Garden lighting design service

Homeowners with landscaped gardens, garden designers, builders, architects and small commercial property owners such as pubs, hotels and offices.

A fixed design fee per project, sometimes credited back if the client uses your recommended installer. You may also earn a referral fee or supply fittings at a margin.

• An eye for design and how light looks at night
• Drawing plans or using lighting design software
• Explaining ideas clearly to clients
• Basic knowledge of outdoor lighting and electrics

• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance, check what covers design advice
• Fixed outdoor mains electrical work should be done by a competent, registered electrician and must meet the building regulations that apply where the project is. Part P covers England and Wales, while Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules, so check the requirements for the relevant nation. Do not carry out mains installation yourself unless you are qualified
• Planning or conservation area rules and light pollution, which can affect some schemes, so check with the local council
• Agree who is responsible if an installer changes your design

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £600 to £3,000, depending on the software, equipment and insurance you choose. Check what professional indemnity and public liability cover includes for design advice before you take on clients.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many schemes you design and what you charge. Estimates suggest you would need at least about 8 hours a week to get started.

Check that fixed outdoor mains work is done by a competent, registered electrician and meets the building regulations that apply. Part P covers England and Wales, while Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules. Also check planning or conservation area rules with the council.