Angie's List: Let someone else climb the ladder and hang lights and garland

TAMPA - Trimming the tree and decorating the home are some of the most enjoyable traditions of the holiday season. But there are many homeowners who just don’t have the time to get tangled up in the lights or grapple with a ladder.

Angie’s List founder, Angie Hicks, said, "Believe it or not there are companies that will hang exterior holiday decorations, whether it be handymen, landscapers, even roofers . These companies are typically less busy during the holidays and have the equipment necessary to hang the lights properly.”

When you hire help, the company can design the display, sort through decorations, hang lights and decorations and best of all - take it all down after the holidays. Some companies will even store the decorations for you. Exterior decorations left out too long after the holiday season will not only annoy your neighbors, but can pose a fire hazard. Holiday lights are seasonal and should only be up for a limited time.

“The holidays can be very stressful as it is so bringing in someone that can help you hang holiday lights that checks one more thing off your to-do list," Hicks said.

When the grass isn't growing as fast, landscaper Paul Evan makes some "green" by helping frazzled homeowners decorate their homes. And he appreciates the extra holiday jingle in his pockets. "There are a few things that go into it," he said. "Of course you have your basic material costs depending on our design. Generally what I need from the homeowner is access to the power sources and I need to know what else is on these power sources so I’m aware of my electrical limitations.  I need access sometimes to the house to see what else might be on the outlets or what my limitations are.”


Here are Angie’s List 8 do’s of decorating:

1. Why hire help? Every year the holiday decorations get more extravagant and houses these days have more difficult roof lines so it’s challenging to hang the lights and decorations yourself.
2. Check rules and regulations: If you belong to a homeowner’s association, ask what decorations are allowed to be added to your home’s exterior before you hire.
3. Call early in the season to get scheduled: Meet in person and share ideas so no one is surprised or disappointed by the final design. Ask to see photos of other homes they’ve decorated to make sure their designs are in line with the style you want. How creative do you want to get? Do you want a theme with your decorations or remain traditional?
4. Is the company qualified? The holiday decorating company will likely access your roof to hang lights- check that the decorator is insured to protect against any falls or accidents – otherwise it falls back on the homeowner.
5. Ask about costs: How do they determine the price – by square foot or by the hour? Don’t forget to ask about the cost of materials- are you required to purchase the company’s lights/decorations – or will they hang your pre-existing decorations?
6. Installation process: Ask if you’ll be required to be home during installation. Generally, the company will need access to your home’s power sources. Check if your display will be on an automatic timer, or if you’ll have to manually plug in the display.
7. What is your timeline? Figure out when you’d like the house decorated by and for how long? Some people want to flip the switch right after Thanksgiving and keep the lights up through January; others are just looking for a couple weeks.
8. What’s their maintenance policy? If a bulb or timer goes out, do they have staff available to return to your home and fix/repair the decorations?