Holiday lighting installers hang, maintain, take down, and store seasonal lights for homeowners and commercial properties such as storefronts, HOAs, restaurants, and office parks. Most are solo operators or small crews who run a compressed season from October through early January. Invoices usually cover design and installation, lighting materials, maintenance visits, takedown, and off-season storage.
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Most installers quote a flat price for the full-service package: design, custom-measured lights, installation, mid-season repairs, takedown, and storage. Price is usually built from linear feet of roofline, number of trees or shrubs wrapped, wreaths and garland, and the time and equipment needed for height or difficult access. Many shops also offer a customer-owned option, where they charge hourly labor or per-foot installation only. Commercial work is often priced per project or per square foot of facade with a deposit, and large jobs may include lift rental. Add-ons such as timers, smart controllers, extra service calls, and rush installs are itemized separately. Many companies require a signed multi-year agreement and charge a renewal fee in the following season, with a discount for early booking.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Roofline LED light installation (commercial-grade, includes lights) | per linear ft | $3-8 |
| Tree wrapping (trunk and large limbs, includes lights) | per tree | $75-400 |
| Pre-lit wreath or garland installation (includes product) | per piece | $50-250 |
| Installation labor only (client-owned lights) | per hour per tech | $50-90 |
| Takedown and storage | flat fee or % of install | $150-600 or 15-25% |
| Mid-season service call (bulb or strand repair) | per visit | $75-150 |
| Timer or smart controller setup | each | $40-150 |
| Typical residential full-service package | flat fee | $800-3,000 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm white C9 LED roofline installation, front and garage (design, lights, clips, labor) | 160 linear ft | $5.00 | $800.00 |
| Mature tree wrap, 2 front yard maples (trunk and lower limbs) | 2 each | $175.00 | $350.00 |
| Shrub net lighting, front beds | 6 each | $35.00 | $210.00 |
| Outdoor timer and power stake installation | 1 each | $75.00 | $75.00 |
| Takedown and off-season storage | 1 flat fee | $250.00 | $250.00 |
| Mid-season service call (not used, covered in package) | 0 visit | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Total | $1,685.00 | ||
Notes: Package includes one complimentary repair visit during the season. Additional visits are $95 each. Installed lights remain the property of the installer until the season ends and are stored by us. 50% deposit paid at booking; balance due on completion of installation. Payment due within 7 days. Late balances accrue 1.5% per month.
Clients often forget what the fee covers, and clear dates prevent arguments about early or late takedown.
Measured quantities show how the total was calculated and match the estimate if the client questions it.
It determines who is responsible for replacing, storing, and repairing the lights after the season.
Spells out what a mid-season repair costs so a burnt-out strand does not become a billing dispute.
Tall rooflines and commercial jobs may need a bucket lift or scaffolding, which you will want to pass through at cost or a stated markup.
Commercial clients and property managers often ask for proof of liability coverage, and some local jurisdictions require a contractor license or permit for electrical work.
Property managers and HOAs often cannot pay without a PO reference.
A deposit of 25-50% at booking is common, especially for custom-ordered materials and early-season slots. The balance is usually due on completion of installation or within 7 to 14 days. Commercial clients often pay net 15 or net 30, so send the invoice the day the lights go on. Many installers charge a late fee of 1.5% per month or a flat fee, and some hold takedown until the balance is paid. Common payment methods are credit card, ACH, check, and digital payment apps. Storage and renewal fees for next season may be billed separately in the fall or spring.
Custom-length strands, commercial LEDs, and specialty clips are bought up front. A non-refundable deposit protects you from cancellations that leave you holding unused stock.
Photograph the finished job and attach them to the invoice or send them with it. It confirms work was done and quickens payment, which matters when you are juggling dozens of installs in November.
Collecting for the full season at the start avoids chasing payment in January when you are tired and clients have moved on to other expenses.
Steep roofs, locked gates, dogs, ice, and the need for a lift add real time. Note surcharges on the estimate and show them as separate lines on the invoice.
Offering returning clients a rate lock if they pay a renewal deposit by spring fills your calendar early and spreads out your cash flow.
Many installers measure by the foot to build the price, then present a flat package price to the client. Showing the per-foot quantities on the invoice helps explain the total, but the client pays the agreed flat price.
Yes. Takedown and storage are often listed as their own line, either a flat fee or a percentage of the installation cost. Some installers bundle them into a full-service price, which should be stated on the invoice.
Include one or two service visits in the package and state the rate for extra visits, commonly $75-150. Bill extra calls on a separate invoice with the date and what was repaired.
It depends on your state and whether you are selling materials or providing a service. Rules differ on installation labor, tangible goods, and rentals, so check with your state revenue department or a tax professional.
State in your agreement that the deposit is non-refundable once custom materials are ordered. Reference the deposit terms on the invoice so there is no confusion.
Send a Holiday Lighting Installer estimate for approval, then turn it into an invoice when the work is done.
Holiday Lighting Installer estimate template