How much does a professional Christmas light installation cost in West Michigan?

If you’re a homeowner in West Michigan (Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Ada, Holland, Rockford, Hudsonville or the surrounding area), and you’re planning on decking the halls this year chances are the first thing you’re going to Google is “how much does a pro Christmas light installation cost?” And honestly, it’s a question that deserves a clear answer. You want to get a good deal, without overpaying – and you want the whole thing to be as hassle-free as possible.

At Torchwood Landscaping, we think in terms of transparency, not guesswork. No “we’ll see how much it costs when we’re up on the ladder” nonsense. We believe in giving our customers a clear idea of what to expect—and that starts with the cost.

What are other West Michigan homeowners actually paying?

We took a look at some recent cost benchmarks to give you a better idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that every house is different, but these should give you a good starting point.

• A recent study by Angi put the national average cost for a pro Christmas light installation at around $442, with most homeowners paying between $220 to $686. 
• We also came across some data that suggested a cost of $2-$5 per linear foot in many cases. 
• And for the Midwest specifically, smaller standard installations seem to run around $500-$800 or maybe $650+ for a 2-story home. (Christmas Lighting MN)

So, what does that mean for you in West Michigan? Well, you can expect to pay something like:

• Small single-story home, simple roofline outline: $300-$700
• Medium home (two-story, some landscaping/trees included): $700-$1,500
• Large home or full-landscape plus trees + custom effects: $1,500+, and possibly $2,000-$3,000+ depending on the scope.

These are just rough estimates. Your actual cost will depend on your home, design, materials, and the timing of your install.

What impacts the cost of Christmas light installation?

When our team at Torchwood goes out to evaluate your property, we take a bunch of factors into account. Understanding what drives the cost will help you see where your money is going and how you can keep things under control.

1. Home size & complexity

• Bigger homes mean more linear footage (roof edges, windows, soffits, eaves) to cover.
• Two-story or multi-peak roofs are a lot harder to get to, so that costs more.
• If you’ve got landscaping or trees that need wrapping in lights, that adds to the labor and materials cost too. For example, a simple roofline on a ranch style house is gonna cost less than wrapping a 2-story home with tree lights and all that jazz.

2. Type of lights & materials

• Commercial-grade LEDs are more expensive than those cheap lights you can get at the bargain store, but they last longer, use less energy, and look a heck of a lot better.
• Extras like timers, smart-controls, color-changing lights, heavy duty clips and safety gear all add to the cost.
• In West Michigan, where we get hit with cold, wind and snow, the quality of the materials really matters – which can push the cost up a bit, but it’s worth it in the long run.

3. Design & layout scope

• A basic roofline outline is cheap. Add windows, garage doors, landscaping, shrubs, tree wrap, and you’re adding both materials and labor.
• Custom shaped garlands, oversized wreaths, lit inflatables, synchronized effects—all of those things will cost more.
• In our area, if you’ve got a waterfront home or one that’s highly visible from the street, you might want to spring for the premium materials to really make an impression.

4. Labor & accessibility

• Steep roofs, second-story or higher, many peaks or dormers—all of those things increase labor time and risk, so that costs more.
• Weather in West Michigan can be a real pain (ice, snow, early winter storms) so that factors in too. That’s why it’s better to install lights in early to mid November.
• Removal after the season and storage are often included in the initial cost, but make sure to ask.

5. Timing & demand

• If you book early, you can get a better rate and there’s likely to be more availability of high-quality installers. If you wait till late November and your installer is booked solid, the cost tends to go up or you’re stuck with not-so-great options.
• Removal/takedown timing is factored into the install quote or adds to the overall cost of the package.

6. Region & local overhead

• The costs that your installer’s labor and overhead have on the final bill add up. In West Michigan, this might break your bank, especially in comparison to more urban areas. But that also means having a tighter margin for error.
• And because we’re talking about winter weather in Michigan and the specific needs of your home, choosing an installer who’s local and knows what they’re doing is a no-brainer.

What to expect from a pro install–and what’s included

When you hire a pro like Torchwood Landscaping, you should be getting a whole lot more than just “we’ll hang some lights up there”. Here’s what a full service install generally includes and why it actually matters.

• Design consultation: Getting that custom look for your home, mapping out the linear footage, figuring out which trees and shrubs to highlight, and getting a sense of your roofline.
• Material & product quality: We’re talking top-grade LED lights here, not some flimsy clips or tabs, extension cords that can withstand outdoor winter use, and timers or smart controls.
• Installation: Hanging the lights safely from a ladder, making sure not to mess with your gutters or roof, and getting all the wiring and load balancing just right.
• Mid-season maintenance: We’ll come back and check on things if a section goes out, swap out any faulty bulbs, and keep your lights looking sharp.
• Takedown & storage: Ideally, that includes removal after the season, coiling up the lights properly, and labelling them so they’re good to go for next year.
• Insurance & warranty: Professional installers carry liability insurance and may back their workmanship and materials with a warranty.

