As a home or business owner, you’ve likely watched all kinds of DIY videos and projects online. And perhaps you’re feeling ready to fix all the little electrical issues in your home yourself. Or maybe you have a cousin competent in electric work. Or a friend has recommended someone who can do the job at […]
As a home or business owner, you’ve likely watched all kinds of DIY videos and projects online.
And perhaps you’re feeling ready to fix all the little electrical issues in your home yourself.
Or maybe you have a cousin competent in electric work. Or a friend has recommended someone who can do the job at mates’ rates.
Sure, you can save money, which is one of the biggest perks of a DIY project.
It’s more flexible than calling and waiting for an electrician, and you get to call the shots.
But at what cost – and not just the monetary kind?
For electrical issues of any kind, you really need to hire a professional licensed electrician.
And not just any ‘electrician’. You need to hire a licensed electrician. In fact, only qualified, licensed electricians can legally use the “electrician” job title.
Having a license allows an electrician to do electrical installation jobs in Australia.
An electrician with a license has insurance; they are able to protect themselves from accident liability.
It’s always a good idea to ask about insurance coverage before allowing anyone to work on your premises.
You can’t take chances with electricity. A minor fault today can mean major problems tomorrow.
Here are five very good reasons why you need to hire a licensed electrician:
- Electricity in the home is extremely dangerous
- Unlicensed electrical work is illegal
- DIY can end up costing you more money
- Professional electricians provide guarantees
- Getting multiple quotes from licensed electricians is simple
Reason 1: Electricity in the Home is Extremely Dangerous
This is the most important reason why you should hire a licensed electrician; safety is the highest priority.
Electricity is dangerous. A professional will know exactly what precautions to take so they are safe while working.
A professional will put safety first. They will not pose a safety threat to you or future users of the building.
A professional will also ensure that you meet local and federal building codes in your area. Without meeting safety codes, your home poses a safety risk and presents problems when trying to sell down the road.
Hiring a professional ensures you do the job right the first time. It prevents you from redoing work for failing to meet safety standards.
Reason 2: Unlicensed Electrical Work is Illegal
Anyone who does electrical work needs to have a valid electrician’s license by law. If you’re an employer, ensure you are up to date with laws governing electrical work.
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Jobs involving electricity need the services of a licensed electrician. They have the training needed to follow state, local, and national safety codes.
These safety codes govern standards of safe installation, maintenance, and operation of electrical systems. Electricians must follow strict procedures as a matter of practice – to protect their license.
Some of the jobs an electrician will do in the home include:
- Electrical wiring and rewiring
- Electrical repairs
- Installation of safety switches
- Lighting installation
- Powerpoint installation or repair
- Switchboard installation, testing, and repair
- Solar power installation, repair, and servicing
- Planning the electrical systems for new buildings
The only time a licensed electrician is not needed is when plugging in and regularly using an appliance. If your electrical systems need fixing, a licensed electrician must do the job.
For homeowners’ safety, all electrical work should be the job of a licensed contractor.
Unlicensed electrical work is illegal and unsafe.
Reason 3: DIY Can End Up Costing You More Money
Many people think they can handle a DIY electrical project if they just go slow and follow instructional videos. However, electrical systems are extremely complex and dangerous, and people often run into problems because they don’t know what they’re doing.
Many DIY projects become messy and complicated, and you end up spending more than you’d originally expected. It is important to know electrical projects are much more complex than they appear. It doesn’t take long for a DIY experience to get out of hand.
Bosworth Company notes that you could face serious problems later if you DIY. Also, you’re taking a huge risk by not receiving a certificate of compliance from a licensed electrician.
Problems will arise when you sell your house or if an accident caused by electrical work occurs.
Hiring a Licensed Electrician will ensure the job gets done once and to a high standard. This prevents other costs and accidents that could emerge from DIY mistakes.
Apart from being costly, it is also illegal not to hire a licensed electrician or to carry out electrical work yourself.
Reason 4: Professional Electricians Provide Guarantees
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Before hiring an electrician, ask to see their license. Carrying a current electrician's license is your best assurance that they will do the job right.
Get more knowledge about trade licensing to ensure you have the necessary information when getting quotes.
A reputable electrician will provide you with their license. This also prevents uninsured electricians from harming the reputation of professional electricians.
Gain long-term value when working with Licenced Electricians:
- Avoid unnecessary stress.
Trying to fix a problem on your own may lead to complications. Hiring a licensed electrician gives you peace of mind. - Guarantee safety and prevent future safety concerns.
Serious fire hazards arise if an electrical job goes wrong when you do the work yourself. - Ensure the safety of your property.
Improper equipment installation can damage your home’s efficiency by up to 30%. Short circuits can damage your appliance motors and/or electronics.
If a piece of equipment needs professional installation, hire an electrician. - Benefit from professional guarantees.
Electrician work is generally guaranteed by the hired company. Any issues that arise can be re-inspected and fixed free of charge. - Ensure that the job gets done right.
No one wants to spend their own valuable time and money doing a job incorrectly. Hiring a professional electrician will bypass this issue immediately. - Benefit from professional work.
Electricians can make recommendations for greater efficiency in your home. They install fans, A/C units, and lighting options to save you electricity and money. - Save money.
DIY mistakes can cost you a fortune. Working with a Licensed Electrician ensures that you save money in the long run.
Reason 5: Getting Multiple Quotes From Licensed Electricians is Simple
When it comes to electrical work, the “D” in DIY should stand for “Danger”. By doing amateur work, you’re putting yourself, your family, and your property in danger.
When you need some electrical work completed, do yourself a favour and hire a licensed electrician to do it right.
A licensed electrician protects you from electrical issues and keeps your home electricals functioning properly.
Note that a contractor’s license does not grant the authority to carry out electrical work.
An electrician must hold a current Electrical Licence from the relevant issuing authority. This enables them to install, maintain, and replace electrical wiring.
To achieve safe results the first time, get an experienced and reliable licensed electrician.