Every homeowner, ever, has had the same idea. If I do the work myself, I will save some money on this project. While you may save upfront costs, DIY electrical work can cost you much more on the backend. These are just a few reasons you should NEVER do your own electrical work.
The most significant reason to trust a professional with your electrical project is a wrong move could literally kill you. Someone who doesn’t have the right expertise could fail to cut the current to the project and end up electrocuting themselves – a mistake that can lead to extreme pain and even death. If the project isn’t done correctly, it could still be a hazard, even if everything seems to be working. Faulty wiring may lead to fires down the road that put you, your family, and your belongings at risk. Other risks are also involved in DIY work, like climbing ladders and working with sharp tools in cramped areas.
Even if there isn’t any physical danger, you could still be putting your family at legal risk. If you fail to pull the correct permits, your DIY project may be considered illegal and cost you more money down the road. Not only will it put you in legal hot water, but it may also cause other headaches like increasing or voiding your homeowner’s insurance. You could also be found legally liable if you sell the house and an issue is found with the wiring that can be traced back to you.
The major technological booms of the 21st century have made our daily lives easier, but sometimes we take for granted all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making that technology happen. Something as “simple” as installing a smart thermostat can be a nightmare for the weekend DIYer if their house isn’t already wired for it. Much of today’s electrical work requires specialised knowledge and skills that the layman no longer has.
Most people choose to do their own work because they believe it will save them money, but almost every DIYer can tell you a story of a project gone south. Many people will take on a project believing they can do the work themselves, only to find out that after they have sunk significant money into the project, they don’t have the tools or knowledge to finish it. So, after spending all the money on the project, they still have to pay an electrician for what they would have to begin with and possibly even more if the electrician has to spend their time undoing what you’ve already done.
Another downside to DIY projects is they often take way more time than initially suspected, so what should have been a quick 20-minute job ends up taking your entire weekend. When you are working with electricity, it is not like you can just leave the project until later, especially if you have cut electricity to key areas in the home, like the kitchen, for instance. Certified electricians will do the job quicker and free up your hands for other tasks.
While calling in a professional electrician may sound like giving up to the average DIYer, you’ll be happy you did when the project is over. You will have peace of mind that the project was done safely, and you can use the time you would have been doing it to pursue other endeavours. If you have electrical work that needs to be done, call in the pros at Astley Electrical. Our “client for life” policy promises that we will go above and beyond to ensure your project is completed to the highest standard every time.