Why Christmas Light Installation Prices Vary So Much (And What to Watch Out For)

You get three quotes for Christmas light installation. One is $800, another is $1,200, and the third is $2,000. They all promise beautiful lights and professional installation. So what gives?

Here's what I tell people: Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.

In all my years doing this in Salt Lake City, I've never seen a legitimately better quote for less money. When someone shows me a cheaper bid, something is always missing. Maybe it's the materials. Maybe it's insurance. Maybe it's the installer himself, because he won't be around next year. 

Let's break down why Christmas light installation in Salt Lake City can vary so much and what you need to watch out for.

The biggest cost difference comes down to what goes on your house.

We use commercial-grade LED lights from suppliers like Lights Out Wholesale and Christmas Light Contractors. Brands like Minleon, Commercial Christmas, and Admiral. These lights are rated for 20,000 to 26,000 hours or more. They're built to handle Utah winters, wind, snow, and temperature swings without failing.

Home Depot lights? They're made for homeowners who put them up once and take them down at the end of the season. They're not designed for professional installation or year-after-year use.

We learned this the hard way early on. We used to install cheaper lights because customers asked for lower prices. Know what happened? The lights looked cheap. They didn't shine as bright. Customers were left unsatisfied. We even had to go back and add more lights because the coverage looked sparse.

Cheap lights break. The bulbs burn out faster. The wiring fails. Connectors crack in the cold. You end up with dark sections, flickering strands, and a display that looks sad instead of festive.

When someone quotes you half our price, ask what kind of lights they're using. If they say C7s or won't give you specifics, that's your answer right there.

Every June, we get calls. Every single year.

Last June, someone called asking if we could take down their Christmas lights. They hadn't heard from their installer since the season ended. Completely ghosted. Their lights had been hanging on their house for six months, and they couldn't get the guy to respond.

We didn't take that job because we focus on taking care of our own clients. But it happens all the time.

Throughout the season, we get calls from people with pre-existing lights who can't reach their installer. A bulb goes out. A strand stops working. The timer malfunctions. They call and text with no response.

Here's the thing about seasonal operators. They see Christmas lights as quick cash. They show up in October, hustle through the season, collect checks, and disappear. Maybe they move on to landscaping in the spring. Maybe they start a pressure washing business. Maybe they just ghost everyone because dealing with service calls isn't worth their time.

You're left holding the bag. No warranty. No service. No way to get your lights down or fixed. And you're back to square one searching for someone new next year.

This same pattern plays out with landscapers, lawn care companies, and handymen. The low bidder often isn't around long enough to stand behind their work.

If someone falls off a ladder on your property, you're liable as the homeowner.

That's why insurance matters. But there's a big difference between "I'm insured" and "I'm properly insured."

Someone who says they're insured might have basic liability coverage. Maybe. Or they might be lying because they know you'll ask.

Someone who's properly insured has general liability coverage that protects your property if something gets damaged. They also have workers' compensation insurance for their crew or signed waivers if they use subcontractors. The policy needs to be large enough to actually cover a serious injury, which can run into the millions.

Height matters too. Installing lights on a single-story home is one thing. Getting up on a two-story roof or working at certain heights requires additional coverage and safety protocols. There are limits to how high we can safely go with ladders, and we follow those rules.

Don't just take someone's word for it. Ask for a certificate of insurance before they start work. A legitimate company will provide one without hesitation.

Protect yourself by asking these questions upfront:

What grade of lights do you use? If they can't name brands or talk about commercial-grade LEDs rated for 20,000+ hours, that's a red flag. If they mention Home Depot or Lowe's, you know what you're getting.

Can you provide proof of insurance? Ask for a certificate showing general liability and workers' comp coverage. If they hesitate or make excuses, walk away.

How long have you been doing this in Salt Lake City? Seasonal operators won't have much history. Look for someone who's been around for several years and plans to be here next season.

Do you handle service calls? What happens if a bulb goes out or a timer stops working? Will they come fix it, or are you on your own? We tell customers that if a bulb goes out on the top peak of their roof, we'll be there faster than they can say Merry Christmas. Response time matters.

What's your warranty or guarantee? Professional installers stand behind their work. Ask what's covered and for how long.

Do you provide takedown and storage? If your installer vanishes, you're stuck dealing with the lights yourself in January. Make sure they'll be around to finish the job.

We've been installing Christmas lights in Salt Lake City for several years because we focus on value, not just price.

We use commercial-grade lights from Minleon, Commercial Christmas, and Admiral that are rated to last 20,000 hours or more. They look better, shine brighter, and hold up season after season.

We're fully insured with proper coverage for our team and your property. We can provide certificates before we start work.

We come back and fix problems without charging you extra. That's one of our selling points. If something goes wrong, we make it right. We don't disappear after installation.

You won't be searching for a new installer next year or calling around in June asking someone to take down lights that have been up since Christmas.

The cheapest quote might save you a few hundred dollars upfront. But when you're stuck with dim lights, broken strands, an uninsured contractor, or an installer who ghosts you, that's not value. That's just a headache you paid for.

Price is what you pay. Value is what you get. Choose wisely.

Ready to work with a Christmas light installer who'l l still be here next season? Contact Salt Lake City Christmas Lights at 801-876-7694 for a quote on professional installation with commercial-grade materials and real service backing it up.