At Torchwood, we use our six-step process to make sure your experience is seamless and your display lasts for years—that’s phone consult, site consult, layout plan, installation, post-work care, and long-term assurance.

West Michigan specific considerations

Since you’re in West Michigan, here are some local factors you’ll want to keep in mind:

• Weather: Our winters can be pretty brutal, with snow, freezing temps, and wind. This means lights need to be winter-rated, and attachments need to be able to handle the freeze-thaw cycle.
• Visibility: A lot of homes in the area like to “wow” the neighbourhood, which often means they want to light up more trees, shrubs, and columns. That can increase the cost.
• Booking early: The season is short, and demand is high from November to December, so top installers fill up early.
• Electricity & power: Older homes might need some upgrades, or some good planning for power loads, outlets, and GFCIs.
• Neighborhood / HOA rules: Some subdivisions have rules about when lights can be turned on or off, so make sure your installer knows what they’re doing.
• Storage and reuse: Because we deal with snow and ice, making sure your lights are stored properly and ready for next year is super valuable. That adds long-term value.

How to budget & plan for your installation

Here’s how to approach budgeting so you know what to expect and make smart decisions.

Step 1: Define the scope

First off, decide how much of your home you want to light up: just the roofline, or windows and garage too? Add some trees or shrubs in there? A whole yard display? The bigger the scope, the higher the cost.

Step 2: Choose basic vs upgraded materials

If you go with some basic retail-string lights, you’ll pay less up front, but it’s likely you’ll pay more in the long run for maintenance, replacement, and just general upkeep. Professional LED kits may cost a bit more up front, but they’re worth it. Ask yourself: are lights included, or do I need to buy them? Is takedown and storage included?

Step 3: Get detailed quotes

When you get a quote from us at Torchwood, we’ll break it down so you know exactly what you’re getting: linear footage, materials, installation, takedown, and storage. Make sure you see what’s included in your quote. We’ve seen prices range from ~$2.50/linear foot right up to $7+ per foot depending on complexity.

Step 4: Consider first-year vs recurring cost

One thing to keep in mind: the first year often includes buying the lights and hardware. Subsequent years (if you reuse the system) are way cheaper because you’re only paying for install, removal, and storage.

Step 5: Sign a timeline

Because of the weather and scheduling, sign up early and lock in your date. Late bookings might come with a premium pricing or fewer design options.
At Torchwood, we advise homeowners to secure their install in October or early November so we can get the whole thing done while the weather is still relatively good.

Realistic Cost Scenarios for West Michigan

Here are a few sample scenarios with pricing ranges you can use as planning tools:

1. Single-Story Ranch, Roofline Only
   • Light up the eaves around the house, no tree wraps, minimal extras.
   • Estimated cost: $750-$1,000
   • Good if you just want a clean, festive look.
2. Two-Story Home + Some Landscaping
   • The roofline and garage with windows outlined are starting to take shape, and we’ve wrapped a couple of trees in lights—it’s starting to look like Christmas!
   • Estimated cost: $1,000-$1,500 so a pretty good value for the look you’re after.
   • Our goal is to give you a balanced look that’s typical of a West Michigan home.
3. Making A Big Statement, Full Yard Display With Custom Effects
   • We can give you a multi-peak roofline, windows, garage and a whole lot more with trees, shrubs, color-changing LEDs and even a front porch garland to get you in the mood for the holiday season.
   • Estimated cost: $1,500-$3,000+ and well worth the extra if you want a real showstopper.
   • With premium materials and labor, you’re going to get a display that really makes an impact.
4. Estate Style Display For Your Lake House or Country Estate
   • A very large property or a premium setting calls for an equally impressive display—we’re talking extensive lighting, trees, shrubs, synchronized lights and possibly some landscape uplighting to get your property looking just right.
   • Estimated cost: $3,000+ (and sometimes even higher)
   • This is the ultimate display, with a custom design and the highest material specs to really make your property stand out.

These prices are based on national and regional data—but to make sure we get it right for West Michigan, we’ve factored in local labor rates and seasonal timing.

Why You Should Hire A Pro To Do The Job

You might be thinking: “Can’t I just buy some lights and hang them myself?” Well, yes you can, but here’s why many homeowners choose to hire professionals like us at Torchwood Landscaping and it often actually ends up being the better value.

Safety First: Why You Need A Pro

• Hanging lights off the roof or out of a second story window in the fall or winter = pretty high risk in West Michigan (ice, snow, slippery surfaces).
• Professional installers have the right training, insurance and gear. That’s a lot to ask of someone who’s just trying it themselves.

