The season for lighting companies is short and intense, with most yearly revenue earned within a six-week period, a time when companies can generate up to 80 percent of their annual income. That forms some of the things that all homeowners must know before they hire them. Booking early offers a major advantage. Scheduling in September or October provides better pricing and more crew availability. Early-bird discounts exist because companies want to lock in jobs before peak chaos begins. Wait until thanksgiving and you will pay a higher rate and might get a poor installation slot.
Not every LED bulb is created equal. permanent driveway lights Low-cost LEDs may flicker, emit harsh blue light, and fail quickly. Always ask which brands are being used. High-quality bulbs like branded C9s cost more but deliver a warm, inviting glow. Cheaper alternatives often look artificial.
Many companies rely on subcontractors during peak season. This is not necessarily a downside, however, you must be aware of who is going to make it up on your roof. Are they full time staff or staff that was recruited last week? The difference in skill and accountability can be significant.
Accidents happen. Shingles may break, gutters may bend or soffits may be damaged. Reputable companies are insured and resolve issues promptly. Some untrustworthy operators can vanish when you make a call in January. Always request written proof of insurance. Display can or can be broken by timer setup. The advanced systems are linked with the smart home devices and automatically adjust to the daylight savings. Basic timers may drift, causing lights to turn on too early or too late.
Removal and storage are important. Some companies carefully label and store strands, while others toss them into warehouse corners. Proper storage affects how well your lights perform the next year. Ask about service policies. In case of failure of lights in mid season, who does the repairs? Are additional fees involved? The lowest bid may not include maintenance support.
Hardware quality makes a difference. Froze-thaw cycles can be done in commercial grade clips without fracturing them. Inexpensive clips in hardware stores may malfunction in the middle of the season and leave the lights hanging. Design matters, too. Packages which are cookie-cutter packages seldom look right. A large ranch home needs a different approach than a turreted Victorian. Quality companies evaluate your home before designing the display.
Energy consumption accumulates. A big screen can consume up to 200 or more electricity per season even with LED. Ask for energy estimates based on your planned design. Contracts deserve careful review. Review weather delay, emergency, and cancellation terms. It is better to know the policy of refund and rescheduling.
Lastly, verify references. Established companies should provide past clients you can contact. Viewing past installations is better than relying on online photos that may be misleading. In a nutshell: holiday lighting is just another home service. Do your research, ask plenty of questions, and do not assume the lowest price is the best. Some planning will prevent stress, expenditure and much time on a ladder, freezing.