Is It Worth It? Professional vs. DIY Christmas Lights
Hanging lights yourself can be fun, and sometimes it's the right call. Here's an honest look at both options so you can decide.
Quick answer: DIY costs less upfront if you already own lights and a tall ladder, and you enjoy the work. Hiring a pro is worth it if you have a two-story or steep roof, want a clean, custom look, or would rather not spend weekends on a ladder. A professional service also covers repairs all season, takedown and storage.
Side-by-side comparison
| Compare | DIY | Hire Ace |
|---|---|---|
| Who climbs the ladder | You | Our crew |
| Lights | Store-bought strands | Commercial-grade LEDs, cut to fit |
| Design | Whatever fits the strands you have | Custom design for your home |
| Something goes out | You find the problem | Free service call, fixed within 48 hours |
| Takedown | You, in January | Included |
| Storage | Your garage or attic | Included |
| Your time | A weekend up, a weekend down | A phone call |
The real cost of doing it yourself
The lights are only part of it. A typical DIY setup also needs clips, extension cords, a timer and a ladder tall enough for your roofline. Then there's the time: measuring, untangling, testing strands, replacing dead bulbs, and doing it all again in reverse after the holidays. Most store-bought strands also aren't made to last many seasons outdoors.
Safety is the big one
Holiday decorating sends thousands of people to the emergency room every year. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has estimated around 15,000 decorating injuries treated in emergency rooms during a single November and December, and falls are the most common cause. On a two-story or steep roof, that risk goes up fast. Our crews do this every day, with the right ladders and the right technique.
The look: custom vs. "close enough"
DIY displays often end up with gaps, sagging lines or a leftover strand coiled on a bush. Professional installers measure every run and cut the lights to fit, so rooflines are straight and even, peaks line up, and the cords are hidden. That clean, finished look is what makes a house stand out on the street.
When DIY makes sense
- You have a one-story home with a simple roofline.
- You already own lights, clips, cords and a sturdy ladder.
- Decorating together is a family tradition you enjoy.
When hiring a pro makes sense
- You have a two-story or steep roof, or tall trees you want lit.
- You'd rather spend your weekends with family than on a ladder.
- You want a custom design that looks the same, or better, every year.
- You don't want to deal with repairs, takedown or storage.
What professional installation costs
At Ace, rooflines start at $5.50 per linear foot, with an $800 minimum per season. Your price depends on your roofline, how high it is and how long a plan you choose. Installation, all-season service calls, takedown and storage are included. See our full Christmas light installation price list and multi-year plans, or get a free quote.
Common questions
Is it cheaper to hang Christmas lights yourself?
Usually, yes, if you already own the lights and equipment. Hiring a pro costs more, but it includes custom design, commercial-grade lights, all-season repairs, takedown and storage, and you never climb a ladder.
Do professional Christmas light installers take the lights down?
Most do. At Ace, takedown and off-season storage are included with every installation. We take everything down in January, label it and store it until next season.
Do I keep the lights if I hire a professional?
It depends on the company. With Ace, the lights cut for your home are yours once they're installed.
More from the blog: When to book Christmas light installation in Katy · LED vs. incandescent Christmas lights
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