What Homeowners Need to Know About Permanent Holiday & Soffit Lighting in Northern Colorado
The idea of never climbing a ladder again to hang holiday lights is tempting. Soffit-mounted, app-controlled permanent lighting systems have grown rapidly in popularity across Colorado—offering homeowners year-round flexibility, security lighting, and seasonal convenience with the touch of a button.
But before you move forward with an installation, there’s a wide range of factors to consider: from cost and quality to warranties and aesthetics. Whether you’re comparing a few bids or just starting to research, this guide will walk you through what you need to know to make a confident decision.
💡 What Is Permanent Soffit Lighting?
Permanent holiday lighting is typically installed in a color-matched aluminum or plastic track under the soffit or fascia of a home. It uses individually addressable LED diodes that can be controlled via smartphone app or remote.
These systems aren’t just about Christmas—they’re designed for:
Clean, architectural white lighting year-round
Color themes for holidays, birthdays, or sporting events
Security lighting with programmable timers
A consistent finished look, day and night
💲 What Does It Cost in Northern Colorado?
Costs vary significantly depending on the quality of the system, app functionality, installation difficulty, and the contractor’s experience.
Here’s a general breakdown of market rates as of summer 2025:
TierSystem TypeTypical BrandsPrice Range (Installed)NotesEntryDIY KitsGovee, Amazon kits$5–$15/ftNo warranty or service, limited featuresMid-RangeContractor-InstalledTrimlight, JellyFish$20–$30/ftApp-controlled, limited color range, basic warrantyPremiumHigh-Quality Pro SystemsGemstone Lights, Dauer Omni-level, Watts Lights$35–$55+/ftAluminum track, advanced app, strong warranty & support
For a home with 150 linear feet of lighting (average front of house), expect:
$750–$2,250 (DIY)
$3,000–$4,500 (mid-range contractor system)
$5,250–$8,250+ (premium system with local service)
⚙️ What to Look for in a High-Quality System
A permanent lighting system is more than just lights—you're investing in the hardware, software, and ongoing support. Here's what separates a truly professional install from a cookie-cutter package:
1. LED Quality
Premium systems use high-color-rendering (CRI) diodes with true white and vibrant RGB output. Lower-end systems often have weaker brightness, poor color blending, and inconsistent diode spacing.
2. Energy Efficiency
Look for systems with high lumens per watt output—this means your lighting will be brighter without unnecessary power draw. Some mid-range systems may draw more energy to get the same visual result.
3. Weather Rating
Colorado’s intense sun, hail, and freeze-thaw cycles demand IP65 or higher-rated hardware. Aluminum track and waterproof LED housings dramatically increase longevity and performance compared to entry-level systems with plastic channels.
4. Smart App Controls
Modern systems should offer more than just basic color options. Features to look for:
Multiple zones and grouping
Scene programming
Scheduling and calendar events
Music-sync or motion-activated settings
Remote troubleshooting access
Some premium platforms offer cloud-based control or work with smart home platforms (like Alexa or Google Home), while others are limited to local Bluetooth-only apps.
📃 “Lifetime Warranty” Red Flags
Not all warranties are created equal. Many lower-end systems market a “lifetime warranty” that only covers basic manufacturer defects—and excludes app control, install workmanship, environmental damage, or hardware failures over time.
Before signing off on an install, ask:
What is the actual term length and what does “lifetime” mean?
Is the install backed by the contractor and manufacturer?
Who handles service, and how quickly?
Are firmware and app support guaranteed over time?
Premium manufacturers often pair their warranties with certified contractor programs that include in-person training, ensuring better install quality and faster support.
🔒 The Long-Term Benefits of Permanent Lighting
Why are more Northern Colorado homeowners making the switch?
Curb Appeal – Clean architectural lines with a subtle glow
Security – White lighting on timers or motion sensors deters intruders
Convenience – Set once and forget—no more tangled cords or annual labor
Event Flexibility – Fourth of July, Halloween, birthdays, and game days all in one app
✅ Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the best lighting contractors in the area recommend premium systems: they last longer, perform better, and cause fewer headaches long term. But even if you're comparing mid-range options, the key is knowing what questions to ask and where quality shows up.
At Lindquist Outdoor Lighting, we’ve worked with many of the systems on the market and have seen the difference in durability, performance, and service firsthand. We’re happy to educate, share examples, and help you make a decision that fits your budget and goals—whether now or in the future.
