So, you're considering bringing in a professional to set up your Christmas light display this year? That's actually a great plan. Every holiday season, countless injuries, emergency room visits, and the occasional fatality occur as homeowners undertake hazardous light installation tasks they're not familiar with.
Some Christmas aficionados thrive on the challenge of setting up their Christmas lights. For them, it's not tedious or dangerous; it's pure enjoyment! If that describes you, this blog might not captivate your interest (although we have a plethora of how-to guidance for you). However, if the thought of installing this year's Christmas lights fills you with more anxiety than joy, keep reading.
Hiring a professional to handle your light display is a smart choice for you. Nonetheless, just like enthusiastic DIYers need to master the techniques for designing and installing Christmas lights, you should also be knowledgeable about selecting and hiring a skilled light installer.
Now that the DIY crowd has moved on, let's have a conversation.
If your response was “No” or “I simply want someone to set this display up,” this article is meant for you! If you dream of a grand Christmas lights display but lack the know-how for a safe and effective setup, hiring a professional installer is highly recommended. Each year, emergency rooms see numerous cases of poorly-prepared homeowners who attempted to install their own Christmas light displays, sometimes with fatal outcomes. Engaging a professional is a safe and efficient way to get your home or business decked out for the holidays. Just like a dedicated DIYer needs to understand the intricacies of Christmas light installation, someone looking to hire a pro needs to be well-informed to make an educated decision.
Considering a Christmas lights display? Ask these questions first.
Are you someone who delights in understanding the nuts and bolts of a fantastic Christmas light display? Have you learned what professional installers do and feel confident in your ability to design and install your own setup? Do you enjoy detailed tasks that many might find monotonous and unseen in the final project? If you answered “Yes” to these questions, if you're adept at handling intricate DIY projects, why are you still reading? You've got a light display to work on! You might even be interested in our book, Starting Your Own Christmas Lighting & Decorating Business — it's a superb resource for do-it-yourselfers.
In particular, the following 8 strategies will make sure that hiring the job out doesn't become more troublesome than doing it yourself:
1. Avoid Bargains
Low quotes often indicate low quality. There's an age-old saying: You get what you pay for. No truer words have been spoken, and it applies across the board. We always tell Christmas enthusiasts to steer clear of cheap Christmas lights as you get what you invest in. The same principle applies to professional installers. The lowest-priced installers are cheap for a reason — likely several. Hiring a budget installer probably means dealing with limited design and installation experience.
Additionally, you might face reliability issues. Some people think the only requirement for being a Christmas light installer is owning an extension ladder. Due to the minimal overhead with just a ladder, such installers often work for very low rates. Avoid hiring anyone whose prices seem too good to be true. They likely lack substantial experience, don't prioritize design, and — crucially — lack the necessary electrical knowledge to do the job safely. These cut-rate installers might also be unreliable, often treating this as a side gig rather than a reputable business. If they promise to show up on Saturday but lend their ladder to a relative on Friday, you could find yourself in a bind.
2. Verify Their Insurance Coverage
Installing Christmas lights is a hazardous task — likely one reason you're hesitant to tackle it yourself. There's risk to both personal safety and property. While it's not something to worry excessively about, you should ensure that the professional you hire is properly insured — just in case. After all, that's the purpose of insurance.
Given the involvement of heights and electricity, Christmas light installation carries inherent risks — perhaps the very reason you're reluctant to do it yourself. Don't hesitate to ask if the installer has insurance and the extent of that coverage. This isn't an offensive question; it shows you're a discerning customer who wants assurance that any potential injury or damage during the project is covered by insurance.
3. Evaluate Their Light Source
Discovering where they purchase their lights will provide major insight into the quality you'll receive. They don't have to buy from us (though it guarantees top-quality lights). But you SHOULD ensure they're buying from a specialized, year-round Christmas light supplier.
If you spot your installer loading up on lights at a big box store, consider rescheduling. Professional-grade lights aren't what you find in retail stores, and an installer using them reveals a lack of experience and knowledge.
