When dealing with any electrical issues in your home, it is beneficial to call in a professional. Licensed electricians have the skills, experience, and equipment to diagnose and fix electrical problems safely. Understanding the pros and cons of having a pro handle your electrical work can help you decide when to DIY or call for assistance. Here are the pros and cons of using expert electrical services:
Pros of Hiring an Electrician
Expertise
Before becoming licensed, electricians complete classroom instruction learning electrical theory, codes, and safety standards. Apprentices work under licensed journeyman electricians to gain practical skills through thousands of hours of on-the-job training. This specialized training helps them assess electrical issues and determine the right solutions. They know how to work safely and comply with all relevant codes. DIYers often lack the robust training needed for complex or hazardous electrical jobs.
Safety Gear and Tools
Electrical work may require insulated tools and safety equipment like voltage testers to reduce the risk of shocks, burns, and electrocution. Professionals invest in all the right gear to avoid workplace accidents and injuries. They also have ladders, lifts, and other specialized equipment not found in average homeowners’ toolboxes. Using the proper tools for the job helps them work more efficiently. Attempting electrical projects without the right equipment raises safety concerns.
Electrical Codes
Local codes govern electrical installations and repairs to ascertain safety. These codes can be technical and confusing for anyone lacking electrical expertise. Licensed electricians have mastered local codes that dictate how they must run wires, install fixtures and outlets, ground systems, and more to pass final inspections. Improper electrical work that ignores codes could endanger your household.
Connections to Materials
Electricians have supply house accounts, enabling them to obtain whatever wiring, breakers, fixtures, or parts they need. Rather than wasting time driving from hardware store to hardware store searching for items, they can acquire materials in less time. This efficiency means the electrical issue gets addressed without delay.
Specialized Diagnostic Tools
Figuring out the root cause of electrical problems often requires specialized meters, signal tracers, and other diagnostic equipment. Professional electrical services can bring all these high-tech tools with them on service calls. They can use thermal imaging, voltage mapping, and other techniques to investigate issues in ways DIYers can’t. Diagnosing complex electrical problems helps them restore power and prevent future issues.
Permits and Inspections
Many electrical upgrades and repairs require securing permits from local building offices and passing final inspections. Licensed electricians pull the right permits, schedule inspections, interface with inspectors, and make any corrections needed to gain approval. They navigate what can be an intimidating process for DIYers unfamiliar with compliance procedures.
Cons of Hiring an Electrician
High Labor Compensation
The downside of hiring an electrician is that you may pay their hourly labor rate and travel fees on top of the project’s material costs. Their rate may be more than that of a DIYer. Simple electrical jobs involve obtaining parts, making repairs, and cleaning up.
Availability
If you suddenly lose power or have major electrical problems that leave your power unusable, waiting days or longer for an electrician could present an inconvenience. Many major electrical contractors are booked for weeks in advance. Unless you have an ongoing service contract with them, squeezing you onto their packed schedule can prove difficult during peak periods.
Get Electrical Services Today
Electricians offer expertise for complicated electrical jobs. If you lack electrical expertise, time-saving access to materials, or the right tools, play it safe by hiring a professional electrician. DIY projects may suffice for simple jobs like switching out light switches or installing plug-in appliances. Utilizing professional electrical services provides protection for your premises. Take the first step today and hire a professional electrician.
