DIY vs. Professional Holiday Light Installation
October 10, 2024
Which is Best Approach for Seattle Businesses and Homes?
The holiday season in the Pacific Northwest is a time of joy, community, and festivity. One tradition that many Seattle homeowners embrace is decorating their homes with an impressive holiday light display. However, when it comes to lighting up your home, the annual dilemma arises: should you tackle it yourself (DIY) or hire a professional holiday light installer? Each option comes with its own set of pros and cons. Here, we break down the key factors you should
consider when deciding between DIY and professional holiday light installation in Seattle.
Understanding the DIY Approach to Holiday Lighting
DIY holiday light installation is a popular choice for businesses and homeowners who enjoy being hands-on with their annual holiday decorations. Whether you’re climbing a ladder to hang lights or designing a unique lighting pattern, the DIY approach can bring a sense of personal satisfaction and holiday cheer.
Pros of DIY Holiday Light Installation
- Cost Savings: One of the biggest appeals of DIY is the potential to save money. You can buy lights once and reuse them year after year.
- Creative Freedom: DIY gives you complete control over the design. You can change your lighting display each season, experiment with colors, and make adjustments to suit your vision.
- Family Fun: For many, decorating for the holidays is a cherished family activity. Involving kids in the process can create lasting memories and can become an annual family tradition.
- Flexibility: You can install and take down your lights whenever it fits your schedule, allowing you to avoid coordination with contractors.
Cons of DIY Holiday Light Installation
- Time-Consuming: Installing holiday lights yourself can take several hours or even days, depending on the size of your home and how elaborate of a display you want to create. From untangling light strands to meticulously placing each one, it’s a big commitment.
- Safety Risks: Climbing ladders, working with electrical cords, and navigating wet or icy surfaces can be dangerous, especially during Seattle’s coldest, darkest and wettest season.
- Weather Challenges: This winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also known as NOAA forecasts that Seattle will experience colder-than-usual temperatures with significant precipitation. With La Niña conditions bringing both rain and potential snow, outdoor DIY installation might be tougher than usual (FREESKIER)(NOAA).
- Subpar Results: Without professional tools and expertise, taking the DIY route means your light displays may not have the same polished look. Uneven spacing, poor electrical connections, or light failure can lead to a less-than-stellar result.
The Professional Holiday Light Installation Experience
Hiring a professional service like Seattle Holiday Lights offers a stress-free alternative to the DIY approach. Professionals handle every aspect of holiday lighting, from design to removal, ensuring a safe, high-quality display.
Advantages of Professional Holiday Light Installation
- Time-Saving: Hiring professionals will free you up from the long hours of installation, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the holiday season with friends and family.
- Superior Results: With professional-grade lights, expert installation techniques, and creative design options, the results are often far more impressive than a DIY display.
- Safety First: Professionals are trained to install lights safely, using appropriate equipment and taking weather conditions into account. They’re also insured, which provides peace of mind in case of accidents should any arise.
- Comprehensive Service: Seattle Holiday Lights offers design, light rental, installation, maintenance, and removal services. This means if any issues arise (such as burnt-out lights), the professionals will come to you and get those problem lights fixed at no additional cost.
- Seattle-Specific Expertise: Professionals know how to handle the city’s rainy weather and have strategies for working on steep, wet rooftops and don’t forget safety training experience and professional equipment to keep everyone safe.
Potential Drawbacks of Professional Installation
- Higher Upfront Costs: Professional installation typically costs more than DIY, especially for larger homes. However, these costs often include high-quality led-specific lights, installation, maintenance, and removal.
- Less Personal Involvement: If you enjoy being part of the decorating process, handing off the task to professionals might feel like you’re missing out on the holiday spirit.
Comparing Costs: DIY vs. Professional Installation
When comparing DIY to professional installation, it’s important to look beyond the initial costs.
- DIY Costs: While DIY may seem cheaper, consider hidden expenses. Purchasing lights, extension cords, timers, and safety equipment (such as a sturdy ladder) can add up quickly. Additionally, there’s the cost of maintaining, replacing and storing lights over the years, and don’t forget what your time might be worth.
- Professional Costs: Hiring a service like Seattle Holiday Lights may come with a higher price tag, typically ranging from $1000 to $1,500, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the design. However, these services often include high-quality, long-lasting lights that professionals store and maintain for you, eliminating the need for repairs or replacements.
- Non-Monetary Costs: Time and safety are two non-monetary factors to consider. DIY installation can be time-consuming, and there’s always a risk of injury, particularly when dealing with electrical work or working on rooftops. Hiring professionals ensures you avoid these risks for yourself or loved ones and gain peace of mind around the entire process.
Why Choose Seattle Holiday Lights?
If you're a Seattle business owner or homeowner looking to maximize your holiday display without the hassle, Seattle Holiday Lights provides the ultimate solution. With a team of experts who understand the unique challenges of Seattle’s weather and terrain, Seattle Holiday Lights offers seamless, professional-grade installations that are both beautiful and safe. From design to removal, they handle it all, giving you more time in your business or with your loved ones to
enjoy the holiday season.
Contact us today for a free quote our team is excited at the opportunity of getting to work with you this upcoming holiday season!
Ready To Light Up Your Home Or Business This Holiday Season?
Call Seattle Holiday Lights at 206-682-7110, Brought To You By All Covered Painting,
We Bring The Lights, The Ladders And The Labor!
Get Started Today
Call/Text (206)682-7110
9585 8th Ave S.
