When winter comes, those light strands that hang from houses really do have enchantment in them. Every year, you’ll see drivers going slowly to take in all the glitter. Let’s be honest: if you closed last season by fighting a bunch of string lights on your lawn and cursing every nasty word you know, you’re not the only one. That’s why so many people want to hire Christmas light setup service. But what happens after you ask for help? This is what matters.
Hanging lights on your own is somewhere between “cleaning gutters” and “pulling weeds.” Getting the correct installer saves you time, keeps your fingers safe, and perhaps makes your home life a little more calm. But it’s not only a matter of luck when it comes to choosing the correct service. Some groups bring their own heavy-duty commercial lighting and big plans, while others are fine with the mess you’ve made in the attic. Are you sure you want those large, bright bulbs from years ago? Do you want a blue-white LED look this winter? No matter how you feel, write it all down before you get a ladder.
A detailed plan is the first step to getting the pros to work for you. They’ll walk around your house, measure everything, and check out your outlets, hopefully before they take a single string of lights. It feels like getting ready for a fun, stress-free bank robbery, except without the awful costumes. But watch out for workers who come and go quickly, like they do on the weekends. Not only do sloppy setups look ugly, but on a windy night, you could have to fish lights out of a neighbor’s tree.
Costs can surprise folks. The initial quote usually simply covers putting up the lights, not the fancy extras, computerized timers, or shiny hardware. Some businesses hire things out and then come back to take them down. Some people want you to buy your own and keep them for next year’s show. Choose between a one-night-only show or help that lasts all through the holidays to keep every bulb lit. It’s the worst to have to go out in freezing rain to replace a droopy wreath on the porch.
Don’t forget that holiday decorations can go on more than simply roofs. Picture fairy lights on the rails of your porch, colored nets on your plants, and projectors showing dancing elves on your garage. Go crazy, but be smart. Even the most excited installer can’t turn your house into a theme park if you just have two sad outlets. A innovative installation will help you avoid power interruptions and keep your lights flashing bright instead of dimming the lights for half the block.
Put safety first at all times. Real crews use the right ladders and keep an eye on power demands. Cords that are in the appropriate place keep everyone standing, including the stressed-out package delivery drivers. Don’t forget to ask about liability coverage. The right team stands behind their work and isn’t hesitant to say so.
Good luck if you wait for snow to fall before you call. Two months ahead of time, all the popular weekend slots might be gone. As soon as you start thinking about your display, get on the calendar and ask to see pictures from previous seasons. People who really know what they’re doing are thrilled to show off the homes they’ve helped make great.
Consider what will happen once the work is done. You could need to mend anything because of winter storms, a stubborn raccoon, or even loud kids. Make a clear plan for what kind of backup you’ll obtain if part of your display goes dark. A little planning will help you avoid problems and maybe even give you the chance to be a hero with a cup of cocoa after the installation.
No one should spend their best holiday hours stuck in a network of wires, no matter how funny it seems. Let the people who have the tools and know-how do it. After that, you may sit back, admire the lights, and do some bragging about your own neighborhood holiday.