"How much does permanent holiday lighting cost?" is the #1 question we hear from Michigan homeowners. The honest answer: it depends on your home.
Unlike traditional Christmas lights where you buy a few boxes at the hardware store, permanent lighting is custom-fitted to your roofline. That means pricing varies significantly based on your home's unique characteristics. Here's what you need to know.
How Permanent Lighting is Priced
The industry standard for permanent holiday lighting is per linear foot. This makes sense because every home has a different roofline length, number of peaks, and architectural features.
This range comes from HomeGuide, Trimlight, and other industry sources. Where you fall in this range depends on the factors below.
What Affects Your Price
These are the main factors that determine where you'll fall in the pricing range:
Linear Footage
The biggest factor. We measure your roofline, peaks, garage, and any areas you want lit. More footage means more materials and labor.
Home Height & Roof Pitch
Single-story homes with gentle roof pitches are easier to install than 2-3 story homes with steep roofs. Height and pitch affect labor time and equipment needs.
Architectural Complexity
Dormers, multiple peaks, bay windows, porches, and unique architectural features all require custom fitting and additional time.
Coverage Area
Front roofline only? All sides of the house? Garage too? The more areas you want lit, the more linear footage involved.
System Quality
Commercial-grade systems like Celebright use higher-quality LEDs, better weatherproofing, and come with longer warranties—but they also cost more than budget options.
What's Included in Professional Installation
When comparing quotes, make sure you understand what's included. A professional installation should include:
DIY vs Professional Installation
You can purchase DIY permanent lighting kits, but there are important trade-offs to consider:
DIY Kits
$8-$20/linear foot
Materials only, you do the work
- Requires ladder work on roof
- Warranty may be limited or void
- Installation errors can cause issues
- Lower upfront material cost
Professional Installation
$20-$40/linear foot
Materials + labor + warranty
- No ladder risk for you
- Full manufacturer warranty
- Correct installation guaranteed
- Ongoing support included
Traditional Holiday Lights vs. Eternalight Michigan
See how the experience compares between traditional holiday lighting and permanent lighting from Eternalight Michigan:
Traditional Lights
- Installed & removed every year
- Ongoing repair & replacement
- Holiday use only
- Ladders, cords, scheduling
Eternalight Michigan
- One-time professional install
- No annual maintenance
- Year-round architectural lighting
- App-controlled convenience
Cost Comparison (Example Home)
Traditional Lights
Eternalight Michigan
Cost Timeline Comparison
Traditional Holiday Lighting
🔁 Costs repeat every year
Eternalight Michigan Permanent Lighting
No annual install, removal, or repair fees
Example Project Details
* $27 per linear foot is a base price. Additional costs may apply for homes with multiple soffit sections, roofline complexity, peaks, dormers, or custom layouts. Final pricing is confirmed after an on-site assessment.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
Since every home is different, the only way to get an accurate price is with an on-site assessment. We'll measure:
- Total linear footage of roofline and features
- Number of stories and roof accessibility
- Architectural complexity (peaks, dormers, angles)
- Electrical access and controller placement
- Your preferences for coverage area and features
We offer free on-site consultations throughout Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan. No pressure, no obligation—just honest, transparent pricing for your specific home.