The holiday season is a time of celebration and spending time with family and friends, but it can also be expensive. One cost that comes up every year is the Christmas light installation cost. Some homeowners love the DIY approach, and others prefer hiring professionals. The pricing of services varies greatly, and it is difficult to know how much money to budget for this holiday decorating task.
However, the cost to install Christmas lights ranges from $750 to $1250, depending on the size of the home, the complexity of the design, and other factors. The high-end cost also reaches $2500 if it includes leasing the lights, maintenance, and light removal. It is essential to shed light on some of the main factors determining holiday lighting installation costs for your home or business.
Factors Affecting Christmas Light Installation Costs
Several factors influence the cost of a professional Christmas light installation. Here are some of the main ones:
Size and Complexity of Your Home
The size and complexity of your home can significantly impact the installation cost. If your home has multiple levels or tricky roof lines, it may take more time and equipment, which can increase the overall cost. Here is a rough breakdown of pricing based on the size of your home:
- Small, single-story homes: $750 – $1,000.
- Medium-sized, single-story homes: $1,000 – $1,250.
- Large, single-story homes: $1,250 – $1,500.
- Multi-story homes: $1,500+
Type of Lights
The holiday light installation company offers Christmas lights to lease directly to homeowners. This saves them the hassle of shopping for lights and finding ones that still work from previous years. Lighting options include c9 LED lights, mini string lights, and icicle lights.
Incandescent lights cost $25 to $35 per strand, LED lights cost $25 to $50 per strand, and icicle lights cost $30 to $55 per strand. The cost to include c9 lights in the project themselves ranges from $2 to $5 per linear foot. All-inclusive service, which provides the lights, install, maintenance, and take-down ranges between $6 to $9 per linear foot.
Number of Strands and Clips
Strands of lights and clips will add to the cost of Christmas lighting installation. You may wonder how many light strands you need. Generally, the more strands and clips you use, the higher your costs will be.
For example, if you want to light up a small palm tree with just a few strands of lights, it won’t cost as much as a large oak tree full of lights and holiday decorations. You can also expect to pay more for installing custom light displays, such as drive thru tunnels or wall lights which take longer to construct.
Type of Installation
Usually, permanent Christmas lights are more expensive than seasonal installs. The cost is typically lower for a seasonal installation, but the lights often have to be taken down after a few weeks.
Permanent installation generally costs more since it requires special equipment and expertise. You can expect a range from $25 to $35 per foot, covering installation and labor.
Maintenance and Removal Costs
At the end of the holiday season, you must take down the lights and store them for future use. You may need to pay extra for maintenance costs or services calls and removal if the installation crew is taking down your lights for you.
The cost of this service can range from $200 to $500, depending on the size of your home and the number of lights. Professional companies like Blitzenlighting offer light installation services and have several package options available, all of which include take-down in the initial cost.
These packages usually cost between $700 to $1,800 each and include light installation, removal, and all service calls.
Location of the Home & Lights
The Christmas light installation prices depend on where you live. In the Midwest, the average cost is $751, while in the Northeast, it is $844 on average. The Northwest’s average cost is $643, the Southwest’s is $903, and the Southeast’s is $1,081.
Furthermore, if your home is located in an area with a lot of trees and foliage or a lift is needed to access the roof, Christmas lighting may take longer to install. Additionally, additional fees may be involved if the home has a specialty type roof such as clay tile or metal.
Labor Costs
Professional Christmas light installation companies also charge for labor costs. Labor costs vary based on the number of lights, type of lights, and installation location.
There is a minimum two-hour charge for labor, and labor costs can range from $100 to $200 per hour. They may also charge a flat fee, which typically covers two hours of labor.
Additional Features that Impact the Cost
Custom Designs and Decorations
If you want your home to stand out with unique Christmas decorations or a custom outdoor lighting design, expect to pay more to install Christmas lights.
The cost depends on the size of the installation and the complexity of the design. You can expect a cost around $50 to $500, depending on their complexity and scope.
Installation Materials
Materials like extension cords, light clips, and timers can all affect the total cost of installation. Most holiday light installers include the cost of these materials in their quote, so be sure to ask for a breakdown of all costs.
Sometimes Christmas light installers may offer discounts if you already have the necessary materials.
Light Timers
If you want to save money on your electricity bill, installing a light timer is a good way. If you ask your installer to include a timed system, then expect the holiday light installation cost to go up slightly.
You can expect a price of approximately $10 to $30. The timer is powered by batteries or plugged into a nearby outlet.
Smart Features
Smart lighting systems allow users to control their Christmas light display from a smartphone or tablet. This type of permanent Christmas lighting system can be a great option for busy individuals who don’t want to worry about turning the lights on and off each day. Permanent Smart lighting systems with the ability to change colors to celebrate any holiday usually come with an installation cost of around $2,000-$3,000.
General Pricing Overview
The cost of putting up interior or exterior lighting depends on the size of your home, the type of lights, and complexity of the design. Generally, prices range from $6 to $9 per foot, with the Midwest costing around $751 on average. Labor costs range from $100 to $200 per hour, with a minimum charge of two hours.
Additionally, there may be additional fees for maintenance and removal. Custom designs and decorations are extra, while installation materials and light timers may be included in the basic price.
Tips for Saving on Christmas Light Installation
If you are looking to save money on your Christmas light installation, here are some tips:
- Shop around: Get quotes from multiple companies to compare prices and services. Check online reviews and ask for references to ensure you get the best value for your money.
- Choose energy-efficient lights: Although LED bulbs have a higher upfront cost, their energy efficiency can save you money on your electric bill in the long run.
- Reuse your lights: If you already have Christmas lights from previous years, consider reusing them instead of buying new ones. Just make sure they are still in good working condition.
- Simplify your design: Elaborate Christmas displays are impressive; a simple yet tasteful design can still make your home stand out. Plus, it will likely be less expensive to install holiday lights and maintain them.
- DIY: If you are up for the challenge and have the necessary skills and equipment, you can save money by installing your own Christmas lights. Just make sure to prioritize safety and follow proper installation guidelines.
Concluding Thoughts
Installing Christmas lights is essential to getting ready for the holiday season. The cost of installing Christmas lights can vary greatly depending on the type of lights, the size of your home, and access to power outlets. LED Christmas lights are more energy efficient and last longer but cost more upfront.
If you already have your own lights and just need an installer, you can save money by asking for a breakdown of all costs. In addition to the installation cost, you may also need to factor in the price of custom decorations, timers, and landscape lighting.
Moreover, if you have the skills and tools, you can save money by doing the installation yourself. Hang your lights safely and enjoy a dazzling display this holiday season.
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