Start with your budget. It’s the thing to think about. Many homeowners fall in love with a hotel display then get a shock when they see the price. Know how much you can spend before you call anyone. It saves time for everyone. Professional installation is not the same for every job. A simple roofline decoration is different from a full-property makeover with tree lights, lit paths and timed controls. Be clear on what you want before you talk to an installer. This helps avoid costs. Look at this!
Here’s a question to ask: Who fixes the lights if they stop working on December 20th? Good installers offer maintenance coverage and answer calls when things go wrong. This is worth paying extra for.
Don’t think style is not important. Warm white lights in a glass globe look cozy and inviting. Cool white lights look modern. Multicolor lights are fun and perfect for a family. Choose what looks good on your home not what you saw on someone Street.
Be careful with the scale of the lights. Lights that look great in a picture can look small on your house. A good installer will tell you if you need lights or bigger fixtures. If an installer agrees with everything you say without questioning ask questions.
Book an installer by the end of October at the latest. Good installers get busy fast. Waiting until December is like calling a plumber on Christmas Eve. It’s possible. Not easy.
Pay attention to how the lightsre attached, not just which lights are used. Some ways of attaching lights can damage your house. Good installers use clip systems, gutter hooks or magnetic mounts that don’t damage your house. Ask how they plan to secure the lights. If they don’t give an answer it’s a warning sign.
Read the contract carefully the part about taking down the lights. Some companies include this in the price while others charge extra. Some leave it to you, which can be a problem in February when you still have lights on your roof. Get this in writing before you sign.
Finally ask for references from customers and go see their work at night. Seeing an installation in person tells you more than looking at pictures, on a website.