For home electrical repairs, don’t try DIY. As a homeowner you may get a sense of pride from being able to fix things around the house. For some things like painting, drywall repair, and even installing carpet or tile, doing the job on your own can be a great way to save money and gain a sense of accomplishment. However, for more complex, technical and hazardous jobs, like electrical repairs, hiring a licensed professional is the way to go.
Here are 7 reasons why you should hire a licensed electrician instead of trying to do home electrical repairs yourself:
Safety
Working with electricity is dangerous. If not done properly, it can lead to bodily harm such as electrocution and even death. It takes specialized training and knowledge to work on electricity safely. Unless you have had the same training as an electrician, you shouldn’t try to do the job yourself. If you try to do home electrical repairs and something goes wrong, you could seriously injure yourself or a loved one.
Beyond the risk of injury while doing the work, if the wiring or electrical repair is not done correctly, then it could lead to a risk of fire which could endanger your home and your whole family.
Local Building Codes
If you have electrical work done in your home, it must be done according to local building codes. Electricians are familiar with the latest safety issues and policies on electrical wiring – if you attempt an electrical repair without a permit, you could end up having to redo the job when inspectors come in, which will be more expensive than hiring a contractor in the first place.
Insurance
Many insurance companies won’t pay for repairs if they find that the homeowner tried an electrical repair themselves instead of hiring a professional. If something goes wrong with your house wiring because you did it yourself without following building codes, you could end up having to pay for the damage yourself. For more information on how DIY repairs impact home insurance claims, please reference this excellent article: https://www.valuepenguin.com/homeowners-insurance-claim-doing-work-yourself.
Troubleshooting
Many times homeowners think their problem is just one small issue, but an experienced electrician can see that it is just a symptom of a larger, more complex problem. A licensed electrician can troubleshoot what is really going on and will let you know the steps needed to fix it.
Cost
Let’s be honest – you are probably considering a DIY project in order to save money. However, if you are not absolutely sure you can do the job right, then it may cost you more in the long run, after you get in over your head, or something goes wrong, and you need to call in the professionals.
Time
Most DIYers underestimate the time it will take to complete a project. Usually they underestimate the time required by a lot. A homeowner will enthusiastically start a project only to run into an unexpected roadblock. At this point the project will often stall out indefinitely, to the frustration of the whole family. If you want to avoid having a partially finished project hanging over your head for weeks, months or even longer, then call the pros in the first place. Avoid a headache. Get your project done right and get it done on time.
Peace of Mind
Maybe the biggest reason to hire a licensed electrician for your long term peace of mind. You can sleep easy knowing the job was done right, the first time, and your home and your family are safe.
OHM is Here to Help!
OHM Electrical Contracting is here to help with all of your home electrical repairs in the greater Seattle area. We are licensed, bonded, insured, and have years of experience helping Seattle homeowners just like you. Protect your peace of mind, and CONTACT OHM TODAY.