What gets left out of the conversation
Holiday lighting conversations happen in October and November and stop at the install date. Which makes sense, because that is the visible part. Then it is January, and the lights are still on the house. The people who thought about that in October are the ones not on a ladder in the cold.And that is unfortunate, because the second half is the one that costs you if it is not covered. Anybody can hang lights in November. The real question is what happens after. That question is worth asking before you book, not after the season ends.
The self service version
Taking lights down is worse than putting them up, which surprises people. Cold, dark by five, and nothing to look forward to. Whatever goes into that box is in worse shape next season.
How it should work instead
Takedown belongs in the original agreement. When the season ends, the same company returns and takes it all down. The lights get labeled and stored in their facility, ready to reinstall the following season. You never handle any of it.
The case for off site storage
Three things happen when the lights do not live at your house. Space is reclaimed. Condition is preserved, which is most of why strands fail. Labeling is why year two looks like year one.
The permanent alternative removes the question
There is another answer worth naming. A permanent LED system goes up once and stays, so nothing comes down and nothing needs a shelf. It is a bigger first step, and it is not right for everybody. But if the takedown conversation is the part you dread, it is a fair question to raise.
Mid season service
Over a full season, a section going dark is not unusual. What matters is whether anybody comes out. Service during the season belongs on the quote, and you should know before December. Ask while you are still comparing companies, rather than the week you need it.
What next season looks like
Year one has all the decisions in it. After that, everything is on record. Booking the second year is a short conversation. Changes build on the existing plan, instead of a blank page.
What to settle in writing
Ask whether takedown is included or billed separately. Ask who owns the materials, since that determines who stores them. Ask
https://evercrestlighting.com/permanent-lighting/ roughly when in January the crew comes. EverCrest Lighting includes takedown and off season storage with its holiday lighting work, and installs permanent lighting for people who would rather stop repeating it, for homes and businesses throughout Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina, from Greenville. Consultations are free. Call (864) 252-1732 or email
[email protected].