Electrical Project : DIY or Licensed Electrician?
For better or for worse, electricity is a major part of our everyday lives. From charging our phones to lighting up our homes, it is no surprise that many of us have considered taking on electrical projects ourselves. But should you choose to DIY or hire an electrician? We will explore the pros and cons of both and help you decide what is best for your next electrical project.
Embracing your inner sparky!
DIY electrical projects can be a great option for anyone with some basic electrical knowledge. Not only do they allow you to save money, but they also provide a great opportunity to get your creativity flowing within your home. You can make it the perfect place for all the unique wants and needs of your family. You can easily find tutorials online to get started, and you can slowly build up the complexity of your projects as you gain experience. We recommend checking out your local hardware store, like Home Depot, for may great DIY project ideas.
With all electrical repairs, however, it is critical to remember to keep safety as your number one priority. It does no good to save money by not hiring an electrician, only to do costly damage to your home, or even possibly doing harm to yourself. Do your homework on your project to help keep you and your family safe. Take your time while working on your project to ensure that the work is being done properly. Also remember to try and have fun while completing the electrical repair! That is a huge part of any DIY project you may undertake at your home. It is very rewarding to complete an electrical project yourself.
Weighing DIY vs. hiring a licensed residential electrician
When considering your next electrical project, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of DIY work and hiring a professional electrician. Although DIY electrical projects can lead to cost savings, they can be risky and dangerous. If you lack the tools, material, and safety knowledge to do the job correct, you should hire a pro. If you make a mistake, you could end up with an expensive repair bill, or even worse, an electrical fire. Then there is the risk to your personal health to consider as well.
Professional electricians have the knowledge and expertise to ensure safety, and they can often help you save money in the long run. Remember an electrical company carries liability insurance and typically has a warranty for the work. If you hire an electrician and they do work that is subpar and the work fails, they will likely be liable for damages. If you decide to do the project yourself and that work fails, you will certainly be liable for any damages.
Brighten up your home with DIY electrical projects
DIY electrical projects can be a great way to upgrade some lighting within your home and make it look great, replace that outlet that got broken to make it safe again, or install a ceiling fan in a bedroom to help you sleep at night. From installing dimmer switches to upgrading your lighting fixtures, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination and electrical skillset. Just make sure you stay within your comfort level though. Also note that some larger electrical projects should always be left to the pros. Projects like electrical panel replacements, work on the electrical service meter, and adding power for any large appliances need an expert. A professional electrician knows how to size the wiring and breakers correctly for these types of jobs. They also know the best installation practices and materials to use for more complicated projects.
If you decide to DIY the electrical job, remember to always turn off the breaker for the circuit you are working with. After the power is off you can do the electrical repair work. Finally double check your work prior to returning power to the circuit. Those simple steps can reduce the risk of damage to your home and reduce the risk of death or serious injury to yourself. Do not try and take shortcuts when working with electricity. With electricity, shortcuts tend to lead to short circuits. Take the extra time to do it right the first time.
Hire a licensed electrician for safety and peace of mind
If you are ever in doubt about a project, it is definitely best to hire a professional electrician. Not only can they ensure the safety of your home and family, but they can also help you save money in the long run. Professional electricians know the ins and outs of the business and can often bring unique insights to your project. Their job is to give you the guidance to get the best electrical installation at the best value possible. A licensed electrician knows the most efficient ways to complete an installation safely and timely.
When it comes to electrical installations, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. From small DIY projects to complicated projects requiring the help of professional electricians, there are plenty of options to help you best complete your next electrical project. No matter what your next electrical project is, consider your skill level, budget, and safety before choosing the best option for your next project. If you do decide your project needs a licensed electrician, do not hesitate to call All Star Electric today! Our experienced residential electricians will help you with any electrical installation you have. Call us today!
