The reason homeowners call
The job looks easy from the ground, then it takes a Saturday. Add the steep pitch, gutters you would rather not lean on, and the fact that December in the Upstate can be wet, and a lot of people decide it is worth hiring out.
The parts of the job
The job breaks into a few pieces, and the last two are the ones people forget to ask about. It starts with a plan: what gets outlined, which trees get wrapped, how it looks from the road. Then installation, which is where the ladders stop being your problem. Then upkeep through December. And then takedown, then off season storage, which is the part that keeps your attic empty.
The part nobody asks about
Most homeowners think about the setup and forget the teardown. Takedown and off season storage are part of how they work, so your attic stays empty.
Residential and commercial holiday lighting
At a house, the design is the roof edge, the entry and whatever is worth lighting in the yard. For a business, holiday lighting is about being seen, which is why storefronts, entries and patios get the attention. The install schedule is the part that takes planning, because the work has to fit around open hours.
What to agree on before you book
Be clear about what is in scope, because "the front of the house" means two different things to two people.
https://codyuaiq308.weebly.com/blog/patio-and-outdoor-living-lighting-how-to-light-a-patio-people-want-to-stay-onhow-to-light-a-patio-here-is-what-worksoutdoor-living-lighting-done-properly Sort out whose lights they are up front. Settle the takedown in the same conversation as the install.
Reading a Christmas lighting quote
A quote with one number and no detail is not enough to compare. It should say which parts of the property are included in specific terms: rooflines, entries, trees, walkways. Material ownership belongs on the page. Takedown and off season storage should be spelled out, not left to a handshake. And it should say who to call during the season if a section goes dark.The realistic version is short. A crew shows up on a scheduled day, the display goes in, and you were at work. After the season the crew returns for the takedown, and nothing lands in your attic.
The other option: lights that stay up
For anyone who does this annually, the permanent option is worth a look. Permanent lighting is one install that covers the holidays and the rest of the calendar too. EverCrest Lighting installs both. The consultation is free. Based in Greenville, they cover Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina. Reach them at (864) 252-1732 or
[email protected].