How many feet of Christmas lights do I need for my house?
Measure the rooflines you want lit (front gutters, gables, peaks) and add about 30% for corners, drops to the outlet and spares. Most single-family homes land between 100 and 250 feet along the front.
The quick way
In Curbli, take a photo of your house and drag along the roofline; it measures the length (more accurate if you enter your house width) and adds the extra 30% for you. You can add the sides and back too.
By hand
- Measure each roof edge at ground level along the house, add the slope lengths of gables, then add 30%.
- For C9 bulbs, buy strands in matching lengths with spare bulbs.
What it costs installed
Seasonal (take-down) roofline lights installed by a pro: from $300 for a typical home. Permanent lights: about $990–$1,780 for 150 ft.
Questions
Why add 30%?
Corners, drops down to the outlet and a few spare bulbs or clips always take more than the straight roofline length.
What spacing should C9 bulbs have?
About 12 inches is the classic look for rooflines; closer spacing looks brighter.