Sparkle Experts, Snarled Cords: Picking a Holiday Lighting Company That Won’t Give You Grief

I at one time observed my neighbor Dan burn four weekends flirting with a ladder and a tangle of lights. The finale? Half the roof shining, the other half looked dead. He swore off DIY forevermore. Holiday lighting companies exist for that moment.

Start with safety. EVERLIGHTS
Request proof of liability insurance and workers’ comp. If there’s no proof, don’t let them up. Easy as that. Professionals bring stabilizers, harnesses, and clips that won’t damage your roof. They map circuits. They test GFCIs. They respect your roof. They keep gutters safe.

Experienced installers plan before they climb. Show daytime photos of your house. Get a quick mockup or at least a bulb sample on the eaves. Warm white, cool white, or color blends change the mood a lot. Want it to stand out? Mix C9 on the roofline with mini LEDs in shrubs and a sharp wreath on the peak.

Don’t delay. Book early, before turkey season hits. Check how many installs a crew handles per day and who shows up if wind knocks a strand loose. Storm service windows should be specified. You want someone to pick up the phone, log the issue, and come back fast. Clarify in advance and ensure post-install support is genuine.

Gear choices can cut costs. LED beats incandescent by a mile. Dimmable strands and RGB pixels add flair, though they need clean power and tidy routing. Plan automation. Old school photocells work. Smart plugs let you run scenes and sunrise shutoffs. Keep an eye on total amp draw. Split loads, use outdoor-rated cords, and watch for GFCI trips in wet weather.

Now for the money. Some companies lease you bulbs and wire, then include takedown and off-season storage. Others require purchase and charge labor each year. Prices shift by roof pitch, linear feet, and the circus tricks your house demands. Clarify the inclusions: install, timers, clips, service calls, removal, storage. Avoid hidden costs. A modest deposit is normal; full payment up front is not.

Permits may be required for big displays or big trees near streets. HOAs enforce guidelines. Confirm color limits and dates for turn-on and take-down. Discuss surfaces. Tile roofs, old brick, and flaky paint need gentle methods. No staples in live trees. Use clips, wraps, and padded hooks. After install, do a walk-through at dusk. Check symmetry, drip loops, and cable tension. Rain arrives, and water sneaks. Plan for it.

Watch for trouble spots. Vague quotes. Cash-only demands. No ladder footing. Too-good deals from trucks with no markings. Good indicators are easy to spot. Clean coils of wire. Labeled bins. Spare fuses in a pocket. A lead who smiles, then fixes the crooked line without a speech. That pride is worth the bill.