Every year it’s the same story. You drag the ladder out, untangle a box of lights, find out half the strand is dead, and spend a cold Saturday afternoon on the roof trying to get everything to hang straight. Then come January, you get to do the whole thing again in reverse.
If you live in Tyrone, Altoona, State College, or Huntingdon, you know Central PA weather makes that job even harder. Frosty shingles, wet gutters, and wind don’t mix well with ladders.
So is it actually worth hiring someone to hang your Christmas lights? Here’s an honest look at both sides.
The case for doing it yourself
DIY can save money up front, and some folks enjoy the tradition of decorating their own house. If you’ve got a single-story home, a sturdy ladder, and a free weekend, it’s doable. Just know what you’re signing up for:
• Buying lights, clips, and extension cords (and replacing them when they burn out)
• Climbing ladders on cold, slick surfaces
• Measuring and hanging everything so the lines stay straight
• Fixing dead bulbs and sections all season
• Taking it all down in January and finding somewhere to store it
The case for hiring a pro
A professional install takes all of that off your plate. With our Christmas light service, here’s what you get:
• Commercial-grade C9 warm white LED bulbs, the big classic bulbs you see on professionally lit homes
• Lights custom-cut to fit your roofline, so there’s no extra cord hanging down or uneven gaps
• Installation on the date you pick
• Service during the season if anything goes out, just call or text
• Takedown in January
• Storage until next year, so nothing’s cluttering up your garage
You don’t have to buy anything, either. We own the lights and you lease them for the season. Your first season covers the custom cutting, so renewals after that cost less. A deposit holds your spot and the balance is due at install.
Store-bought lights vs. commercial-grade
Most big-box store lights are made to last a season or two. Commercial-grade C9 LEDs are built to handle Pennsylvania winters, run cool to the touch, and use a fraction of the electricity of old incandescent bulbs. Because every strand is cut to your roofline, the finished look is crisp and clean from the street.
So which is right for you?
If you love the DIY tradition and don’t mind the ladder work, go for it. Just be safe and have someone spot you. But if you’d rather spend your holidays with family instead of on the roof, a professional install is worth a look.
We’re only taking on a few homes this first season to make sure every install gets done right, so spots are limited. Call or text 814-327-6089 for a free quote, or check out our Christmas Lights page for more details.
