Ease

Many homeowners go the do-it-yourself route. There are low-voltage and solar options designed for safe, easy installation. If you're a handyman and you simply want to illuminate your driveway or sidewalks, that's all you'll need. High-voltage lighting systems that require their own circuit in your home's electrical system will require a licensed electrician. High-voltage lighting systems are often less energy efficient, too.

Style

Outdoor light fixtures come in designs to match every home style and homeowner taste. Ornate fixtures that will compliment a restored Victorian? Floods that will illuminate a garden? Candy colored rope lights to brighten a child's play area? There's landscape lighting for almost every purpose under the setting sun.

Budget

Depending on the size of your yard, your illumination needs and whether you're a handy do-it-yourselfer or you're better with a checkbook, landscape lighting can be a very affordable home improvement. You'll find prepackaged low-voltage and solar lighting systems starting at less than $50 at most retail home centers and discount department stores.

Custom solutions (fixtures or lighting plans that require the work of an architect or contractor) do cost more. But whatever your investment, you'll be giving your home an entirely new nightlife.