Three years ago, I watched my dad wrestle with the Christmas lights all day on a Saturday and my mom offer unsolicited advice on the driveway. He muttered words not fit for polite company, threw down a strand which broke on the concrete, and finally fell about dinner time. The house ended up looking hilariously underwhelming. Christmas lights installers near me Hanging Christmas lights should not feel like community service and yet it seems that most of us do that every year and make it an experience that makes or breaks marriages and patience.
People who hire Christmas light professionals cost between $250 and 3,000 depending on the size of your house and how ambitious your vision is. They'll design the whole setup, carry professional-grade equipment on ladders that you would never put your trust in and make your home place something you would consider taking pictures of. Most crews are through in a few hours what it would take you a whole weekend--unless you cut yourself in the first place. After the holidays they come back and remove the display, so you do not have to have the embarrassing February talk with neighbors about why you still have your lights up. Reserve a crew in October or you will have very few options left.
It takes more than enthusiasm and eggnog to install it yourself. Begin by mapping out of all the rooflines, windows, and doorways that you will be illuminating. Get about twenty percent more lights than you think you need--because you will absolutely run short otherwise. Get the right clips that fit your surface, be it shingles, gutters or brick. The generic clips break miserably, and most of the time it is the initial windstorm that causes your carefully arranged masterpiece to fly into the bushes at 2 AM.
LEDs may hit your wallet harder initially but are the only viable option for modern displays. They barely use any electricity and incandescents burn through electricity like there is no tomorrow. LEDs are also far longer lasting and remain cool to the touch, which is important when you need to drape them on trees that are alive or flammable decorations. The quality of colors has been enhanced significantly. LEDs are as warm as old-school bulbs without the risk of fire and electric bill shock.
Nobody brags about safety until something goes wrong. Always check the strands and then walk up. Always use outdoor rated extension cords, and never indoor. Stay connected at high level and dry. Never overload circuits--calculate amperage of your breaker and perform calculations. The location of the ladders is important: firm ground, the right angle, a person observing you. Shouting watch yourself by your spouse does not count as proper spotting.