Your complete guide to permanent outdoor light installation day: how to prepare your home, what the crew does step by step, how long it takes, what it costs, and what your home looks like after.
You have booked your permanent outdoor lighting install. The quote is signed, the date is on the calendar, and now you are wondering: what actually happens on installation day?
Most homeowners have never seen a permanent outdoor light installation up close. This guide walks you through every step, from what to do the night before to the moment you turn on your lights for the first time. No surprises, no guesswork.
Before installation day
A smooth install starts with a little preparation. Here is what to do in the days leading up to your appointment:
Your pre-install checklist
- Clear the perimeter. Move patio furniture, planters, toys, and anything else within 3 to 4 feet of your home's exterior walls. Move vehicles out of the driveway in case a ladder shifts or debris falls during the install. The crew needs clear access along every eave and soffit.
- Trim back landscaping. Bushes, tree branches, or hedges touching the roofline should be cut back so the crew can work safely and mount the track cleanly.
- Secure pets. Dogs should be kept inside or in a fenced area away from the install zone. Ladders, tools, and small metal components are on the ground throughout the day.
- Ensure electrical access. Your system needs one standard outdoor outlet (or an indoor outlet with exterior access). If you are unsure whether you have one, let your installer know ahead of time.
- Download the app. Get the GOULY app on your phone before the crew arrives. This saves time during the walkthrough at the end of the day.
- Let your neighbours know. A work truck and ladders will be on-site for several hours. A quick heads-up avoids any confusion.
- Check your HOA. If your community has an HOA, confirm that your approval is in place before the install date. Permanent lighting systems are typically HOA-compliant because the track is hidden and colour-matched to your soffits, but approval processes vary.
1 day
Typical installation time
3–4 ft
Clear zone around your home
1 outlet
Standard power requirement
What happens on installation day
Here is the step-by-step process from the moment the crew arrives to the final walkthrough.
Step 1: Crew arrival and site review (15 to 30 minutes)
The install crew arrives in the morning, typically between 8 and 9 AM. They will walk the perimeter of your home, confirm measurements from the original consultation, and review the plan with you. This is your last chance to ask questions or make changes before work begins.
They will note any tricky sections: dormers, multi-level rooflines, inside corners, gable peaks, or areas where fascia material changes. Every home is different, and the crew adapts on site.
Step 2: Track cutting and preparation (30 to 60 minutes)
The aluminum track channel is custom cut to fit your roofline. Tracks are colour-matched from 100+ options to blend with your soffits and fascia, so they are virtually invisible during the day.
Expect some noise during this phase. The crew uses a chop saw to cut the track to length. Metal shavings are cleaned up at the end of the day, but this is worth knowing in advance.
Step 3: Track mounting (1 to 3 hours)
This is the longest phase. The crew mounts the track along your roofline using screws rated for your fascia material, whether that is wood, vinyl, aluminum, or composite. The track sits flush against the fascia or inside the soffit, depending on your home's architecture.
Key details during this phase:
- Ladders will be against your home for most of the day. The crew uses rubber-footed ladders and takes care, but minor scuff marks on gutters or fascia are possible and easily wiped clean.
- You do not need to be home during this phase, but most homeowners prefer to be nearby. If you leave, make sure the crew has your phone number.
- Multi-story sections may require extension ladders or scaffolding. Your installer will discuss this at the consultation if it applies to your home.
Step 4: LED puck installation (1 to 2 hours)
Once the track is mounted, the crew installs the RGBW LED pucks into the channel. Each puck snaps into place and connects via sealed, waterproof connectors.
The pucks are spaced at a consistent interval along the entire track. If your system includes zones, the crew wires each zone separately so you can control different sections of your home independently, for example, the front roofline on one zone and the back patio on another.
Step 5: Wiring and controller setup (30 to 60 minutes)
All low-voltage wiring is routed through the track channel or behind the fascia, keeping it completely hidden. The wiring connects back to the certified control box, which is mounted in a protected location, typically near your electrical outlet.
The system runs on 24V DC power, not 120V mains. This is safer, more efficient, and eliminates any risk of electrical shock from the outdoor-rated hardware.
Step 6: System testing (15 to 30 minutes)
Before cleanup, the crew powers on the system and tests every single puck. They run through a colour sequence, checking that all LEDs light up, all zones respond, and the controller communicates with the app.
If any puck is not responding, it is replaced on the spot. The parallel circuit design means one puck issue never affects the rest of the system.
Step 7: App setup and walkthrough (15 to 20 minutes)
This is the fun part. The crew connects your phone to the system via the GOULY app and walks you through:
- Selecting and applying pre-built designs (1,000+ included)
- Creating custom colour scenes
- Setting up automated schedules (sunset on, midnight off, etc.)
