Many people feel electrical work can be a DIY project. Sure, doing repairs yourself avoids paying labor costs, but the risks of doing so outweigh any potential benefits. Electricians are educated and trained plus licensed and certified to do what they do. That means they must follow strict standards and guidelines. By attempting to DIY electrical repair (meaning anything other than flipping the circuit breaker or changing a light bulb), you risk:
- Putting yourself and your family at risk of shock and electrocution.
- Incorrect wiring or improper grounding can lead to a short or fire.
- Paying more to fix a mistake, as DIY work is not warrantied.
- Enduring a stressful, time-consuming process.
- Electrical code violations that can be uncovered in future inspections.
Why You Need to Hire an Electrician
Keeping your electrical system in good repair is an investment. But hiring an electrician is worth the cost and is beneficial in every other way, so long as they are reputable and professionally trained. Here are a few reasons this is true:
Electricians Are Skilled in Their Trade
An electrical technician must be certified in the state they work in. Certification requires taking classes, mastering skills, and passing an exam. On-the-job training is also required. Once a technician is certified, they know the latest safety codes that most people don’t. Plus, maintaining certification requires being educated on any updates to codes and technologies. Safety is the absolute #1 priority with electrical work; unless you are experienced in the trade, you’re not going to know every safety guideline.
High-Quality Work
A licensed electrician can quickly evaluate an issue using their skills and knowledge, which enables them to troubleshoot it effectively. They’re able to identify and correct the problem at its source. No online video or tutorial is going to give you that level of precision. Even DIY lighting installation risks costly mistakes. Plus, you’ll probably end up hiring someone to fix your mistakes, which you may not realize happened until later.
You’ll Likely Save Money
Labor costs are a fact of life with all home services. But think about the money you can save by avoiding mistakes and potentially major damage. Electrical service companies often have access to parts and even appliances at lower prices. Unless you have a connection, it’s unlikely you’ll find a better discount.
Electricians Are Bonded and Insured
Providers often advertise they’re bonded and insured; this isn’t just a selling point. Being bonded and insured means the technician is licensed and that you’re protected against fitting the cost if a worker gets hurt, or damage occurs in your home while they’re working. Therefore, hire a professional and not a DIYer or a handyman.
Permitting and Inspections Are Covered
An electrical installation or repair often requires a permit. Obtaining a permit yourself is a lot of work. But a professional will manage this responsibility. They can also handle or schedule an inspection to verify the work was done correctly and meets local guidelines. A thorough evaluation of wiring can spot hidden issues to fix and help improve the value of your home.
In short, hiring an electrician saves you time and stress. Given the complexity and dangers, electrical work is not fun like other home improvement projects. There are virtually no benefits to DIY electrical repair.
Call Air Stars for Electrical Services
If you live in Portland, Salem, and surrounding areas in Oregon, Air Stars can keep the lights on and the electricity flowing. Our licensed electricians are equipped with all the knowledge and tools they need to isolate and fix any problem. From wiring and fixture repair to electrical panel replacement or a remodel, we’re ready to help with high-quality electrical services. Call (503) 744-5879 to get started.
