This post was originally published on DIY Network’s blog Made + Remade in September 2012.

I can vouch for having had to replace an outdoor light in the middle of a snowstorm, and because of that experience, I now make it a point to cross these to-do’s off my list in early fall while I can do the job comfortably. Running new wire for outdoor spotlights is one thing, but if you’re looking to update the fixtures on your property with modern motion-activated models, you’ll be happy to know you can do it yourself with a little know-how.

Updating the light on the garage was one of the best things I ever did to improve my property; not only is it close enough to activate when I pull my car into the driveway at night, but it provides a lot of light on the warm fall nights that we find ourselves doing projects in the vicinity of the garage. A light had been installed when I moved into the house, but with one damaged socket and no motion-activation feature, it wasn’t very useful.

The new light was something I picked up at a local Big Box store (I can’t recall which, but both have exceptional selections!). It offered a substantial 180-degree range of coverage to capture movement from all around the fixture.

To replace the light, I turned off power to the fixture, removed the bulbs, and unscrewed the existing fixture. With the new fixture prepped and its wires ready to be attached, I had it up in a matter of minutes. A new responsive light makes a world of a difference in providing a convenience and making you feel safe at home.