How to Choose a Permanent Holiday Lighting Installer in DFW (12-Point Checklist)
DFW now has dozens of companies installing permanent holiday lighting, and the quality varies more than the marketing suggests. Use this 12-point checklist before signing any contract.
1. Are they a licensed Texas electrical contractor or working under a master electrician? Permanent lighting is hardwired into a 110V outlet — installs without a licensed electrician on staff can void your homeowner's insurance.
2. Do they carry general liability AND workers' comp? Ask for the certificate of insurance with both coverages naming you. If a crew member falls off your roof, this is what protects you.
3. What is the bulb warranty AND the labor warranty? Look for a minimum 5-year product / 2-year labor combination. Our system is 8-year product (lifetime on bulbs) plus 3-year labor.
4. Are the bulbs individually addressable RGBW (with white)? RGB-only systems can't make a true warm white — every 'white' looks slightly purple or green. RGBW with a dedicated white channel is the standard.
5. Is the track aluminum or PVC/plastic? PVC track yellows and warps in Texas heat after 2–3 summers. Aluminum stays color-stable for 10+ years.
6. Do they color-match the track to your fascia? White-on-cream or black-on-bronze installs look like an exposed gutter. Insist on color-matched track or paint-to-match service included.
7. Do they handle HOA paperwork? Top installers submit ARC packets on your behalf. If they hand you a stack of forms and say 'good luck,' that's a red flag in HOA neighborhoods like Newman Village or Vaquero.
8. Where is the transformer mounted? Quality installs hide the transformer in the attic, garage, or behind landscaping — never on the front of the house. Ask to see photos of past installs.
9. How are the wires routed? Conduit should be hidden in soffits or attic space. Exposed wire on the fascia is a sign of a fast-and-cheap install.
10. Can they show you 5+ completed installs you can drive by? Real installers have a portfolio of local addresses (with homeowner permission). 'Coming soon' marketing photos are a warning sign.
11. What's the deposit structure? Industry standard is 30–50% deposit, balance due on install completion. Anyone asking for 100% upfront is a major red flag.
12. Do they offer financing through a real lender (not personal Venmo)? 0% promotional financing through a bank-backed program is standard. Anything else suggests cash-flow problems.
Bonus: ask for a one-page contract that includes scope, total price, install date, warranty terms, and cancellation policy in plain English. If they can only offer a verbal quote, walk away.
Run this checklist on any DFW installer you're considering — including us. We'll happily provide all of the above in writing before you commit a dollar.
