9 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Christmas Light Installer

Searches for Christmas light installers have grown every year, and so has the number of companies offering the service. Some do holiday lighting as their main work. Others add it for a few weeks between other jobs. From a website they can look the same.

These nine questions will tell you who you are dealing with. We have included our own answers so you can hold us to them.

1. Is holiday lighting your main business or a seasonal add-on?

Experience shows up in the design and in how problems are handled in December. We are the local Christmas Decor team, part of a holiday decorating brand with more than 30 years of experience.

2. Who supplies the lights?

Some installers hang whatever you already own. Others supply everything. We supply commercial-grade LED lights, wreaths and garland, fitted to your house, so you are not buying or sorting strands.

3. Is the display designed for my house?

A good display is planned around the roofline, the entry, the trees and how the house is seen from the road. Ask to see photos of finished work on homes like yours.

4. What happens if something stops working?

Wind, ice and snow are hard on lights. Ask whether service calls during the season are included or billed separately. With us, in-season maintenance is included: call and we come out and fix it.

5. Who takes the lights down, and when?

Takedown is the part people forget to ask about. We take the display down after the holidays, so nobody is on a frozen roof in January.

6. Where are the lights stored?

We pack the display and store it until next year. Nothing takes up space in your garage or attic.

7. Are you insured?

Anyone working on your roof should carry liability insurance and coverage for their crew. Ask every company you are considering for proof, including us.

8. How is the price worked out?

A clear quote is based on the design: the length of the roofline, the number of trees and windows, and extras such as wreaths and garland. Be careful with a price given before anyone has looked at the property or a photo of it.

9. When do I need to book?

Early. Installation calendars fill in the fall, and the best dates go first. If you want lights on by Thanksgiving weekend, start the conversation well before then.

A short checklist

• Design, installation, maintenance, takedown and storage are all covered

• Lights and greenery are supplied by the installer

• Service calls during the season are included

• Proof of insurance is available on request

• The quote is based on your actual house

Getting a quote from us

We serve southern Maine and the New Hampshire Seacoast from Scarborough, Maine. See our service areas, or request a quote online in a few minutes. Adding a photo of the property helps us get back to you faster. For a business or a town project, see commercial Christmas lighting and municipal holiday lighting, or call 207-510-4893.

Common questions

When should I book a Christmas light installer?

As early in the fall as you can. Calendars fill before the first snow.

Do professional installers use my lights?

It depends on the company. We supply the lights and greenery so that everything is commercial grade and cut to fit your house.

Is takedown included?

With us, yes. Takedown and storage are part of the service. More answers are on our FAQ page.