If you’ve ever dreamed of transforming your home with permanent outdoor holiday lighting, you’re not alone. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your house year-round or add that special festive touch during the holidays, permanent lights are a great way to elevate your curb appeal and make your home shine. But before you get started, one big question remains: How much do permanent lights cost for a house?
In this article, we’ll break down the costs of permanent holiday light installation, highlight the factors that influence pricing, and explore why this investment could be worth every penny. From the initial price tag to the long-term benefits, let’s dive into what you can expect when considering permanent lighting for your home.
What’s the Average Cost of Permanent Holiday Lighting?
When you’re considering permanent lights, most homeowners can expect to pay somewhere between $2,500 and $5,500 for a standard installation. But don’t be surprised if your costs end up being a little higher or lower, depending on a variety of factors. Generally, costs are calculated by the linear foot of roofline, with prices ranging from $20 to $40 per foot, depending on things like installation complexity and materials.
This price usually covers everything—from the LED lights themselves to the installation. Whether you’re installing them along your roofline for year-round use or just for the holiday season, the total cost depends on your home’s size and roofline design.
Key Factors Affecting the Cost
Several factors can push the price up or down, so let’s go over them to help you get a better idea of what you might pay.
1. Size of Your Home and Roofline
The size of your house and the length of the roofline are probably the biggest determining factors when it comes to pricing. A larger home with a longer roofline will obviously require more lights, and thus, cost more.
For example:
- If you’re only lighting the front roofline, the price could range from $2,500 to $3,500 for a typical house.
- For a more expansive setup, where all sides of the house are covered, you could be looking at anywhere from $5,400 to $12,000. Larger homes or homes with multiple stories will naturally cost more.
If you have a relatively simple roofline, you’ll likely fall on the lower end of the price range. But if you’ve got a sprawling, multi-story house with peaks, dormers, or other complex features, expect to spend a bit more.
2. Complexity of the Installation
Homes with steep roofs or tricky architectural features will require more work to install the lights. If your house has a lot of high peaks, dormers, or intricate details, installers will need specialized equipment, like lifts, to reach certain areas safely.
This can bump up the cost of your installation. For instance, a more complicated installation might cost around $33 to $38 per linear foot, compared to the more common rate of $20 to $40 per foot for simpler designs.
3. Material Quality and Features
Another thing that can affect the price is the quality of materials you choose. While LED lights are the standard and highly recommended due to their long lifespan and energy efficiency, higher-end options can cost more. Some systems come with features like color-changing lights or smart technology that allow you to control your lights via an app or even set them to change with the seasons.
For example, lights that offer advanced features, such as those offered by eufy US, can be a bit pricier, but the added technology may be worth it if you want a fully customizable lighting system.
4. Time of Year
Did you know that the timing of your installation can impact the price? Demand for holiday lighting services tends to spike during the fall and early winter, so you might face higher rates during these peak times. If you can plan ahead and book your installation in the off-season, say in the spring or summer, you may be able to save a little money.
5. Extent of Coverage
The amount of coverage you want for your house also plays a role in pricing. Lighting just the front of your home is the most affordable option, while lighting all sides of the house can increase the price significantly. So, keep in mind that the more coverage you want, the more you’ll pay.
For instance, a front-only installation for a 2,500-square-foot home might cost around $500 to $600, while installing lights around all sides could push that price well into the thousands, especially if it’s a larger home.
Why Choose Permanent Holiday Lighting?
You might be wondering—why should I invest in permanent lights when I can just hang up temporary lights for the holidays? Here are some of the key reasons why permanent lights are a great choice.
1. They’re for More Than Just the Holidays
One of the best things about permanent outdoor holiday lighting is that it’s not just for Christmas. These lights can be used year-round to add ambiance, improve security, and light up your outdoor spaces for special events. Whether it’s a summer BBQ, a backyard gathering, or just lighting up your porch in the evening, permanent lights offer more flexibility than temporary options.
2. Energy Efficiency
LED lights are energy-efficient and consume very little power. In fact, they often use less than one watt per bulb when set to full brightness. Over time, this energy efficiency can help reduce your electric bill, especially when compared to the high energy consumption of traditional holiday lights.
3. Low Maintenance
Unlike traditional holiday lights, permanent lights require very little maintenance once they’re installed. You won’t need to deal with the hassle of putting them up or taking them down every year. Plus, most permanent lighting systems are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, so you won’t have to worry about replacing bulbs or dealing with fraying wires.
4. Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Permanent lighting can make a huge difference in the curb appeal of your home. It adds a polished, finished look that increases the overall aesthetic value of your property. Whether you’re planning to sell your home or just want to impress your neighbors, permanent lighting is a great way to enhance your house’s visual appeal.
5. Improved Security
Well-lit homes are less likely to attract intruders. With permanent lighting, you’ll enjoy added security, as the lights will deter burglars and provide greater visibility around your property. Many people use their permanent lights to add a soft glow to the exterior of their homes, providing both beauty and safety.
The Installation Process: What to Expect
Installing permanent outdoor lighting is a professional job that requires skilled labor, particularly when it comes to electrical work and working on a roofline. Most companies provide a detailed process to ensure everything is installed safely and correctly.
Here’s a basic overview of what to expect:
- Measurement and Planning: Professionals will measure your roofline and design a custom plan based on the unique features of your home.
- Track Installation: A protective track will be mounted along your roofline to hold the lights. This track is designed to be weatherproof and durable.
- Connecting the Lights: Once the track is in place, the lights are connected to your home’s electrical system, making sure everything works as it should.
- Final Testing: After installation, the lights will be tested to make sure everything is functioning properly.
The entire process typically takes a few hours to a day, depending on the complexity of the job.
Final Thoughts: Are Permanent House Lights Worth It?
In conclusion, the cost of permanent holiday lighting for your home generally falls between $2,500 and $5,500 for standard front-only installations, with prices going up to $12,000 for larger homes or all-side installations. These lights typically cost $20 to $40 per linear foot, and the final price depends on your home’s size, roofline complexity, and the features you choose.
While the initial investment might seem like a lot, the long-term benefits—such as energy savings, low maintenance, and the ability to enjoy beautiful lighting all year round—make permanent lights a great investment for any homeowner. Plus, with the added security and curb appeal, it’s easy to see why so many people are choosing to make the switch to permanent holiday lighting.
So, if you’re considering adding permanent lights to your home, think about scheduling your installation during the off-season to save a little money and make the most of this lasting upgrade.