- Adjusting brightness and zones
- Browsing seasonal lighting ideas
Step 8: Final walkthrough and cleanup (15 to 30 minutes)
The crew does a full perimeter walk with you. You confirm that everything looks right from the ground and from the street. They clean up all metal shavings, packaging, and debris. Your yard should look exactly as it did that morning, just with a new roofline.
You will receive warranty documentation and a direct contact for any post-install questions.
How long does installation take?
| Home type | Linear footage | Typical install time |
|---|---|---|
| Bungalow | Around 150 ft | 4 to 6 hours |
| Two storey | 150 to 200 ft | 6 to 8 hours (1 day) |
| Large two storey | 200 to 300 ft | 1 full day |
| Estate or complex roofline | 300+ ft | 1 to 2 days |
Most homes are completed in a single day. The crew arrives in the morning and you are running your lights by late afternoon.
4–8 hrs
Typical home install time
150–300 ft
Common linear footage range
1 day
Most installs done same day
What does installation cost?
Pricing depends on the linear footage of your roofline, the complexity of the architecture, and whether you add extras like soffit downlighting or additional zones.
| Home type | Linear footage | Typical installed price |
|---|---|---|
| Bungalow | Around 150 ft | $4,500 to $5,500 |
| Two storey | 150 to 200 ft | $4,500 to $6,500 |
| Large two storey | 200 to 300 ft | $4,500 to $7,500 |
That one-time investment includes the track, LEDs, controller, wiring, labour, app setup, and warranty. There are no annual fees, no removal costs, and no replacement bulbs to buy. For a full cost breakdown, see permanent vs temporary lights.
What your home looks like after installation
During the day, you will barely notice the system. The colour-matched track blends into your soffits and fascia. There are no visible clips, hanging wires, or bulky fixtures. Visitors and neighbours typically cannot tell the track is there until you turn the lights on.
At night, you choose the scene. Warm architectural white for everyday curb appeal. Holiday colours in December. Team colours on game day. A soft amber glow for a backyard dinner. Everything is controlled from your phone via the GOULY app.
Common questions about installation
Will the installation damage my roof or fascia?
No. The track is mounted with appropriately sized screws for your fascia material. There is no drilling into shingles, no adhesive on painted surfaces, and no clamping on gutters. The system is designed to be permanent without causing damage. See our detailed breakdown at do permanent lights damage your house.
Do I need to be home during installation?
You do not need to be present for the entire install, but we recommend being home at the start (for the site review) and at the end (for the app walkthrough and final inspection). The middle hours are mostly track mounting and wiring.
What if it rains on my installation day?
Light rain usually does not delay an install. Heavy rain, high winds, or lightning will require rescheduling for safety. Your installer will contact you the morning of if conditions are unsafe.
Can I add more lights or zones later?
Yes. The system is modular. Additional track, pucks, and zones can be added to cover garages, detached buildings, patios, or new sections of roofline. The controller supports expansion without replacing existing hardware.
What about multi-story homes or complex rooflines?
Multi-story installs are routine. The crew uses extension ladders or scaffolding for second and third-storey sections. Dormers, inside corners, gable peaks, and mixed fascia materials are all handled during the planning phase so there are no surprises on install day.
Is there any mess or noise during installation?
Expect saw noise during the track-cutting phase (typically 30 to 60 minutes) and some metal shavings on the ground below the work area. The crew cleans everything up before they leave.
Ready to book your install?
Frequently asked questions
Most homes are completed in a single day. A typical bungalow takes 4 to 6 hours. A two-storey home takes 6 to 8 hours. Large or complex rooflines may take 1 to 2 days.
You do not need to be present the entire time, but we recommend being home at the start for the site review and at the end for the app walkthrough and final inspection.
No. The track is mounted with appropriately sized screws for your fascia material. There is no drilling into shingles, no adhesive on painted surfaces, and no clamping on gutters.
Pricing depends on linear footage and roofline complexity. A typical bungalow costs $4,500 to $5,500. A two-storey home costs $4,500 to $6,500. Large homes run $6,500 to $9,000. This includes track, LEDs, controller, wiring, labour, app setup, and warranty.
Clear furniture and items within 3 to 4 feet of your exterior walls, trim back landscaping touching the roofline, secure pets indoors, ensure you have an outdoor electrical outlet, and download the GOULY app.
Yes. The system is modular. Additional track, pucks, and zones can be added to cover garages, detached buildings, patios, or new roofline sections without replacing existing hardware.
Questions before you book?
Visit our FAQ page
Get quick answers on Gen 3 Lighting, pricing, install timelines, app setup, warranty, and what to expect on install day.