Are you a Marietta homeowner thinking of taking on an ambitious home renovation project? Updating your living space is exciting and can be a great investment that produces dramatic results; however, if the project includes electrical work, it’s not something to tackle alone. DIY electrical projects may seem like an economical solution, but in the end, they can cost homeowners more time and money.
Read on to learn why hiring a professional electrician for your home renovations is best rather than attempting any DIY electrical work yourself.
Risks Associated with Do-It-Yourself Wiring & Electrical Repairs
Taking on a DIY wiring and electrical repair project during a home remodel or renovation can seem attractive due to the potential for cost savings. However, it is important to remain aware of the associated risks. Systems that either violate electrical codes or which are outdated can result in increased chances of electric shocks and even electrical fires. Additionally, if the wiring and repairs are not done correctly, this can make your system inefficient, resulting in higher utility bills, as well as strain on your appliances and other electrical components.
Before attempting any electrical DIY projects in your home, verify with local ordinances that you can safely do so without risking code violations or additional liabilities associated with improper installations. Whenever possible, you should work with a certified electrician to ensure all systems remain safe and secure for everyone involved. If you have completed DIY electrical work in the past, it is a good idea to, at least, have it inspected by our professional electricians to ensure safety and code compliance.
Unsafe Electrical Practices to Avoid
Electrical safety is an important consideration for any home. Taking measures to ensure electrical safety can help save time and money down the road and keep your family or employees safe from potential harm. If you are planning a remodel that requires electrical work, it is highly recommended that you not only schedule an inspection with a licensed electrician but that you familiarize yourself with some of the most common electrical issues so that you can avoid them.
Common unsafe electrical practices you should look out for include:
- Loose or damaged wiring
- Outdated wiring
- Overloaded circuits
- Unprotected outlets
- Lack of GFCI outlets
- Lack of dedicated circuits for large appliances
- Inadequate service panel
Signs Your Project Requires the Help of a Licensed Electrician
Taking on DIY projects can be a great way to save money, but when it comes to complex electrical tasks, it's important to know when to call in a professional. A licensed electrician has the expertise, experience, and proper equipment to guarantee a safe and successful outcome. Note: there are several projects for which you should always engage the help of a licensed electrician.
Always call a professional electrician for help with the following issues:
- Outlet work, including new outlet installation
- Rewiring projects, including rewiring fixtures
- Ceiling fan installations and repairs
- Electrical circuit work
- Connecting a backup generator to your home’s electrical system
- Repair issues where there are signs of scorching or electrical burning
- Projects involving your electrical panel or a subpanel
- Electrical repairs for which you do not know the source of the problem
Additionally, it's best to leave installation or repair of any wiring project more complicated than plugging in a lamp or radio to a specialist. Finally, if the task involves working with power sources from both sides of the meter, hire an electrician immediately - amateur work could prove dangerous and cause financial loss or even lead to accidents.
How to Find the Right Electrician for Your Home Remodel
Finding the right electrician for your home renovation can be difficult, but there are steps you can take to make sure you end up with a qualified and reputable professional. First, start by checking their credentials and certifications. Make sure they have the right qualifications to do the job properly. Second, check out references and reviews from previous customers. This will give you a good idea of what type of service they provide and if they are worth considering. Finally, get multiple quotes from different professionals so that you can compare services and find the best fit for your specific needs.
Ultimately, finding the right electrician is an important part of making sure your remodeling project is completed on time and within budget. With these tips in mind, you can guarantee that your home is remodeled safely and professionally.
Need help with a difficult electrical project? Call Lightning Bug Electric at (404) 471-3847.