The plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems are the three pillars that keep your home safe, secure, and functional. With so much at stake, it’s important these components are properly maintained to ensure longevity. However, even the most diligent homeowners may run into problems.
And electrical issues are nothing to toy with.
Even though the DIY market in the United States is booming, it’s rare we’ll recommend you tackle an electrical project on your own. Read on to find out why!
When DIY is a DI-Don’t
According to Electrical Safety Foundation International, over 50,000 residential electrical fires occur every year in the United States, resulting in catastrophic amounts of damage, injuries, and, in tragic cases, fatalities.
Some of the primary causes for these horrific accidents include bad or outdated wiring, improperly installed or grounded appliances, loose connections, overloaded breakers, or faulty sockets.
This startling statistic is one of the reasons you should not only have your house periodically checked for electrical safety, but should leave upgrades and repairs to the professionals. For the average homeowner, extremely minor repairs like the below can be completed yourself:
● Changing light bulbs
● Installing new switches
● Changes faceplate of electrical outlet
● Replacing smoke detector batteries
But what should you do when repairs and renovations get more complex? Call in a licensed electrical contractor near you!
Some homeowners are tempted to save a buck or two by completing electrical tasks themselves, but we highly advise against in examples like we’ve listed here and more. If you’re ever unsure, air on the side of caution and give our electrical firm a call!
● Installing new light fixtures and/or ceiling fans
● Electrical panel repair or upgrade
● Adding additional outlets (not just changing the plate)
● Wiring additions such as a new room or security system
● Any outdoor electrical projects
4 Reasons Why to Hire an Electrician
Now that you have an idea of when you need to call an electrician, let’s look at the why.
Safety
The safety of your home and loved ones is paramount, which is why a solid electrical foundation is key for homeowner peace of mind. When something threatens that security, it’s vital to call in the professionals as soon as possible to avoid disaster.
Trying to fix any major issues yourself puts both your personal safety and property in danger, whether it be shock from an outlet or a deadly spark. We have the training and tools to complete any residential job with minimal risk.
Efficiency & Expertise
When there is a potential electrical issue, you want it fixed quickly – not to worry everyday while you wait for a solution. We have the skills to complete your project or repair fast so there are minimal disruptions to your full schedule, especially as the holidays and end of year approaches.
Additionally, we have the knowledge of the latest advancements and technologies available to electrician’s and their clients. For example, we may be able to guide you on certain fixtures or upgrades that can improve the energy efficiency of your home and save you money long-term that you otherwise would have remained in the dark about!
Local Codes & Regulations
In many areas, upgrades or additions to a home may require one or more electrical inspections to ensure compliance with local regulations. Do-it-yourself run the risk of not complying to code, meaning you’ll end up back at square one, costing you more time and money.
Liability
In the rare instance where an issue occurs during an electrical installation or repair, professional electricians carry the required insurance to mitigate the problem without money out of your pocket. If you try to perform any of these tasks without supervision, you’ll be stuck with any repair costs due to damage or medical bills resulting from injury.
Electrical Services with Bright and Safe Solutions
No amount of money is worth compromising your family’s well-being, so never consider cutting corners by doing high-level electrical work yourself. Hiring a professional electrician affords you the assurances the job will be done quickly, correctly, and safely. If you’re unsure where to start, give Bratcher Electric in Wayne a call. We are an established and trusted electrical contracting firm that has been providing the best in industry electrical services for 60 years. We’ll discuss your concerns or your next electrical project thoroughly until you feel comfortable getting started!