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Aside from a professional light installation company, there are a few other pros who may be able to help you hang Christmas lights. Along with specialty holiday decorators, a handyperson near you can also hang Christmas lights (and can fix that pesky drippy sink while they’re at it). Either way, not all of these pros will offer the service, so be sure to call ahead and get multiple quotes before you hire.

In most states, handypeople do not need to be licensed to perform simple home repair tasks and smaller jobs. When projects exceed specific cost amounts, however, ranging from $500 in California to $50,000 in other states, some municipalities consider them to be contractors, meaning they need to be licensed. To learn if your handyperson should be licensed to work on your job, contact your local governing body or state contractors’ licensing board before starting any work.

Tipping contractors, builders, or general contractors is not customary or expected. Unlike many service professions where tipping is built into the payment structure, construction professionals typically charge a full rate for their services. However, you may choose to tip a worker for exceptional service, such as if they go above and beyond, stay late to meet a deadline, or work on a holiday weekend. Before offering a tip, it's a good idea to ask about the company's policy, as some prohibit their employees from accepting gratuities. If you want to show your appreciation for a job well done without giving a cash tip, consider writing a positive online review or offering to serve as a reference for potential new customers.

Most contractors do not charge for meetings, but it can depend on the project, mainly if it includes detailed consultations or project planning. For general estimates, homeowners shouldn't expect to be charged. Always ask up front about meeting fees to avoid surprises and ensure you know what’s included in the process.