Tackling electrical projects around your home can be a great way to save money, learn new skills and gain a sense of accomplishment and ownership in your home.
However, DIY work also can require a significant time investment in learning about your home’s electrical systems, how to do the job safely and then actually doing the work. It pays to understand the trade-offs and when it makes sense to call a professional electrician.
1. Professionals Ensure Safety First
Mitigate the risk
Professional electricians are specially trained to work with electricity with a strong foundation in safety. They have the right tools on hand for the job, and they are familiar with the risks that come along with working with electricity, including electrical shock, electrocution, and fire.
Our blog 5 Common Electrical Mistakes DIYers Make features some common errors DIYers make, including failing to test the voltage or use GCFI outlets near water, reversing hot and neutral wires, and using the wrong wire for the project. These mistakes could result in property or appliance damage, electrocution, or fire.
Code Compliance
In addition to knowing how to work with electricity safely, professional electricians ensure that their work complies with local building codes and meets safety standards.
Code compliance protects the homeowner from running into safety issues down the line, and a professional electrician will be familiar with when certain electrical work requires permits and inspections. They can handle these processes for you and ensure your home is complying with the law.
Check out our blog What You Need To Know About Electrical Code Compliance to learn more about complying with local building codes.
2. Expertise And Experience Beats Trial And Error
When hiring a professional electrician, you’re paying for their time and expertise. Professional electricians have the extensive training and experience necessary to handle a wide range of electrical problems and to diagnose and fix problems quickly, which means your home will be up and running again in short order.
DIYers must often learn on the job, and it sometimes takes extra time to figure out the problem and proper solution. In addition, complex electrical projects such as rewiring, adding circuits or upgrading an electrical panel require professional expertise to ensure the job is done right the first time.
3. Save Time And Money With A Professional
While it can save homeowners money to tackle electrical projects themselves, there can be hidden costs involved with DIY labor that you may not have considered.
Electrical work involves intricate wiring systems and delicate components, and a minor error or incorrect installation could lead to costly damages down the road. Professional electricians have the knowledge and experience to handle projects with precision and accuracy, reducing the likelihood of mistakes that could result in expensive repairs.
A professional electrician also can typically complete a project much faster than a DIYer simply because of their familiarity with home electrical systems in general. They’ve likely seen similar jobs many times before, and their efficiency is usually well worth the extra cost. You also save money by not having to buy specialized tools and materials for the job that you may never use again, and you can avoid spending your precious weekend hours researching how to complete the job safely and correctly.
4. Retain Your Peace of Mind
Hiring a trained professional gives you peace of mind that the job will be done safely, correctly and according to industry standards. You will know you’re in compliance with the law, and you can recall the electrician to fix anything that may go wrong. A good business will stand behind its work and address any issues that may come up after the job is done.
The choice between doing an electrical job yourself and hiring a professional electrician is a personal one. When considering your options, weigh the complexity of the job, your comfort level with electrical systems, time availability and budget. Above all, remember that safety must come first.
If you decide to hire a professional, our blog, How Do I Find a Qualified Local Electrician?, offers some tips on how to get started.
How Can Shockley Eletric Help?
When we perform electrical preventive maintenance in homes or commercial buildings, Shockley Electric addresses important home safety issues such as power surges, faulty electrical wiring, and potential fire hazards. We are licensed, trained, and skilled in safety-proofing your home and are committed to the safety and well-being of our customers.
If you are experiencing electrical problems or aren’t sure if your home is protected from electrical hazards, schedule an in-home estimate or appointment with us today. Fill out our form or call us now for a free estimate!
