What to look for
- Liability insurance
- Clips instead of nails or staples
- A clear package: design, lights, install and removal
- Free or low-cost service calls during the season
- Photos of past displays
Questions to ask before you hire
- Is the price for labor only, or are lights included?
- Is takedown included, and when?
- Will you store the lights for next year?
- What if a strand goes dark in December?
- How do you attach lights to the roof and gutters?
Getting and comparing quotes
Give each company the same roofline and areas you want lit. Compare whether lights are rented, sold or yours, since that changes the price a lot.
Red flags
- Uses nails or staples on the roof
- No insurance for ladder work
- Won't commit to a takedown date
- Asks for full payment with no written scope