Think about this: You pay someone to hang your lights while daydreaming of glowing eaves and candy-cane paths. Worn-out lines, blown fuses, and a bill that looks like a phone number are what you’re left with. Don’t worry about it. Before you get on a ladder and clean out your gutters, finding more about the author at this page!
First things first, don’t hire the first business that comes up on Google. That rating of five stars? Aunt Carol and her book club sometimes pretend to be happy customers. Talk to the company when you call them. If you don’t get straight answers, or if the answers are rushed, they might not be clear. Anyone who acts sneaky when it comes to insurance cases or licenses? Warning sign.
Let’s talk about experience now. It’s not so fun to drop lights from the roof when you have to pay for them. Ask for a lot of pictures. There are real jobs and houses, not just pretty stock pictures. It would be even better if your neighbor’s Chihuahua or garage door made the cut.
Look closely at their guarantee policy. What will happen if a bulb goes out or a string stops working when Uncle Joe comes over? Companies you can trust will fix things quickly and won’t charge you extra for every broken bulb. Do not be shy. Ask them how quickly they can fix broken lights. You know what to do if they pause and say “umm.”
And prices! Holiday lighting is known for having a lot of crazy extras. If it’s not written down and explained, it’s not really a quote. How much does it cost to take down? Will they store the lights, or will you have to put them in the attic? Are there any extra costs for extra length or two-story peaks?
It may not sound fun to talk about safety, but it’s very important. Do not let anyone walk up on your roof with a ladder that is short by one foot. Make sure that their team is skilled and has insurance. Find out who the subcontractors are and how the company checks them out if they use them. You need someone who knows all about drills and stepladders.
Does the company use commercial-grade materials, or are you getting something cheap that’s made of plastic strings? When you dress well, you can see and feel what’s going on in your home before it gets built. If you feel that they are hesitant to show you their stuff, that’s your cue.
Timing is very important. It sounds cool to have speed demons, but getting good quality takes time. Find out how far in advance you need to book. Projects that are left until the last minute don’t usually shine as brightly.
Last but not least, trust your gut. If something seems as strange as putting Christmas lights on a plant, take a step back. Your life, not your worries, should be lit up by holiday lights.
If you follow these tips and go with your gut, your home will shine in a good way.