Outdoor lighting in Fox Chapel (Monroe: insurance, Home Depot, contractors)

[statistician_5]

I'm looking for recommendations for outdoor lighting contractors in Fox Chapel.

I don't want an overly landscaped/lighted environment, but would like to see my sidewalk at night. The two contractors we've talked with are a little too over the top for me. We'd like just some simple hardwired pathway lighting and a light post.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[gg]

Originally Posted by statistician_5

I'm looking for recommendations for outdoor lighting contractors in Fox Chapel.

I don't want an overly landscaped/lighted environment, but would like to see my sidewalk at night. The two contractors we've talked with are a little too over the top for me. We'd like just some simple hardwired pathway lighting and a light post.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

You could probably just go solar these days. Of course if you are in The Borough, you might have total tree cover. I usually run the lines myself and have someone hook them up. They make wires that are made for underground. If you have no interest in DIY projects then you probably have to pony up. If you PM me, I could probably get someone for you that won't rob you blind with the FC markup crap.

[statistician_5]

Thanks. Not sure that solar would work due to tree cover...wonderful except in the fall.

We've considered running the lines and actually like to do things ourselves. The problem is finding time to do it (and to be honest I'm a bit nervous about the hubby and live electricity).

Finding someone without the markup would be a plus. It amazes me how that works. When I do consulting, I don't charge large companies with deep pockets a different rate than the poor academic getting by on grants. It's the same work, it's the same price.

[Moby Hick]

Originally Posted by statistician_5

(and to be honest I'm a bit nervous about the hubby and live electricity).

That's why there's life insurance.

Originally Posted by statistician_5

When I do consulting, I don't charge large companies with deep pockets a different rate than the poor academic getting by on grants. It's the same work, it's the same price.

I charge more for large companies. I view it as discounting the academic work. Easier to keep add new skills and such that way.

[guy2073]

I did not take in account the job location when I bid jobs when I first started but I found I was loosing work in the affluent areas because I was the low bidder, I started adding a larger amount of markup to my bids in those areas and my percentage of signed jobs has increased dramatically.

[statistician_5]

Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your view), the area I work in is so specialized that we all know each other. And everyone knows what they are getting for the price. We found that companies were subcontracting academics to get work done at the "cheaper" rate, and thus putting one additional step (and one additional ego) in the mix. As an academic myself, it felt very shady to perform a task under the guise of "academic research" only to find out that it's actually being used for profit.

As for life insurance, we do have it. But I do actually like my husband and I think I'll keep him around a bit longer!

[Tractor Face]

I would suggest going to a Lowes or Home Depot and looking at their selection of exterior lighting. This might give you a better handle or expectation of costs, for the materials anyway. This way, you will only need to compare installation prices of contractors. Also, you could ask a salesperson(could be very helpful & knowledgeable or just a warm body)to suggest contractors. At least this way, the project wouldn't seem so open-ended.


The Lowes at the Mills Mall and Home Depot in the East End don't have the best selection. I'd try Monroeville as they have good sized stores.