It is best to engage a professional electrician to do the electrical work when upgrading your home. It’s more complicated than painting a room or changing out fixtures, and there are codes to abide by and standards to meet.
Interfering with your wiring or electrical system without a licensed electrician can lead to faulty connections, fires, and electrocution. So, avoid risking your family’s safety by hiring a professional.
Safety
Licensed electricians have the experience and expertise to ensure your home renovation project is safe. They know the safety regulations inside and out and will follow them to the letter, protecting you and your family. This includes things like splicing and connecting wires without leaving exposed ends, using the correct size of conduit for electrical boxes, installing circuit breakers that have enough capacity to handle your renovation’s power demands, and putting in new outlets with the correct amperage ratings for any appliances you’re adding.
An electrician will also be able to assess whether your existing wiring is up to code. If you notice your circuit breaker shutting off (or “tripping”) frequently or your electricity bill is higher than usual, it could be a sign of an older, less efficient electrical panel. A professional can thoroughly install or replace the proper size breaker to prevent overheating and fires.
Another safety tip is only to hire licensed contractors with insurance and a warranty. This protects you from contractors who disappear halfway through the job or cut corners to save time and money. Make sure to get a detailed quote upfront and learn precisely what’s and isn’t included in the price so you don’t end up with unexpected charges down the road. You should also ask if the contractor offers a labor warranty and how long that is.
Saves You Time
If you have no experience working with electricity, trying to fix something around the house could put you in grave danger. It’s essential to leave this type of work to a licensed professional.
Electricians know how to make your electrical system safe and will take the time to do it correctly. They can also save you money in the long run by optimizing your wiring, suggesting energy-efficient appliances, and ensuring that your home has plenty of outlets (there should be one outlet every six feet in living areas).
A licensed electrician’s work is held to a higher standard than someone who does not. If a contractor isn’t licensed, they may be cutting corners and using subpar materials, and your homeowner insurance might only cover their work if an accident occurs.
When looking for an electrician, it’s a good idea to ask friends, family members, and coworkers for a recommendation. Then, shop around. Compare prices, and consider whether an electrician’s warranty is a selling point. A warranty will give you peace of mind, knowing that your renovation electrician is committed to quality workmanship and will be there in case of an issue after the job is complete. It can also save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to pay for any repairs made correctly the first time.
Saves You Money
Hiring a licensed electrician can save much money in the short term. A good electrician will look for ways to save money, such as optimizing your outlets and suggesting energy-efficient appliances. You can also avoid future repairs by doing the work right first.
A reputable electrician will be transparent about their pricing and any additional costs. They will also clearly state whether they are using subcontractors for the job. If so, ask who they are and ensure adequate insurance coverage (livability and workers’ compensation).
Licensed electricians in Dallas, Texas are held accountable by the state electrical division. This means they will always keep the job half-finished or bail out on you. In addition, they will have adequate bonds and insurance to cover their work. If you are working with someone who isn’t licensed, it could be very costly in the long run.
While it can be tempting to save a few bucks and hire a friend or family member to do the electrical work for your home renovation, you could end up paying for it in the long run. You could have thousands of dollars in repair and replacement bills because you tried to cut corners on a wiring job. And if something goes wrong with your electrical work, you could face expensive medical bills or even the loss of your home.
Saves You Stress
Home renovations often involve more than just painting walls or putting in new light fixtures. You might have to upgrade your electrical system or add outlets for appliances. While saving a few dollars by hiring your friend to complete this work might seem tempting, you’d be much better off investing in a licensed electrician.
Hiring a reputable licensed electrician will ensure the work is done correctly and to industry standards. An authentic license proves that an electrician has undergone rigorous training, examinations, and continuous compliance with state-specific regulations and standards. Moreover, an electrician with a good reputation will have an impressive history of past client testimonials and reviews to back up their work.
Hiring a reputable electrician is important because working with electricity is dangerous without the proper knowledge and expertise. Shoddy workmanship can lead to a fire in your home and an enormous repair bill. In addition, it could jeopardize the safety of your family and pets and expose you to a hefty legal bill.
Moreover, you’ll pay more in the long run when you save a few bucks by hiring an unlicensed electrician to do a substandard job. You could have to pay for it with medical bills, insurance claims, and possible property damage from a house fire caused by faulty wiring or poorly executed renovations.
