Christmas Lighting

Started by RaghuramA • 11 replies • 929 views

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RaghuramA (Texas)
Posts: 26

Posted:

Hi

This is the first year the HOA board was handed over to residents by builder. For last 5 years the HOA managed by builder has not bothered to put the christmas lights at the entrances of our community.
This year we are planning to get them, but the quotes for same by contractors are too high. We are planning to buy our own lights and get them installed by just paying installation charges.

What will be consequences if we install them on our own instead of renting? What precautions shall we take as HOA?
Can anyone provide some guidance on this.

Thanks
Raghu

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

Are you on the Board, Raghu? If so, ask your insurance company.

Does your HOA have a landscaping company or other vendors who might install these cheaply?

If residents climb on ladders to install holiday lights, the HOA could be liable for their injuries if they fall.

RaghuramA (Texas)
Posts: 26

Posted:

Yes, I am on the board. We are expecting a quote of about $12 to 15k for having lights on all of our 4 entrances, which is too high. If we buy the lights on our own, it can be a one time expense of around $6 to 10k and a recurring expenses of around $1000/- for installing every year.

We are not expecting residents to help in installing them. We will hire someone who can install them.
Question is how much liability insurance we should take? Will a coverage of 1 or 2 million will be sufficient or shall we take more ?

Thanks
Raghu

BarbaraT1 (Texas)
Posts: 821

Posted:

The HOA should already have liability insurance. If you think you need special coverage or a rider for light installation, you should check with your insurance agent. The vendor you hire to install should have their own liability insurance.

Other things to bear in mind - do you have a place to store the lights during the year? Your budget needs to include replacements costs, as lights burn out, get damaged by weather, or get vandalized.

MarkM19 (Texas)
Posts: 1,459

Posted:

Raghu,
When I was in Ca. we had the first 25 light poles in our community wired and hangers installed so that on the Friday after Thanksgiving myself and another Board member would go out and install the lights on the poles. It took us less than 1 1/2 hours to install and half that time to take down and store. We would use a 10 foot ladder and each ornament was 4 feet tall. Was there some liabilities? Yes of course but the community always enjoyed seeing them during the season.

Your prices seem high for what you are mentioning in your OP. I would get 3 bids and they should be licensed and bonded. I would avoid resident volunteers if at all possible. Regarding reserves for the replacement. Whoever sells or sold you the ornaments should be able to send you extra bulbs. We did have one ornament that was evidently was struck by a UPS truck that needed to be replaced over an 8 year timespan so reserves are not a big deal for replacement parts and the light (I would get LED) last many years since they are only used 1 month out of the year.

LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679

Posted:

I,m afraid that Raghu's estimate is almost on the mark. Electricians bill almost $500 for one visit to change a few lightbulbs in retail stores.

I would keep it simple and hang a wreath on each wing of the entrance and exit gates, and maybe wrap some of red ribbons that have the wire form inside around some light poles.

RaghuramA (Texas)
Posts: 26

Posted:

Thanks for all the replies..

If we install on our own, shall we also ensure insurance cover for any unforeseen liability, viz., someone accidentally or deliberately touches these lights and get electrocuted etc.. If yes, how much it should be ?

Hope if we are going for renting of these lights, the vendor would have such insurance.

Thanks
Raghu

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Rag

Why the need for such lights? Hang a couple of wreaths and be done with it.

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Rag

Why the need for such lights? Hang a couple of wreaths and be done with it.

GeorgeS21 (Florida)
Posts: 3,808

Posted:

Cause they want them in his neighborhood?

RaghuramA (Texas)
Posts: 26

Posted:

Most of the residents are demanding it..

BillH10 (Texas)
Posts: 1,217

Posted:

Raghu, your estimate of $12-$15k is an awful lot of money for Christmas lights, even at four entrances. Are you perhaps including the expense of running power to the entrances where there is none now? Our association has two entrances, the first year start up cost for professionally installed decorations was about 25% of your figures; we already had power in place. The recurring installation of $1,000.00 seems too little by half based on our annual expense after Year 1.

As to your question about liability insurance in the event someone places their finger in a bulb socket, your existing liability insurance should cover that possibility but a quick call to your insurance carrier would be a good idea.

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