If you're planning to hire a company to install your Christmas lights this year, there are a few important things you need to know before signing any estimates. Not all Christmas light services are the same, and understanding what you're paying for will help you compare apples to apples.
Make Sure You're Getting Quality Lights
First, make sure the company uses LED lights. This should go without saying at this point—don't even consider incandescent bulbs. LEDs last longer, use less energy, and look better.
Beyond that, confirm they're using commercial-grade, custom-fit lights. You don't want a company buying your lights from a big box store. Those consumer-grade lights won't hold up season after season. Commercial-grade lights are designed for professional installations and will last for years when properly maintained.
Understand the Business Model
Here's where estimates can get confusing. Most Christmas light companies operate on either a lease model or a purchase model. You need to know which one you're looking at when comparing prices, because they're very different.
At Vista Lawn and Pest, we strictly offer the purchase model for our Midlothian and Prosper customers. Here's how both options break down:
Purchase Model
With the purchase model, you own the lights outright. Since they're custom-fit to your home, you can take them with you if you move or leave them for the new homeowner. You also have the option to install them yourself in future years if you choose.
The trade-off is that you pay more upfront the first year because you're buying the lights. However, after that first year, your price drops significantly—you're only paying for installation. The other consideration is that once the warranty period ends, you're responsible for any replacement bulbs or materials.
Lease Model
With the lease model, you never own the lights. The company maintains them and ensures everything works properly year after year. If you like changing your color scheme or design, leasing typically allows for those adjustments with minimal or no additional cost.
The downside is long-term cost. While the lease may be cheaper than purchasing in year one, if you look three to five years out, you'll pay quite a bit more overall. You're essentially renting the same lights repeatedly.
Which Model Is Better?
Honestly, it's a matter of preference. We're not here to tell you one is definitively better than the other. The purchase model works great for us and our customers throughout Prosper, Waxahachie, and the DFW area. But there are reputable companies that strictly lease and their customers love it too.
What we are telling you is this: ask questions, understand your estimates, and make sure you're comparing similar services. A lower first-year price doesn't always mean a better deal.
Watch the video below to learn more about what to look for when hiring a Christmas light installation company.
For professional Christmas light installation in Midlothian and Prosper, contact Vista Lawn and Pest.
