There are advantages to doing your own electrical work. Depending on your skill level and knowledge, you may be able to handle some electrical issues on your own. However, even the best DIYers will find hiring an electrician to be the best option at times. Why should you hire an electrician?
The top # benefits of hiring an electrician include:
- Short and long term safety
- Inspections and permits
- Guarantees
- Saving money
- Quicker process
Short and Long Term Safety
The process of electrical work can be dangerous. Incorrectly done electrical work can be dangerous as well. A mistake in electrical work can put yourself, your family, and your home at risk.
Electrocution is one risk of doing your own electrical work. A small shock may seem like a nuisance, and a small price to pay for getting the job done. However, serious injuries and even death can occur from the 110 outlets found all over your home if they aren’t handled properly. If someone grabs you to try to help, they will get shocked as well.
Long term, malfunctions, and electrical fires are the biggest safety concern. Each year, there are over 50,000 residential electrical fires. These fires cost over $1 billion and cause approximately 500 deaths each year. The most common cause of residential electrical fires is improper maintenance. A professional electrician is able to perform a full inspection of your home and fix any safety issues before they result in disaster.
Inspections and Permits
In most areas, you are required to have permits and pass an inspection when doing electrical work. You can do the work yourself, but it can make the process of getting the proper permits and passing inspections daunting. You may need to present detailed drawings and calculations to obtain a permit. When you hire an electrician, they handle the process of permits and inspections. Since they are professionals, the process is typically easier and less time consuming than it is for your average homeowner.
Guarantees
Electricians aren’t required to provide warranties on their work, but most electricians will guarantee their work for a period ranging from six months to two years. If there are any problems with the work, the electrician will repair it. This gives you peace of mind.
Saving Money
It seems counter-intuitive. Electricians are expensive, but you may end up saving in the long run. If you factor in the time you’ll spend doing it yourself, including getting permits, and the materials needed, you may find that hiring an electrician actually saves you money. Doing it yourself can also result in costly mistakes that are avoided by hiring a professional. You’ll also avoid the risk and potential embarrassment of beginning the job yourself only to realize that you are in over your head. If you have to call in an electrician to finish your project, you aren’t likely to save money.
Quicker Process
When you need electrical work done, you often need it done as soon as possible. Projects that seem simple can turn out to be time-consuming. What was a weekend project can turn into a month-long project, causing you inconvenience in the meantime. Permits and inspections will likely take longer to complete on your own as well.
When you hire an electrician, they will give you a timeframe for how long the job will take. In most cases, they will have the job completed sooner than you could. This is particularly important if you are living in your home and have to turn the electricity off to an area of your home or your entire home. It’s also crucial if there’s a safety concern.