Are you thinking about doing your own electrical work? Are you hoping to save money by making your own electrical repairs?
Before you jump into fixing any common home electrical problems, take a moment to read this article about the risks associated with taking on electrical repairs yourself and the benefits that come with hiring a pro.Â
While not every electrical project requires a professional, there are definitely some instances where it is better to leave it to the experts. By the end of this article, you should have a better understanding of when it is best to hire a professional electrician.
Why It’s Better To Hire A Pro Electrician
As a homeowner, you may be tempted to take on DIY projects to save money. However, when it comes to complex electrical work, it is always best to hire a professional electrician.
Here are 3 reasons why it’s better to hire a professional electrician to handle your home electrical projects:
1. Electricity is dangerous: Imagine you are attempting to do your own plumbing work. In a worst-case scenario, you may flood your home and cause thousands of dollars in water damage. Incorrectly done electrical work, on the other hand, can literally kill you.
Electricity is powerful and can cause serious injuries or even death if not handled correctly. Professional electricians have the knowledge and training to work safely with electricity, so it is always safer to hire a pro.
2. Pros have the right tools and equipment: Electrical work often involves using specialized tools and equipment that are not readily available to the average homeowner. Yes, you could probably go out and purchase the necessary equipment, but then you would need to learn how to use it.
After buying that equipment and spending your valuable time learning how to use it, are you really saving yourself time or money anymore? Professional electricians already have the specialized tools and can complete the job faster and more efficiently, which can save you time and money in the long run.
3. Pros can correctly diagnose the issue: Nothing is worse than thinking you have successfully diagnosed and fixed a problem, only to realize that all the time and money you spent working on a repair was for naught. Professional electricians have the training and knowledge to accurately troubleshoot and diagnose any electrical issues you may be experiencing.
Pros can identify the root cause of the problem and come up with a solution to fix it rather than just addressing the symptoms. This can save you time and money in the long run by preventing future electrical issues from occurring.
Risks Of DIYing A Home Electrical Project
As noted above, electrical work can be dangerous, especially if you are not trained in electrical safety. Some of the risks associated with DIYing a home electrical project include the following:
Electrocution: This is the most serious risk associated with electrical work. Per WebMD, over 1,000 people in the US die each year from electrocution. Don’t become a statistic by taking on electrical work you are not qualified to do!
Fire: Electrical problems can cause fires if not addressed correctly. This is especially true if you are working with outdated or damaged wiring. Professionals have the expertise to know when wiring is faulty and should be replaced.
Property Damage: Incorrectly done electrical work can cause serious damage to your home or property. This can be costly to repair and can potentially make you liable for any damages that occur.
When To Hire A Professional Electrician For Your Project
Now let’s take a look at 7 scenarios in which you should definitely hire a professional electrician instead of DIYing:
1. Your Project Seems Unsafe
Trust your gut. If you are not confident in your ability to safely complete an electrical project, it is best to hire a professional electrician. Safety should always be your top priority when it comes to electrical work. Nothing is so urgent that it is worth putting your health or life at risk.
2. Complex Electrical Work Is Needed
If your electrical project involves complex electrical wiring or installations, it is best to hire a professional electrician. They have the knowledge and experience to complete these types of projects safely. Unless you’re a pro, it’s best to stick to the basics: replacing an electrical outlet, swapping out blown fuses on an electrical panel, or installing light switches and lighting fixtures.
3. You Don’t Want To Spend The Time
Time is money, and electrical projects can be especially time-consuming. If you don’t have the time, patience, or knowledge to tackle the project on your own, it is best to hire a professional electrician. Not only will they be able to identify the electrical problem correctly, they will also be able to complete it more efficiently, saving everyone’s time.
4. You Want To SAVE Money
While it may seem counterintuitive, hiring a professional electrician can actually save you money in the long run. They have the expertise to correctly diagnose and fix any electrical issues, which can save you money on repairs and insurance claims. Obviously, you aren’t saving money by completing an incorrectly done repair!
5. You Want Your Project Done Right The First Time
Professional electricians have the training and experience to ensure that your electrical project is done right the first time. This can save you time and frustration trying to diagnose an electrical issue you may not be qualified to identify. It will also save you from any costly repairs later on down the road due to faulty workmanship.
6. Your Electrical Problem Is Just A Symptom
Sometimes home electrical problems can be caused by other underlying issues, such as faulty wiring. Electrical systems can look deceptively simple but are actually complex interconnected networks. So while you may think you’ve found the root cause of a flickering light fixture, the real issue might be something else entirely.
7. You Want Long-Term Peace Of Mind
Why stress yourself out with the risk of electrocution, the possibility of fire, or the hassle of trying to diagnose an electrical issue? Hiring an experienced electrician gives you peace of mind knowing that your project has been completed correctly and safely.
What To Look For When Hiring An Electrician
When looking for someone qualified for your home’s electrical needs, there are several considerations you should keep in mind:
- Go with someone who is licensed and insured in your area, so you know the job will be done correctly and safely by reputable professionals
- Get referrals from friends and family, but also check references and read online reviews. Satisfied customers who leave positive reviews are a great indication that the electrician is reliable and does quality work
- Look for an electrician who has not just technical expertise but also guarantees their work. Most professional electricians will offer some sort of guarantee on their workmanship.
- Make sure you get upfront estimates. A professional electrician may discover issues you were unaware of, which could add to the final bill, but you should still be able to get a ballpark estimate for any work you are getting done
Type Of Electricians
When it comes to hiring an electrician, there are two types of licensed professionals you may work with–a master electrician or a journeyman electrician.
Master Electrician
A master electrician is a highly experienced individual who has undergone rigorous training and passed a certification exam to demonstrate an advanced understanding when dealing with complicated electrical installations. Master electricians typically cost more than journeyman electricians, but they can handle any level of electrical work, no matter how complex.
Journeyman Electrician
A journeyman electrician is a trained and state-licensed electrician who has completed an apprenticeship program and has the skills and knowledge to work independently on your home’s electrical system. Journeyman electricians are typically required to complete a certain number of hours of on-the-job training and the passing of a certification exam. They can install, maintain, and repair most electrical systems.
Pricing Considerations
The cost of electrical work will vary depending on the location, complexity of a job, and expertise level of the electrical contractor. When it comes to pricing for electrical work, there are several considerations to think about:
- After-hours emergency work will usually cost more than regular service work
- It may be helpful to ask an electrician how they charge for work. Per hour? Per task?
- Most electricians will have a minimum fee they charge for coming to your home
Contact Blue Sky Electric For All Your Home Electric Needs
These are only a few reasons out of many why it is almost always better to hire a professional electrician for your home electrical projects. From generator installation to lighting upgrades, the experts at Blue Sky Electric can help you complete your home electrical project safely and efficiently.
If you would like help from one of our skilled and licensed electricians, please fill out our contact form today. One of our representatives will be in touch shortly to discuss the next steps for your project.