Since you might not have the chance to bump into your installer at a store, the best course of action is to ask where they get their lights and investigate the supplier. If they mention buying from a big-box store, it tells you two things:
a. You WON'T be getting high-quality lights
b. You're probably not dealing with a seasoned professional (see point #1)
If they aren't sourcing from a supplier specializing in commercial-grade lights, either find another installer or consider buying the lights yourself. If you need a recommendation, you'll find only top-notch, professional-grade Christmas lights from ChristmasDesigners.com — seriously, we only deal with the best materials.
4. Consider Purchasing the Lights Yourself
Acquire your lights directly from a specialty store like Gift All Season to ensure their superior quality. Nevertheless, it's wise to ask the professional installer where he sources his lights for other clients; his response will provide insight into his level of professionalism.
5. Avoid Paying Too Much Upfront
Is the professional installer demanding more than fifty percent of the payment initially? Politely refuse and seek another professional for your Christmas light installation. It's normal to pay a portion upfront, but this should NEVER exceed half of the total fee. A demand for more is a warning signal.
For instance, if an installer is unable to commence work without a significant deposit, this could indicate financial instability. On a more skeptical note, if your large upfront payment is met with delays and subpar service, an unreliable installer might assume you won't cancel the job and pursue a refund, while dragging their feet on completion.
6. Seek References
When applying for a job, you're usually asked for references, correct? The same should apply to professional installers you consider hiring. Anyone with sustained experience and numerous satisfied customers — the ideal candidate — will gladly provide plenty of references. So inquire about their tenure in the business and request references. Ensure your installer has a proven track record of success. Additionally, ascertain how long they have been in operation and ask for extensive references.
7. Inquire About Problem Resolution Policies
Regardless of an installer's expertise and professionalism, some post-installation issues may arise. Perhaps some lights will fail before the holiday season concludes, or disagreements with the installation team may occur.
No professional can guarantee an absence of issues. However, they SHOULD have a clear and firm policy for resolving any problems. Ask about this policy. Ensure they won't charge you exorbitantly for returning to fix issues that emerge post-installation.
Even the best professional Christmas light installers may sometimes neglect a comprehensive business framework covering every client interaction, especially regarding problem resolution. What if you dislike the installation crew's behavior or how they handle your property? What if the crew deviates from your agreed-upon specifications? How will they replace malfunctioning lights mid-season? Before you commit, confirm the installer has a detailed policy for handling customer complaints, including reasonable re-visit charges. Unexpected issues are inevitable; the key is ensuring fair treatment and timely resolution.
8. Steer Clear of Solo Operators
Evidently, professional Christmas light installation is a seasonal enterprise. Thus, potential hires likely pursue other work during off-seasons — which is acceptable.
What's NOT acceptable is hiring a hobbyist professional, a one-man operation hustling for extra holiday cash. Opt for an established operation with adequate staff to complete your project promptly and address any arising concerns quickly.
Indeed, your installer may engage in varying work during off-peak seasons. Ensure you're not hiring someone who, drawn by some quick cash and access to an extension ladder, annually enters the field. It's not your duty to bolster someone's holiday budget. A reputable Christmas light installer won't be a lone operator. They will have a skilled team, possibly engaging in different work year-round, but proficient with Christmas lights and sufficiently staffed to provide quality installation and maintenance throughout the season.
Planning is Key…
Whether you choose to install your Christmas lights or enlist a professional, some degree of planning is essential.
Doing the installation yourself? Decide on thetype of lights required and their quantity. You'll need to design your display and order your lights and supplies early to ensure everything is available when needed.
Avoid Procrastination.
Hiring a professional? Your planning involves thorough research to select a reputable company and scheduling their service well in advance — in other words: EARLY.
Going the DIY route? If so, finalize your design and order all required lights and supplies, ready for installation when the opportunity arises.
Engaging a professional? Conduct comprehensive research and book a reputable installer soon. Top installers often have repeat clients, so early booking ensures your display is up on time.
Once the initial planning and scheduling are complete, you can relax and enjoy the holiday season — and your stunning lights.
For many Christmas enthusiasts, that's the best way to embrace the holiday spirit.
However you achieve that sparkling display, here's to wishing you a joyous time enjoying it!
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