Hello. My name is Erik Martin and I am a reporter for HomeStyle, a nationally syndicated home improvement/design section published weekly in newspapers across the country (you can view HomeStyle article examples at omaha.com/inspiredhome). I’m looking to interview holiday decorating service professionals and homeowners for the following article:
LET THEM HANG LIGHTS! 8 REASONS TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL EXTERIOR DECORATOR THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. This article will explore the pros and cons of hiring a professional holiday decorating service to handle your outdoor decorating for the Christmas season. Below is a list of questions I’m seeking answers to. I can either conduct a phone or email interview (with the latter, please email me back full-sentence written responses that I can use as quotes). My deadline is noon central time,Thursday, Aug. 4.
QUESTIONS: 1. (THIS QUESTION FOR HOMEOWNERS ONLY) Why and when did you hire a holiday exterior decorating professional/company to hang your Christmas season holiday lights outside/around your home? What did they hang/install? What did they charge? Why was it worth it? What tips would you provide to other homeowners on this topic? What is your full name, and city/state location? 2. (NEXT QUESTIONS ARE FOR THE EXPERTS) Why is it worth considering hiring a professional to hang/install your exterior holiday lights and décor? 3. What are the pros and cons of enlisting a pro to do this work? 4. What can/can’t a professional do when it comes to outdoor lights/props/décor? 5. What will they typically charge (low to high $ range) for this type of service? 6. Do you have a cautionary tale you can share about why it’s best to hire a professional instead of doing it yourself (e.g., you can fall off a ladder/the roof, get an electric shock, etc.)? 7. What tips would you provide homeowners as to what they should consider asking a professional to hang/install and where? 8. How can/should homeowners look for a professional exterior holiday decorating service? What questions should they ask before hiring? 9. Any other thoughts, tips or suggestions on this topic? 10. What is your full name, title, company, city/state location, and email address?
