Seize the day and light up the night

By RIDGEPRO.

The holidays are right around the corner! Offer professional lighting installation and spread the cheer.

Once upon a time… when the trees were bare of leaves and all the Thanksgiving leftovers had finally been eaten, someone in the family would say: “Isn’t it time to put up the holiday lights? Where did we put away the Christmas decorations? Was it in the attic, basement or garage?” These questions were followed by an often frustrating search and then strings of lights strewn across the porch or lawn. Inevitably, at least one bulb had blown out, sometimes causing a whole strand of lights to go dark. Many hours were spent in the process of replacing bulbs and then stringing the lights across railings and bushes. By the time we’d enjoyed them for a few days it was time to take them down. 

Fast forward to today 

Today, the world is a different place and professionally installed holiday lighting has become a growing business opportunity in the U.S. With the advent of LED light strands, apps that allow lighting and audio control from any device, and professionals who will do the work safely and efficiently, house/business lighting has become common in many parts of the U.S. Streets and neighborhoods compete with elaborate animated displays set to music. According to commercially available research reports, holiday lighting is already a $7B market with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 4%. While the festive decorations themselves consume most of this number, holiday lighting installation is a rapidly growing business segment. 

Who can do this? 

Professional holiday lighting contractors are appearing from a variety of skilled trades. Savvy businesspeople from electrics, landscaping, roofing and construction have seen opportunities in their areas and have jumped in. All are learning new skills including the automation of displays and how to choose inflatables. They share information, tips and techniques through business associations and social media groups. Most companies design, install, monitor and then remove the displays after each season. Some homeowners now elect to leave generic lighting in place all year, changing colors and patterns to match the season or their mood. 

Safety can never take a holiday 

Some aspects of the holiday lighting business are particularly suited to roofing professionals who are already well versed in working at height. Roof and ridge lighting are the foundation parts of most displays. One thing is certain, however, no matter what professional is doing the work: safety can never be compromised. While the surroundings may be familiar to any roofer, the materials and tools are different and take additional concentration to get into place safely and properly. All safety apparatus including helmets, lifelines and fall arrest gear should be worn whenever appropriate.   

Crews should observe all expected safety practices including an on-the-ground meeting as the job starts to notice any safety hazards on the site and call them out to the job supervisor. Good teamwork is essential to prevent accidents and injuries. This dynamic new market appears to have a long growth ramp ahead with ample opportunities just waiting for the right professionals to throw the switch.