There are times when we all think we are geniuses when it comes to fixing things around the house. A pipe leaks, a railing breaks, or a door handle comes off and we turn into Bob Vila! This is fine for some basic home repairs but when it comes to electricity, it is better to be careful and hire an electrician.
One of the main reasons using a licensed electrician is recommended is because of the safety factor. A confident DIY’er may think merely turning off the main is enough to prevent them from being electrocuted when working with live wires, but that is not always the case. Thinking the supply is cut off and knowing how to test to make sure it is off are two completely different things.
In addition, it is unlikely that the average DIY homeowner is going to know the latest codes and regulations. This may not seem like a big deal at the moment but when it comes time to sell the house, it may be the difference in the home being approved for sale or not. If a potential buyer has the home inspected and finds “rigged” or improper wiring, they have every right to expect the problem to be rectified before agreeing to sale.
Another concern is securing the proper permits to do a job. While some work can be started right away, there are a variety of jobs that must have local authoritative approval before the job can be started. Without the proper permits, the building inspector could show up at any time and require you to open the walls and replace the wiring.
When looking for an electrician for your wiring project, make sure they are properly licensed and certified. You may also want to check that the business is registered with the state as well as checking their BBB (Better Business Bureau) rating. It may seem like a simple task, but a small mistake can lead to catastrophic results when you are dealing with electricity.
Category: Home Electrical