Things to Consider Before Taking on a DIY Electrical Repair Project
Electrical work involves more than you may expect
Weekend warriors all over the country are motivated to take on home improvement projects, armed with considerable enthusiasm and the plethora of resources available on the Internet. But if you’re considering taking on a DIY electrical repair project, there’s a lengthy list of things you should consider before you break out the tools and get started. After all, if you have no training as a residential electrician, there are probably a number of things that may not have occurred to you before you committed yourself to this potentially complex project.
1. There Are Codes You Must Follow
Electrical repair is not as forgiving as some other kinds of home improvement projects. It’s not simply a matter of having the passion to figure out how to fix the problem. Electricians need to follow the National Electric Code, which outlines the safe installation of electrical wiring in the United States.
If you don’t have knowledge of this resource as it pertains to your projects, you are probably in over your head. Though some DIY enthusiasts have familiarized themselves enough with the rules in this must-have reference to make a go of it, for most it will be better to play it safe and hire a local electrician instead of taking any chances.
2. Electrical Work Can Be Dangerous
Let’s face it—you have a lot more to lose if you make a mistake while attempting a DIY electrical repair project than, say, replacing a shower yourself or installing new flooring. Electrical currents can be extremely dangerous, and one little mistake could put your home at danger and even your life at risk. The fact of the matter is that many homeowners make simple mistakes that turn out to be deadly, just because they don’t know enough about their home’s electrical system.
3. You May Need a Permit
There are rules around who can and can’t make electrical repairs. Often, in order to do the job yourself, you’ll need to obtain a permit from your local municipality first. These rules are in place because jurisdictions typically prefer that only a professional local electrician take on such a task, since he or she has the proper tools and training.
There is some wiggle room for homeowners to make their own repairs, but they need to demonstrate their competency in such tasks.
4. You’ll Need Proper Tools
If you’re not familiar with electrical work, it’s not likely that you already have the necessary tools lying around just by chance. It may be tempting to use what you have handy, whatever that may be, but the truth is that failing to use the right tools can lead to shoddy work at best and risky situations at worst.
On the other hand, when you hire a residential electrician, you get a person who’s equipped with all the right tools (not to mention the right training!).
5. Electrical Work Can Be Time-Consuming
When homeowners take on new DIY projects they’ve never attempted before, they may not realize the time commitment required. Choosing the DIY route to save time (or money for that matter) is almost never the right route to go.
Someone with in-depth expertise and a professional track record spanning many years is way more likely to get the job done in a short timeframe, which is why homeowners who want to avoid headaches and hassles usually go with a local electrician for their electrical repair needs.
Speak with a Residential Electrician Today
If you suddenly feel overwhelmed by the thought of taking on a DIY electrical repair project and want to speak to a professional, get in touch with All Star Electric today. We’d be happy to tell you more about our company and our services, and how we can work with you on your electrical project.