Santa's Lights trailer

The Top 5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Holiday Lighting Company

profile iconClark Partridge Jun 30, 2025

1. What’s Included in the Quote?

Why it matters: Some companies throw out a low number to hook you—then start adding fees for timers, clips, extra footage, or removal later.

Ask:

“Is this quote all-inclusive? Or are there add-on fees later?”

Our answer: ✅ Our quotes are all-inclusive and fully transparent. Every proposal includes:

  • Design
  • Professional-grade materials
  • Installation
  • Takedown
  • Off-season storage
  • Warranty coverage

No bait-and-switch. No surprise charges.

2. Do You Store the Lights After the Season?

Why it matters: If they hand the lights back to you in January, guess who’s storing them for 11 months? (Hint: you.)

Ask:

“Do you handle off-season storage?”

Our answer: ✅ Yes. We professionally remove and store your lights in our climate-controlled facility. You don’t lift a finger—until you’re sipping cocoa next November, watching us re-install them.

3. Are the Lights Commercial-Grade or Retail Store-Bought?

Why it matters: Big box lights = poor quality, weak brightness, mismatched colors, and unreliable performance. Plus, they’re not made to last more than a season or two.

Ask:

“What type of lights and hardware do you use?”

Our answer: ✅ We only install commercial-grade, contractor-only lighting products. They're brighter, more durable, longer-lasting, and custom-fit to your home. We never install customer-supplied lights, because we stand behind the materials we use.

4. Who Handles the Removal—and When?

Why it matters: Some installers disappear after New Year’s, or expect you to take them down yourself.

Ask:

“Do you schedule and handle takedown?”

Our answer: ✅ Absolutely. We handle removal on a pre-scheduled route, typically starting in early January. You’ll know your timeline in advance, and we do it all for you—safely and neatly.

5. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Why it matters: You don’t want uninsured workers on ladders or roofs at your property—period.

Ask:

“Do you carry liability insurance and proper licensing?”

Our answer: ✅ Yes. Our team is fully insured, trained, and safety-certified. We operate professionally, carry full liability insurance, and follow all OSHA-compliant procedures.

Final Word: Ask Better Questions, Get Better Results

The best clients are the ones who ask smart questions upfront. We love those clients—because we built Santa’s Lights to be the most trusted, most professional, and most stress-free holiday lighting service in the Sacramento area.

So if you’re asking the right questions—you’re exactly who we want to work with.