Glow My House estimates holiday lighting cost by multiplying your roofline length by a per-foot price range for the package you pick, then applying a story multiplier, add-ons and a minimum job. Results are always a low–high range and are modeled estimates, not quotes or market averages.
How does Glow My House turn a photo into feet?
You mark rooflines, windows, trees and walkways on your photo. We scale their length using a reference width you enter (for example, the front of the house) and the share of the photo it spans. We do not infer building size from pixels. One reference cannot resolve depth, lens distortion or sloped surfaces, so treat the length as approximate.
What per-foot prices does the calculator use?
| Package | Per linear foot | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Full-service lease | $5–$10 (up to $12 in high-cost metros) | LED lights, installation, maintenance, takedown, storage |
| Installation only (you own the lights) | $2–$5 | installation |
| Permanent track lighting | $15–$30 | LED lights, installation, maintenance |
These are modeled planning figures maintained in one configuration file (version 2026-10-22). They are not installer rate cards. Installers set their own prices after inspecting your home.
How do stories change the price?
| Home height | Multiplier | Full-service lease on 100 ft |
|---|---|---|
| 1 story | ×1 | $500–$1,000 |
| 2 stories | ×1.35 | $675–$1,350 |
| 3+ stories | ×1.7 | $850–$1,700 |
What do trees, bushes and wreaths add?
| Add-on | Range |
|---|---|
| Tree wrap (each) | $60–$150 |
| Bush or shrub (each) | $20–$50 |
| Wreath (each) | $40–$100 |
How is the final range calculated?
- Lighting length (feet) × low and high per-foot price for the package.
- Multiply by the story multiplier. Diwali designs also assume heavier rooflines (×1.15 on length).
- Add the tree, bush and wreath ranges.
- Apply the minimum job ($250–$300) and round outward to the nearest $5.
What is included in a full-service lease?
The lease estimate assumes commercial-grade LED lights, installation, in-season maintenance, takedown and off-season storage. “Installation only” assumes you own the lights and covers labor; takedown may be quoted separately. Permanent track lighting is installed once and stays up year-round.
What can’t a photo price?
- Roof pitch, height and material.
- Access, ladders or lifts, and ground conditions.
- Electrical outlets, circuits or repairs.
- HOA rules, permits and other local requirements.
Design concept and rough estimate only, not a quote. The installer sets the final price after inspecting your home.
What happens when I request installers?
We store your contact details, ZIP, house photo and light map, then share them with up to three local installers if installers serve your area. If they do not yet, your request joins a waitlist and is not shared. See our privacy policy and terms.
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Common questions
Are the displayed ranges installer quotes?
No. They are modeled planning estimates. The installer sets the final price after inspecting your home, and it can vary with roof pitch, height, materials, access, electrical conditions and local rules.
Does the photo establish the length of my lights?
No. You supply a reference width and its span in the photo. That scales the lines you draw, but perspective and depth remain limitations. The installer measures the real roofline.