FAQ's

Holiday Lighting

   **Please let me say first of all, Birdie's top priority is to make the customer's Holiday Season more relaxed and to help your home become a beautiful vision for the season. We are EXTREMELY flexible and if there is something that you would like that you do not see mentioned on this site please do not hesitate to ask. 

1. How expensive is Christmas light installation? 

        Pricing can vary depending on the area and number of strands and bulbs that are to be installed. Prices start as low as $400 and can go up into the $1000's, with complete installation, equipment (extension cords, power strips, etc.) and take-down. We neatly pack away the lights and store them for use next year.  A lighting specialist can arrive at your home or business and provide a free estimate. In order to keep costs down we will try to give you an accurate estimate by viewing photos of your home online, if you have pictures that you can send that would also be helpful.

2. How do I pay?

       We currently accept cash, checks, and credit cards. If you need another way to pay, please let us know, and we will see if we can accomodate.

3. How much are estimates? 

       Estimates are completely free.

4. How much do you charge to wrap trees? 

       The pricing can vary depending on the size of tree, how close you want the strands (the closer the strands are to each other, the more strands and labor required) and if branches are also wrapped. Please request a free estimate to get exact pricing. 

5. How many strands does it take to decorate a tree? 

       The number of strands varies depending on the size and desired visual effect. 

6. Are there electrical requirements? 

       Yes, a large number of strands require a dedicated circuit. Birdie's will not be held responsible for inadequate, faulty, or overloaded electrical sources at the place of service.  If your breaker pops and needs to be reset, there will be a $25.00 service fee, if you have us come out to fix. You may be required to provide electrical connection from inside the house or hire an electrician to ensure minimal electrical requirements. 

7. How much advance notice do I need to schedule an installation? 

       Due to the high demand for Christmas lighting, we recommend estimate appointments be made at least 15 days in advance to ensure availability and scheduling. We do book up very fast, so the sooner you call, the sooner your appointment for Installation will be set.

8. When can my holiday decorations be installed? 

       Holiday decorating begins in the month of October and continues until approximately the second week in December. Though we will try to accommodate any requests.  Removals will begin on December 27th, and continue until all lights are removed.  

9. What is the maximum height the lights can be installed? 

       For homes and commercial buildings, the maximum height our installers can safely install lights on a ladder is 40 feet. If roof access is available there is no limit. The maximum height for light installation on trees varies according to the type of tree. We do offer installation at a higher rate for heights requiring a bucket lift. 

10. Do my holiday lights stay on all day? 

       Birdie's provides a photocell outdoor timer  - the use of an outdoor timer is recommended and can significantly cut down on energy costs. 

11. What if a strand goes out? 

       Birdie's will come to your location and repair the lights free of charge, provided the damaged items are due to rain, snow, wind, acts of nature, or unnatural causes. A service charge of $25.00 will be required for damage due to neglect of homeowner and/or guests of the homeowner. Simply call us at 815-797-XMAS to schedule a lighting specialist to come out to fix/replace the malfunctioning strand. Time estimates are usually within 72 hours. 

12. What if I have my own lights? 

       We do not install customer provided lights at this time. 

13. Do you rent and/or store the lights? 

       Yes, The price we quote is for rental of the lights. This is to keep costs lower for the customer as well as for us.  

14. How soon will my lights be removed?

     We start removing lights on December 27th, until they are all taken down. Due to the nature of this business, the time of year and location,  if there is any ice where the lights are located, we will be unable to remove them, until there is no ice. We will remove lights if there is snow only. We will not be held responsible for having the lights removed by a certain date, as well as we are not responsible for any HOA fees or fines you may incur, due to our inability to remove the lights by your HOA's rules and regulations. While we do our best to get the lights down in a timely manner, we do not have control of the weather, and can only remove lights if it is safe to do so.