The holidays sneak up fast, and while everyone loves a house glowing with Christmas lights, getting them installed can be stressful. Climbing ladders in the cold, figuring out how many clips you need, wondering if last year’s cords will still work, and making sure everything looks even can quickly take away from the joy of the season. Many homeowners in Omaha find themselves either overwhelmed by the setup or unsure what they’re actually paying for when they hire a professional.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been serving Omaha homeowners since 1996. While most people know us for painting, our team is also trained and certified in holiday light installation. Just like with painting, the details matter, whether it’s the right products, the right tools, or the right prep. We’ve seen the confusion homeowners face when they get quotes that don’t fully explain what’s included. That’s why we want to clear things up.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly what’s included in a professional Christmas light installation quote. From the materials like clips, cords, and bulbs, to the labor, remote controls, and even storage options, you’ll walk away knowing what to expect before you hire. This will help you compare quotes fairly, avoid surprise costs, and make sure your display is everything you envisioned.
Why Christmas Light Installation Quotes Vary
Before we go line by line, it’s worth understanding why quotes for holiday lights can be all over the place. Some companies only price the labor to hang your own lights, others only sell you the lights and leave the setup to you, and some include everything as a package.
When you’re comparing quotes, you want to make sure you’re looking at equal levels of service. If one company includes professional-grade lights, storage, and a warranty, while another only covers the labor to clip your box-store lights on the gutters, the prices will be miles apart. That’s why knowing what’s included matters so much.
Holiday Light Materials You Should See in a Quote
When professionals install Christmas lights, they aren’t just showing up with a tangled box from the garage. They’re providing the right equipment to make your home look its best. Here’s what you can expect to see included in a professional quote:
Clips for Christmas Light Installation
Clips hold the lights in place, and the type matters. Professionals use all-in-one clips designed for different rooflines, gutters, and shingles. This keeps bulbs straight, secure, and spaced evenly. You shouldn’t have crooked lines or sagging cords.
Cords for Christmas Light Installation
Extension cords and custom-cut cords are part of most quotes. Instead of having long tails running down your siding, professionals measure and cut cords to fit your home. This creates a clean look and keeps things safer.
Bulbs and Strings for Christmas Light Installation
The bulbs themselves are often commercial-grade, which are brighter and longer-lasting than the big-box store versions. They’re also replaceable one by one, so you don’t lose an entire strand if one goes out. You’ll usually have options for warm white or color-changing.
Remote or Controller for Christmas Light Installation
Most professional setups come with a remote or app-based control. This makes it simple to turn lights on and off, set timers, or change colors without climbing outside. This feature often surprises homeowners who are used to running to the outlet in the snow.
Holiday Light Installation Labor Included in the Quote
The labor cost is what most people think about first, and for good reason. This is what saves you from icy ladders and hours of trial and error. Labor covers:
- Measuring and Planning: Professionals measure your home so the light strands fit perfectly.
- Installation: Crews attach clips, hang cords, and place each bulb in line so the display looks sharp.
- Safety: Professionals bring ladders, equipment, and training so the job is done without accidents.
Additional Services for Holiday Light Installation That May Be Included
Take-Down for Christmas Light Installation
A full-service quote usually includes taking the lights down after the season. This means you don’t have to worry about leaving them up until spring or climbing in January cold to take them off. Crews carefully remove and pack everything, so it’s ready for next year.
Storage for Christmas Light Installation
Some companies, including us at Brush & Roll Painting, offer storage. We store lights for up to 3 years. This means you don’t have to figure out where to keep boxes in your garage or worry about tangles. Storage also keeps the lights protected from moisture and damage.
After the first year, the cost typically only includes labor, unless you add to your display. That way, your investment lasts for several seasons.
Warranty for Christmas Light Installation
Professional lights often come with a warranty for a certain number of seasons. If a bulb goes out or a cord has an issue, it can be replaced. This is rarely the case with lights from retail stores.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we offer a warranty for the lights that we use that is valid for 3 holiday seasons.
How to Compare Holiday Light Installation Quotes
If you get three quotes that are all different, here’s how to compare them:
- Check the materials: Are they providing commercial-grade lights or hanging your old set? Are you able to add on any fun lights besides the roofline?
- Look at storage: Will you be responsible for keeping lights, or do they store them for you?
- Review labor: Is take-down included, or will you pay extra later?
- Ask about warranties: Will they fix or replace lights if something happens during the season?
Think of it like comparing painting quotes. One company might charge less, but if they’re skipping prep work or using lower-quality products, you won’t get the same results. The same goes for holiday lights.
When reviewing your quote, ask for a breakdown of at least labor and materials if it’s not given to you already. This way, you know what’s covered and won’t be surprised by hidden add-ons.
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The Value of Professional Christmas Light Installation
Hiring a professional isn’t just about saving time. It’s about peace of mind. When you see your home glowing evenly and brightly on the first night, it feels worth it. You know the cords aren’t overloaded, the clips won’t damage your roofline, and the whole display was designed to last. For many Omaha families, this is what allows them to enjoy the season instead of stressing about it.
Christmas Light Installation in Omaha, NE
When you ask, “What’s included in a Christmas light installation quote?” the answer should give you a full picture: clips, cords, bulbs, controllers, labor, take-down, and storage. Knowing these details helps you compare companies and make the best decision for your home.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been helping Omaha homeowners since 1996. Just like with painting, our goal is to educate you so you can make confident choices for your home. If you’re ready to light up your house this holiday season, click below to get a quote.
If you’re not ready to meet with someone yet, check out our holiday lights pricing calculator to explore the pricing options and see what kind of display might fit your home best.
