Get matched with top holiday decorators in Mount Vernon, MO

Yes, you must use an extension cord specifically rated for outdoor use to power outdoor lights, such as Christmas lights. Extension cords intended for indoor use lack the protective properties to withstand exposure to outdoor elements. To safely hang and power lights outside your house or in your yard, always connect them to an outdoor power source using an outdoor-rated extension cord.

One of the easiest ways to save money when hiring a holiday decorator is to provide storage for your decorations. If you have the space, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by avoiding storage costs through your professional. It’s also a good idea to provide as much direction as possible for your professional, as this can cut down on design services. Finally, you can pay for your decorator to take down your decorations at the end of the season, but packaging and storing them yourself will save money on labor.

The cost for professional holiday light installation averages around $430, with a typical range of $220 to $675. However, prices can be as low as $100 for simple projector setups or exceed $1,200 for extensive displays. The total cost depends on factors like the display's complexity, your home's size, labor rates in your area, and the type of lights used. For example, installation on a small, one-story home may cost $250 to $600, while a multi-story home over 4,000 square feet could cost $500 to $1,800. Costs can also be broken down by location (e.g., high roofs at $3.50–$6 per linear foot) or by the type of light strand, with prices ranging from $4 for basic incandescent strands to over $60 for color-changing LED strands.

Most contractors will include removal of your lights in the price of installation, but it’s always a good idea to double check. Storage of the lights is often also part of the package when you hire an installation professional, since you might choose to use the same lights for several years.