally and figuratively, as I’m pretty much in the novice category when it comes to household and/or handyman stuff. But I do know what I like and have a very good sense of design. In this case I’m not doing the work; I just need help getting the right product. What brought this on is, as part of getting my house ready to sell, deciding to get electricity back(it’s been cut off for years, because I wanted to get rid of the old, and ugly, outdoor wiring and replace it with underground wiring–which I never got around to doing) to my unattached garage. Some outlets, a garage door opener, and lighting will be part of good selling points. What I need advice with are the lighting issues, specifically a sufficient light source for mounting above the garage door. Do I go with a light that is tied in to the garage power and works with a simple off/on switch, or should I go with a motion-activated/sensor light? And what kind of lighting: LED, halogen, or something else? Then, what specific product recommendations? What little information I have read about motion-type lights seems to point to concerns with durability and weather(like water). And, of course, cost factors into this. I figure I should be able to get something for $50-60, or less, that would do well.
Any advice, etc, would be very much appreciated!
George
Replies
If you mount a suitable switched fixture box above the door (or wherever seems appropriate) then the future occupant can easily remove the plain fixture and install a motion sensing light if he wishes to have one. Some people like them, some people hate them.
Just remember motion lights do not have to be those "stalag 17" PAR 38s
You can attach a motion head to any nice looking fixture and most of the time less is more when it comes to lights. You just want enough light to see, not enough to get a tan.
At my house, everywhere you go the lights come on when you get there, inside and out. They go out a few minutes after you leave.
Greetings
You are running new wire to the garage, include a switch leg for that ext. light.