DIY makes sense for single-story homes, simple rooflines and shrubs you can reach from the ground. Hiring a pro makes sense for two-story homes, steep or icy roofs, and anyone who wants straight lines, timers and takedown handled without getting on a ladder in Ohio weather.
We install lights for a living, but plenty of people hang their own, and that's fine. Here's an honest breakdown to help you decide which one fits your house.
When DIY makes sense
- A single-story house you can reach with a short, stable ladder
- Bushes, railings and the front porch, all reachable from the ground
- You enjoy the project and have a free, dry weekend in November
When it's worth hiring a pro
- Second-story peaks and steep roofs. This is where the risk is, especially on frosty or wet November mornings.
- You want a clean look. Even clip spacing, no sagging between peaks and hidden cords take practice.
- Time. A big two-story layout can eat a whole weekend for a homeowner. A crew does it in a fraction of that.
- Takedown. January takedown is the part nobody looks forward to.
Safety basics if you DIY
- Never work on a wet, frosty or windy roof.
- Use plastic light clips, not nails or staples. Those damage shingles and gutters.
- Plug into a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet and use outdoor-rated extension cords.
- Don't go over the max number of strands the manufacturer says to connect end to end.
- Have someone hold the ladder.
The bottom line
If the ladder makes you nervous, or the roofline is two stories, hire it out. If it's a ranch and you like the project, go for it. And if you want help with just the high parts, we can do the roofline while you handle the bushes. See our Christmas light installation service.
FAQ
What lights do professionals use?
Most roofline installs use C9 bulbs on clips along the gutter and peaks. Mini lights are used on shrubs and trees.
Can you just do the high parts?
Yes. We can light the rooflines and peaks and leave the ground-level decorating to you.
DK Outdoor Services has been serving Brunswick, Medina County and Northeast Ohio since 2022. Free estimates.
Written by the DK Outdoor Services team in Brunswick, Ohio. Licensed & insured · Est. 2022.
