24/7 Emergency Services (508) 719-8000

Why You Should Never Do Your Own Electrical Work

If you’re a big DIYer, you might think you can handle your own electrical work. But it can be very dangerous. Click here to learn why you should avoid it.

You may feel tempted to do your own electrical work, but you should be aware of the potential risks involved. Electrical DIY repair fails can lead to electrocution or fire if you make a mistake.

It’s simply not worth the risk. While there are plenty of DIY home repairs you can tackle on your own, it’s best to leave electrical tasks to a professional.

Instead of risking your safety, hire an electrician to handle your electrical maintenance, installations, and repairs. Let’s take a look at why hiring a qualified electrician is your best bet.

 

Professional Training

Licensed electricians go through extensive professional training to learn their trade. They must take classes, master many skill requirements, and undergo on-the-job training to become state certified.

They understand and are up to date on the latest state and local safety codes and regulations. Unless you are an expert, you probably do not.

When you hire a licensed electrician, you are putting safety first.

 

Safety

Licensed electricians understand how dangerous electrical tasks can be. They take the proper precautions to keep those risks to a minimum.

They wear protective equipment and perform safety checks as they work. They know one mistake can lead to serious injury or death.

You may be able to save a few dollars doing it yourself or by hiring an amateur electrician, but you could be putting yourself and others at risk.

Before hiring an electrician, check to make sure the business is licensed, bonded, and insured.

 

Quality Workmanship

Some people think that watching a Youtube video or tutorial can prepare them to handle electrical repairs, but that’s not the case. Electrical repairs can go very wrong, and it’s not worth taking a chance when your life is at stake.

Other DIY projects such as painting or replacing cabinetry are doable and don’t carry a risk. But electrical repairs do.

Many homeowners attempt their own lighting installation or electrical repairs and then must hire an electrician to fix their mistakes. Having a qualified electrician for the job will ensure a higher quality of workmanship.

A licensed electrician is highly knowledgeable and will complete the task with both precision and safety in mind.

 

Cost

You may think you can save some money by doing electrical repairs yourself or by hiring an amateur electrician. Initially, you may save a few bucks, but it could cost you down the road.

If things go wrong, you will need to hire a professional electrician to finish the job. This could end up costing you much more than if you hired a certified electrician in the first place.

Another plus – a professional electrician may be able to get better prices on parts or appliances than you could get on your own or through a contractor.

 

Troubleshooting

If you are having an electrical issue at home, you may feel tempted to fix it yourself. You may end up doing too much or spending too much on the project without understanding what the real problem is.

A licensed electrician understands how to troubleshoot and identify the exact problem. A professional can identify the issue and solve it.

 

Bonded and Insured

If you hire a local handyman for a cheap price, you are taking your chances working with someone who’s not bonded or insured. That’s a common mistake that homeowners make.

It’s risky to hire an amateur electrician to handle your electrical jobs. If that worker gets hurt performing a job in your home, you may be stuck covering the costs.

Instead, you want a bonded and insured electrician for the job. If a licensed electrician has an accident or gets hurt in your home, worker’s compensation will cover the costs.

Be smart. Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured professional who will do the job right and protect your safety.

 

Permits and Inspections

When you paint your bathroom or tile your kitchen floor, you don’t have to worry about someone inspecting your work. And permits aren’t necessary for these types of home improvement.

But that’s not the case with electrical jobs. If you are doing DIY electrical tasks the proper way, you may need permits and an inspector’s visit.

That’s a lot to worry about and more time out of your already busy day. Having a professional handle your electrical tasks will take these responsibilities out of your hands.

You want it done the right way. If you decide to sell your home later, an inspector will evaluate your home’s electrical wiring.

If there are issues, you may have to pay for more repairs or lower your selling price. Avoid these issues by having a licensed electrician handle all your electrical installations and repairs.

 

Avoid Potential Problems

A wiring job may look simple, but your wiring connects to a larger interdependent network. And a simple job can get complicated fast.

You may find yourself dealing with a problem you’re not prepared for. And that’s something you want to avoid.

If you’re not an expert, don’t take the chance. Avoid potential problems and dangers by hiring a professional electrician.

 

You Have Better Things to Do

Electrical tasks are often complicated and dangerous. Although some home improvement jobs are fun to do yourself, electrical jobs are not.

Why should you spend your time worrying about a risky electrical repair, when there’s a professional ready do it for you? You want to minimize the risks as much as possible.

The best way to minimize safety risks is to hire a qualified electrician for the job. You’ve got better things to do, and hiring someone will save you time and keep you safe.

 

Hire a Professional for Electrical Work

Although some people choose DIY when it comes to electrical tasks around the house, it’s not a good idea. One small mistake could lead to electrocution or fire.

Why put yourself or your loved ones at risk? Instead, hire a licensed professional to handle the electrical work.

If you have questions or need an electrician, we’d love to assist. Contact us today.