Who did you hire to install your lamp post? Did you have a contract with a scope of work + a drawing showing what was being installed + where on your property?

I am a business attorney - one area that I specialize in is real estate development. Whenever someone is engaged to make improvements on a client's property, we have a detailed comprehensive development agreement that includes numerous exhibits (including a detailed site plan). Obviously, there is much more to related to the development of a high end retail shopping center vs. having a lamp post installed on your property - however, we still address issues detailed exhibits/scope of work related to items such as a tenant's signage on the front of it's leased premises (and provide specifications related thereto).

A lamp post wouldn't require all of the different documents that the development of a shopping center would, but there still should have been some written agreement that outlined the project that the contractor was being hired for + showed the location + the specs related to how the lamp post would look, be constructed + how it would be installed.

I don't understand how you wouldn't have known what the overall height was + been provided with the specs related to how much of it would be installed under ground level.

In any event, you really need to discuss this with your contractor. He/she would be in the best position to provide possible solutions to address the height issue.

Were you there when the lamp post was being installed? I am surprised that you didn't become aware of the height issue until after the project was completed.

@dani_m08 I appreciate your detailed insight. I will take into account all of the information you provided as I move forward to find a solution.

" Is it possible to add approximately two feet to the pole? "

Nope, not and have it be stable or look correct.

@millworkman On two websites loveitlighting.com and prime-mfg.com I have seen something called a Post Extension #9. It's 2ft powder coated aluminum that fits over a 3" post. Is there a reason this wouldn't work?

No idea, you gave us no idea on the exact post you ordered the size, or from whom. Is this "Post Extension #9" from the same company as your post and made for your post? Is the gauge of the metal the same? Is your post 3"? Will the powder coated finish be the same?

I need to see your lamp post to have any idea . Post thta pic here in a comment .

Is the 3" Lamp Post 3" ID or 3" OD, that is what you need to measure as it does not say anywhere I can see. Again, will the powder coat colors match, all blacks are not the same.

Looks to me like the project was ill concieved from the getgo. How was a lamp post with a couple of candelabra bulbs supposed to illuminate your fountain area?

At least you have the electric at the site now. Either install adjustable ground light to shine UP and illuminate the founain or have waterproof lights installed inside the fountain to illuminate it from the inside.

I recommend trying the extension.

@millworkman With the information I have, I am a little hopeful the extension will work. The cemented post measures 3 inches OD, the thickness of the post is 1.22mm/0.048". The extension says it is 3 1/4" OD and will fit a standard 3 inch post. I can't find the thickness of the extension, but for puposes of sliding over the cemented post, it doesn't seem to be as important. I don't know the hue of the extension poles black. I suppose if I could at least get it to fit, then I could get outdoor spray paint that has texture and spray the posts the same color :-) So my next question (if the extender "fits") how do you typically secure something like that? Special glue/adhesive?

rutabaga4 - Hey - we all make mistakes. Whether it's related to:

- hiring the wrong contractor to do work (that happened with my primary bathroom renovation - my SO - who is also an attorney - hired based upon recs from a couple of his law partners - but it was a mistake - an expensive one! had to completely tear everything out and start over);

- not paying attention to specifications related to the installation of something (as you overlooked the 24" that would be buried in the ground);

- putting three different tiles together in a bathroom that do not work together (another expensive mistake - unless you figure out a way to live with it);

- not having a contract that includes a scope of work (leading to arguments as to what is/isn't included in the work being completed by the contractor for the price set in the contract).

There are many more examples.

Have you contacted the manufacturer to ask for help re: how to extend the height? Your contractor and/or the manufacturer would be the best place to start. Once you receive some info - come back here and let us know what you've been told. It seems like there has to be a way to accomplish adding 24" without making it look like it was a "fix" for a mistake.

The picture you posted showed fasteners and correct color.

Cement is glue, you probably used concrete.

@dani_m08 I really appreciate your empathy. Without beating myself up over my mistake I am determined to find a solution.

@rutabaga4 - it just seems like there HAS to be a solution that will work. I will call one of my clients who owns a construction company and see if he has any ideas.

@A Mat Yes, they used concrete to anchor it in the ground, not cement. But as far as using the lamp post extender, it appears to slide over the original post, but I don't see "fasteners". I imagine it will be a snug fit, but what type of fastener or adhesive would be used to really secure it?

Your pictures showed connections.

If the exxtension slides over fairly snug, drill and run in self tapung screws. Hardware store for black head screws or nail poish or model paint for the heads

Outdoor lighting should follow dark sky principles:

That light serves no purpose. There's no need to illuminate that fountain or the grass around it; both are visible 16 hours a day. Turn off the electricity, get a hack saw and cut it down. The fountain appears to be in a large grassy area. Keep it dark, enjoy the dark sky, and maybe even see a few stars.

If it were me, I would add a cute bench next to it. Then the lamp height makes sense.

@wdccruise Thank you for sharing such extensive information about responsible outdoor lighting. I'm relieved to learn that, despite my blunder in measuring the lamp post height, I've found the ideal location on our property to add some outside ambiance.

We live on an acre and our home backs up to a nature preserve, an area that we keep dark for the wildlife and the wonderful opportunity to enjoy the stars and the beautiful fireflies that light up the woods each evening. The front of our property is still tucked back off the road, so having a little extra light in a darker area of our yard is ideal. We’re fortunate to have so many lightbulb options that we can lower the intensity so it doesn’t look like we have a mac truck heading directly through our front door. On occasion I’ve left my garage light on, so I made sure the electrician set the lamp on a timer.

Having our lamp post installed was our first step for decorating the very large dirt mound in the middle of our front lawn. Now we will be able to proceed with the landscaping and will even be able to enjoy it in the evening when we return home from a full day of work.

No need to hack the lamp post down. Adding the appropriate amount of height will make it appear more proportionate to it’s surroundings. Thank you for your concern.

@rockybird WOW! This is exactly why I have come to value Houzz so much. You brought a completely differrent perspective to the problem. I showed your idea to my husband and he said, "I LOVE IT! It makes it look intentional, like a park bench." Now the crossbar with a garden flag hanging from it will appear more proportionate. I've received a great amount of helpful information and suggestions over the last 24 hours because I was so focused on how to raise the lamp post that I entirely overlooked any potential of making it work at its lower height. A great idea that we are seriously going to consider!!!

I’m glad you like the idea! I’d add the bench, plants, maybe a tree or two and make it a little garden to get away and sit outside.

"Having our lamp post installed was our first step for decorating the very large dirt mound in the middle of our front lawn. Now we will be able to proceed with the landscaping..."

Use low-voltage path lights instead.

@wdccruise What are your thoughts on placement?

"@wdccruise What are your thoughts on placement?"

You haven't shown a photo of your lawn or a plan for the dirt mount.

@wdccruise I'm not ready to share that information just yet. I appreciate your input and will certainly consider your suggestions. Thank you for being attentive to my post.

Since the entire area is not shown, maybe it would help to install another lamp post on the other side of the fountain.