Check these 7 things before hiring: (1) insurance certificates, (2) all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees, (3) commercial-grade lights (not retail), (4) free in-season repairs with a response time guarantee, (5) takedown and storage included, (6) local reviews and references, and (7) whether they also offer permanent lighting for an honest comparison.
1. Insurance (Non-Negotiable)
Any company climbing ladders on your home needs general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Ask for a certificate of insurance — legitimate companies provide this without hesitation. If they dodge the question, dodge the company. Why this matters: If an uninsured worker falls on your property, YOUR homeowner's insurance may be liable.
2. All-Inclusive Pricing
The best companies give you one price covering: design and consultation, lights and hardware, installation, all in-season repairs, January takedown, and off-season storage. Red flags: 'Installation is $X, takedown is extra' — 'Repairs are billed separately' — 'Lights not included.' These add-ons can double the quoted price. Get everything in writing.
See what permanent lighting looks like on your home
Free custom design. One firm price. No pressure.
3. Commercial-Grade Lights
Professional installers use commercial-grade C9 LED lights — not strings from Target. Commercial-grade: brighter, more consistent color, weather-rated connectors, replaceable bulbs. Retail-grade: dimmer, fails faster, often not replaceable at the bulb level. Ask: 'What brand/grade of lights do you use?' If they can't answer specifically, they're likely using retail lights.
4–7. Repairs, Storage, Reviews, and Permanent Option
4. Free In-Season Repairs. Iowa weather will test any installation. A good installer fixes issues within 48 hours at no charge. Ask specifically: 'If a section goes out on December 20, what happens?'
5. Takedown and Storage Included. Takedown should be scheduled, not 'whenever we get to it.' Ask: 'Is takedown included in the price?' (Should be yes.) 'Where are my lights stored?' (Should be their facility.)
6. Local Reviews. Check Google and Facebook. Look for reviews mentioning reliability, communication, finished display quality, repair response time, and whether they'd hire again.
7. Ask About Permanent Lighting. Before committing to an annual seasonal bill, get a permanent smart-lighting quote too. Heartland Holiday Lights installed seasonal lights for years and now installs permanent lighting only, so we'll give you the honest comparison from the other side.
See our Christmas light companies near Council Bluffs guide and pricing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the Omaha/Council Bluffs area: $10/ft for residential (all-inclusive), $12/ft+ for commercial. Most homes land between $1,200 and $3,500. Below $1,000 usually means corners are cut. Commercial and complex homes go higher.
Sure — but compare apples to apples. Make sure each quote includes the same scope (design, lights, install, repairs, takedown, storage).
August–September is ideal. October is still fine. November is possible but selection is limited.
Written by Trey, Owner — Heartland Holiday Lights
Trey is a Council Bluffs local and hands-on installer who designs and installs every permanent smart-lighting system Heartland Holiday Lights puts on homes across Western Iowa and the Omaha metro. When he writes about rooflines, channel, and controllers, it's because he's on the roof doing the work.
See what permanent lighting looks like on your home
Free custom design. One firm price. No pressure.