What I put up
- String lights on porches, arches, columns and railings
- Garlands and wreaths on doors, gates and windows
- Trees, hedges and planters wrapped
- Eaves and trim reachable from a ladder, with no roof climbing
- Extension cords and timers on existing outdoor GFCI outlets
- Take-down and packing after the season
Lighting older San Gabriel homes
San Gabriel’s Historic Resources Survey documents many Spanish Colonial Revival and Craftsman houses, with arches, beams and wood trim that look great lit but shouldn’t be nailed or stapled. I use clips, ties and adhesive-free hooks so the house looks the same in January.
Older houses often have few outdoor outlets. I plan cord runs to existing GFCI outlets, keep cords off walkways, and let you know if an outlet isn’t protected.
How it goes
Walk the front
We decide what to light and where cords can run safely.
Test on the ground
Every string is checked before it goes up.
Hang and tidy
Lights and garlands go up with clips and ties; cords are hidden.
Timers on
Timers are set and you see it lit before I leave.
What I don’t do
Roof and gutter lines, two-story eaves, and new outdoor outlets or wiring are outside my work.
On the same San Gabriel visit, people also tend to ask about outdoor and motion lights, outlet, switch and GFCI replacement or mailbox installation.
What to text
A photo of the front of the house, what you’d like lit, and where your outdoor outlets are.
Holiday light questions from San Gabriel
Can you hang lights without nails?
Yes. Clips and ties hold lights on stucco, wood and railings and come off cleanly.
Do you go on the roof?
No. I hang what’s reachable from the ground or a ladder.
Will you take the lights down?
Yes, after the holidays, packed and labeled.
Can you hang garlands and wreaths too?
Yes, on doors, gates, railings and windows.
How much does it cost to hang holiday lights?
It depends on the size of the display. Send photos for a free estimate.
Do I need to buy the lights?
Yes, or use the ones you have. I test them before hanging.
Exterior tips for San Gabriel homes
- New porch and outdoor lights on stucco wallsHow to replace porch, garage and exterior light fixtures on stucco walls in San Gabriel homes, including weather sealing and sensors.
- Video doorbells on older homesHow we install video doorbells on stucco and old wood door frames in San Gabriel, using existing doorbell wiring or battery models.
We’re a handyman in San Gabriel for small repairs like this one, with an upfront price by text.
This job sits in our mounting, hanging and assembly group. For other repairs, see the services overview, or start with the repair guide for San Gabriel’s older homes.