The holidays are just around the corner, and with them come celebrations, family gatherings, and festive decorations. One of the most impactful ways to prepare your home for the season is by sprucing up the exterior and adding holiday lighting to create that warm, welcoming glow. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business looking to impress your customers, here’s a quick guide to holiday prep and lighting.
1. Start with a Clean Slate: Exterior Cleaning Essentials
Before hanging any lights or decorations, it’s essential to start with a clean exterior. Dirt, grime, and debris that accumulate over the year can make even the most well-lit home look a little dull. Here are some key areas to focus on:
- Roof and Gutters: Removing leaves, branches, and debris from the roof and gutters prevents blockages and water damage. Plus, a clean roof is safer and more attractive when adding lights along the edges.
- Siding and Windows: Pressure washing the siding and windows not only gives your home a fresh look but also allows more natural light to filter in. Clear windows make indoor holiday decorations shine even brighter!
- Walkways and Driveways: Sweep and pressure wash these high-traffic areas to remove moss, dirt, and stains. A clean entryway makes your home more inviting and safer for holiday guests.
2. Pick the Right Lighting Design
Now that your home or business exterior is clean, it’s time to think about lighting. Here are some popular holiday lighting ideas:
- Classic White Lights: White or warm white lights along the roofline or around windows create a sophisticated, timeless look. They’re versatile, working beautifully for both residential and commercial properties.
- Colored Lights for a Festive Look: Bright, multicolored lights add a fun, festive vibe perfect for family homes. Mix colors or use themes like red and green for a traditional holiday feel, or blue and white for a winter wonderland effect.
- Pathway Lights: These lights guide visitors to your front door and create a magical look for driveways, walkways, or garden paths. Choose lights that match the theme of your home lighting for a cohesive effect.
3. Consider Safety First
Safety is key when it comes to installing holiday lights. Here’s how to stay safe while decorating:
- Use Outdoor-Rated Lights and Cords: Always check that your lights are suitable for outdoor use and resistant to weather conditions.
- Avoid Overloading Circuits: To prevent electrical issues, don’t overload outlets or extension cords. Use multiple outlets or, if needed, professional outdoor lighting connections.
- Install Lights with Proper Support: Avoid using nails or staples that can damage cords and lead to electrical hazards. Use light clips, which are safe and easy to remove after the season.
- Stay Off Wet Surfaces: When installing roof lights, make sure surfaces are dry to prevent slipping. If your roof is steep or you’re uncomfortable with heights, consider hiring a professional to install your holiday lights.
4. Don’t Forget Energy Efficiency
Holiday lights can quickly add to energy costs, so consider LED lights, which are long-lasting and consume up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. Many LED holiday lights also come with timer functions, so they automatically turn on and off, helping you save even more.
5. Set Up for Holiday Success: Maintenance and Timing
Once your holiday lights are up, a little maintenance will keep them looking great all season:
- Check Connections and Bulbs: Periodically inspect lights for loose connections or burnt-out bulbs. Having extra bulbs on hand allows you to replace any burnt-out ones right away.
- Use Timers: Timers are a great way to manage your lights’ schedule without manually turning them on and off each day. Many smart timers allow for remote operation, so you can control your lights even if you’re away.
6. Bonus Tip: Add Accents for Extra Cheer
Along with lights, add festive touches like wreaths, garlands, or a holiday welcome mat. Outdoor ornaments or large holiday inflatables can also add personality and charm. If you’re decorating a commercial space, adding a few extra festive details can draw in customers and spread the holiday spirit.
Spend More Time Doing What Matters
This holiday season, let the experts handle the decorating while you enjoy the best parts of the holidays—spending time with your family, celebrating traditions, and making new memories. Hiring a professional Christmas light installer in Salem, Oregon, ensures that your home will shine bright with holiday spirit while you stay safe, stress-free, and focused on the things that truly matter.
Contact us today to schedule your professional Christmas light installation and get ready for a holiday season filled with warmth, joy, and plenty of family time!