Save Yourself The Hassle

• Hanging lights, testing outlets, taking them down in January, it all adds up.
• Let us do the hard work and you can save yourself the time and hassle.

You Get What You Pay For

• Professional grade lights and equipment look way better and last longer.
• Proper attachment, wiring, clean lines and safe connections—none of this “dangling extension cord” business.
• It also adds value to your home. When your house stands out in the street, it’s always a good thing.

The Full Picture: Long-Term Value

• The first year you usually have to buy quality lights, but each year after that it costs a lot less since you own the equipment.
• The lights last longer, you don’t have to replace them as often, and they use less power—so it’s a better deal in the long run.

We Take Care Of Takedown & Next-Season Readiness

• We take down the display, store it properly and you’re all set for next year without lifting a finger.
• No more tangles, broken strands or damage—just a smooth, hassle-free process from start to finish.

How Torchwood Landscaping Does It (And What To Look For In An Installer)

Here’s how we handle Christmas light installation in West Michigan, and what you ought to be looking for in any installer you consider:

1. Phone Call: We start with a quick chat to get a sense of your home, what you want to achieve and what works for your schedule.
2. On-Site Consultation: We come out and look at your yard, get a feel for your roofline, trees, outlets and existing lights. We solidify the plan and give you a detailed quote.
3. Layout Plan: We show you exactly what we’re going to do: what will get lit, how the wiring will run, how it’ll all work with your landscaping or home architecture.
4. Installation: Our team gets to work, installing the lights, using the right kind of clips, double checking the wiring and the overall look, and making sure everything is safe and working right.
5. After Installation: Once it’s all up and running we check in to make sure everything is still good. If something goes wrong or shifts, we’ll be back to sort it out within 24 hours. 
6. Long-Term Support: We stand behind our work. We store the lights, keep track of the system year to year and help you plan for future seasons.

When you’re looking around for installers, ask the following questions:

• Is removal and storage included in the price or is it extra?
• Do they use top-end, commercial-grade LEDs or basic retail strings?
• Is mid-season maintenance included or is it something extra you have to pay for?
• Do they have liability insurance, just in case?
• Do they give you a detailed quote (including what materials, labour costs etc.)
• Are there any savings if you own the lights season to season?

We’re all about transparency and delivering great results for our customers.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: Am I going to see a huge increase in my electricity bill?
A: Not really. Modern LED systems use very little power. In fact, after the install cost, the monthly increase is usually just a few dollars for typical seasonal use. But of course, it depends on the specific lights being used.

Q: I already have lights. Can I just hire someone to put them up?
A: Yes. Some companies will install your lights at a lower cost if you provide them. But make sure they check them for wear and tear, verify they’re safe for outdoor use and include the takedown/removal service. We at Torchwood Landscaping only install our lights as we can control the quality and reliability of the lights. 

Q: When should I schedule my install?
A: As early as possible—ideally October to early November in West Michigan. The good slots get snapped up quickly, and installing late can mean less than ideal timing or a higher cost.

Q: What if my house is very tall or has a super steep roof?
A: You can expect to pay even more money to get this done, because it’s going to require extra work, specialized equipment like lifts and scaffolding. A reputable installer will take that into account and factor the extra cost into their quote.

Q: Will the first year cost me an arm and a leg?
A: That depends, there are two options you can do with. You can purchase the lights and decorations in the first year—it’s going to cost you more upfront because you’re paying for the lights and hardware to start with. But after that, most people find that the cost goes down a bit because you’re only paying for the install, takedown and storage. The upshot is that if you commit to using the service year after year, you’re actually getting value for money as time goes on. The other option is leasing the lights and decorations, with this we own the lights and decorations to you for the season. This is good for those who want a consistent price every year without it changing. It also helps to not have that initial large charge that buying the lights incurs. 

Final Takeaways

• For West Michigan, you need to budget for: small simple installs anywhere from $750-$1000, medium ones from $1000-$2000, and the big, custom jobs are going to be upwards of $2000 depending on just how much you want done.
• The cost really adds up based on your roof line, how complicated your roof is, what you want to have lights and decorations on, the state of your landscaping, the quality of the materials you choose and the labor costs too.
• Booking early and making sure you get the good stuff—not just the cheapest option—will cost a bit more but it’s also going to add value for you.
• Don’t just go for the cheapest option without a thought—ask questions: what’s included, what kind of materials are you getting, what happens if something goes wrong, what kind of extra cost is there to get it all taken down.

If you’re ready to get your house looking the part for the holidays with a pro-quality light display, let’s have a chat. We’ll start by giving you a ring, come out to your place, show you what’s possible with our designs, and give you a straight up quote so you know exactly what you’re getting for your money and what to expect.

You know what they say—enjoy the season and may your display of lights be the envy of the whole neighborhood.