Seattle is known for its environmentally conscious community, so it’s no surprise that eco-friendly LED lighting tops the list of holiday trends. LED lights use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and have a longer lifespan, making them a sustainable choice that’s perfect for Seattleites looking to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on brightness. Why It’s Popular in Seattle: Seattle's dedication to green energy and environmental responsibility has led many residents to seek energy-efficient options. With our long, dark winters, these lights are a perfect way to keep energy costs down while brightening the home. Incorporate This Trend: Consider layering LED string lights along your roofline or trees to create a soft, energy-efficient glow. Mixing warm and cool white LEDs can add depth and sophistication to your display. Pro Tip: Opt for programmable LED lights with color-changing options. They allow you to switch between festive colors for different occasions throughout the year, keeping your home vibrant and unique. Smart Holiday Lighting With the rise of smart home technology, holiday lights have become more interactive than ever. Smart lights connect with home automation systems, allowing you to control them with your smartphone or voice assistant. Some systems can even be set to music, syncing the lights with your favorite holiday tunes. Why It’s Popular in Seattle: Tech-savvy neighborhoods like Bellevue and South Lake Union are filled with residents who enjoy innovative solutions that simplify life. Smart holiday lights bring that same convenience to holiday decorating. Incorporate This Trend: Try adding smart light controllers that let you create preset lighting schedules, change colors remotely, and even adjust brightness to conserve energy. Pro Tip: Sync your smart lights with a playlist of holiday classics to create a festive light show. This trend works well for both homes and businesses looking to impress visitors and customers alike. Classic White Lights with Modern Twists The timeless look of classic white lights continues to reign supreme, especially in historic Seattle neighborhoods like Queen Anne and Madison Park. This year, homeowners are giving traditional white lights a contemporary twist by combining them with vintage-style bulbs, unique arrangements, or adding contrasting greenery and metallic accents. Why It’s Popular in Seattle: Many Seattleites appreciate the understated elegance of classic displays. When enhanced with modern design elements, classic white lights add charm without overwhelming the senses. Incorporate This Trend: Use classic white lights on window frames, around entryways, or wrapped around pillars to accentuate architectural details. Adding in larger, vintage-inspired bulbs can add depth and a modern edge. Pro Tip: Go for oversized, globe-shaped white bulbs for a modern take on the classic white light display. Combine them with greenery or festive wreaths to create a cozy, welcoming look. Interactive Light Displays for Businesses Businesses across Seattle are leveraging interactive light displays to attract and engage customers. In shopping districts like Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square, interactive displays captivate passersby, drawing them in for a closer look. Businesses are incorporating animated lighting or installing "selfie stations" illuminated with LED backdrops, creating a photo-friendly environment that encourages visitors to share on social media. Why It’s Popular in Seattle: Seattle is a social media-friendly city where local businesses thrive on community engagement. Interactive displays make for fun, memorable customer experiences that can boost foot traffic and brand visibility. Incorporate This Trend: For businesses, consider setting up an LED-lit archway or photo booth where visitors can take pictures. These displays work great with smart lighting that can change colors or create moving patterns. Pro Tip: Use social media hashtags on signs near the display to encourage visitors to tag your business. It's a creative way to expand your online presence and showcase your holiday spirit. Minimalist Scandinavian-Inspired Lighting Inspired by Scandinavian design principles, minimalist holiday lighting focuses on simplicity and functionality. This style uses fewer, carefully placed lights to create an elegant and serene atmosphere. Often using warm lights and natural materials like wood and greenery, this trend is especially popular in neighborhoods with modern architecture, such as Ballard and Fremont. Why It’s Popular in Seattle: The Pacific Northwest aesthetic leans toward minimalism and natural beauty. This trend complements Seattle’s unique mix of urban and natural landscapes, enhancing rather than overpowering the surroundings. Incorporate This Trend: Consider placing warm white LED lights on a single focal point, like a tree or shrub, and adding natural garlands. This subtle approach brings out the beauty of the landscape and provides a cozy glow. Pro Tip: Combine lights with organic materials like pine cones, branches, and wreaths for a minimalist look that feels both modern and inviting. Why Choose Seattle Holiday Lights? At Seattle Holiday Lights, we specialize in creating beautiful, custom holiday displays for homes and businesses across the city. With our professional holiday light installation, maintenance, and removal services, you can enjoy a hassle-free holiday season and a display that’s safe, secure, and tailored to your style. Our team is dedicated to serving the Seattle community, with expertise that includes sustainable lighting solutions, tech integration, and designs that reflect the unique charm of each neighborhood. Ready to make your home or business shine this holiday season? Contact Seattle Holiday Lights today for a free quote and let us help you bring your festive vision to life. Get Started Today! Call/Text (206) 682-7110 9585 8th Ave S. Seattle, WA 98108
The holiday season in Seattle is known for its festive environment, with homes, businesses and neighborhoods brightening the winter months. While these lights create a seasonal atmosphere, they also come with additional electricity costs. On average, Seattle homeowners spend between $50 - $150 per year on electricity for outdoor holiday lights. Below, we’ll explore what factors contribute to these costs, how to calculate them, and tips for saving energy without losing any holiday charm.
The holiday season in Seattle is a magical time, with homes, businesses, and neighborhoods glowing bright with festive displays. Preparing your property for professional holiday light installation can make all the difference, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and visually stunning display. At Seattle Holiday Lights, a division of All Covered Painting, we offer expertly managed, full-service light installation so you can relax and enjoy the season. Here’s how you can get ready for the big installation day. Schedule Early and Choose Your Design Our schedule fills up fast! By booking early, you secure a spot with Seattle Holiday Lights and benefit from the best availability. During the planning phase, brainstorm designs that speak to your style, from classic all-white lights to a more elaborate winter wonderland. Researching local trends or popular ideas is a great start—King5 notes that Seattle residents continue to favor classic whites and cool blues for a sophisticated, modern look year after year. Once you have a general idea, our team will help tailor a custom design to fit your home’s or business’s unique architecture.
Discover The Value, Eliminate the Risks, And Enjoy The Season
