Holiday Lights and Seasonal Decor: what a handyman does
We hang and remove holiday lights and seasonal decor using clips, hooks and insulated staples, never nails or tacks, on siding, gutters, trim and masonry. We set the ladder on firm, level ground and work in reach. Roof-level installs, power line proximity and new outdoor circuits are referred out.
Jobs we take on
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- Hang light strings along eaves, trim and railings with clips and hooks
- Attach lights to gutters with gutter-rated clips instead of nails
- Mount lights on masonry and brick with masonry clips rather than drilling where avoidable
- Install window and door wreath hooks, garland holders and decor mounts
- Check each string for cracked sockets and frayed wire and set aside damaged sets
- Run cords neatly so they stay out of snow, water and walkways
- Set up outdoor-rated timers for convenience
- Take lights down carefully in January and label and store them
- Patch small holes and touch up trim after takedown
Signs it is time to call
- Your usual attachment method uses nails or staples that mark siding and trim
- You need a ladder at a height or angle that feels unsafe
- Cords are lying in snow or standing water
- Lights and extension cords are not rated for outdoor use
- A utility service line runs near the area you want to decorate
What is not a handyman job
Roof-edge installs that need roof access, work near power or service lines, new outdoor outlets and permanent GFCI protection go to licensed or specialist contractors. The CPSC says a qualified electrician can install GFCIs permanently on household circuits. We do not do electrical work or install permanent lighting systems.
Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors.
What a visit looks like
- You tell us where lights go and we check the surface, the height and the nearest outlet.
- We inspect the lights and cords you provide and decline anything damaged or not rated for outdoor use.
- We set up the ladder on firm, level ground and work one person at a time.
- Takedown is handled with the same care, with no pulling on strings.
Common questions
How do you attach lights without damaging siding or gutters?
The CPSC says to fasten outdoor lights securely with hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks. We use clips made for gutters, trim and masonry so nothing is driven into the wall where a clip will do. Check the siding material before using adhesive.
What ladder rules do you follow?
The CPSC says to use the right length, with at least 3 feet above the working surface, set at about a 75-degree angle on level, firm ground, and never stand on the top three rungs. One person at a time, a helper at the base, and a non-metal ladder near power lines.
Can the lights stay on overnight?
The CPSC advises turning off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house, because lights can short and start a fire. An outdoor-rated timer is a simple way to do this. Use GFCI-protected outlets for outdoor lights.
How many strings can I connect?
The CPSC says to use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per extension cord, and to make sure the cord is rated for the use. Check each package, since LED sets often list their own limits. When in doubt, add a second outlet instead of chaining.