Seven Electical Projects Best Left to the Professionals
Today, almost every homeowner knows how to use Internet search engines to find DIY home project directions. It's actually a really good way to save money and learn skills at the same time. That said, there are just some projects best left to the professionals. When you're working with electricity, this is especially true, as one wrong move could put your life or property in danger, as well as cost you hundreds are even thousands of dollars. So how do you know when you're in over your head? Here are ten electrical projects to hand off to a pro:
1. Updating your Home to Go Green
Sustainable options in your home aren't just good for the environment; they're good for your wallet as well. There are small changes you can make around your house to go green without hiring anyone. For example, you can switch to CFL bulbs or replace light switches with dimmer-style switches to use less electricity. If you want to totally "green" your home's electric bill, though, you need a professional. He or she can help you find hidden ways to save money, as well as assist with bigger projects, such as upgrading old electrical heating systems. The cost of the electrician will come back to you over and over through savings on your monthly bills, so in this case, hiring a pro just makes sense.
With a small electrical problem, like a blown fuse, in a fairly new home, you may be able to do the work yourself. Older homes sometimes pose problems, however, depending on how the home was wired. The safety codes used to wire such homes do not always stand up to today's codes, meaning that even if you follow directions perfect, you could still get shocked or start a fire. With a home more than five to ten years old, call a pro.
3. Work that Needs to be Inspected
Depending on the laws in your area, some electrical work may need to be inspected by government officials before the home is deemed livable. If that's the case, doing the project yourself could cause you to waste both time and money. Someone who is registered as an electrician, on the other hand, should be able to do repair or installation work specifically according to your area's requirements, and if he or she doesn't, fixes should be free. Keep in mind also that some areas require that the person doing electrical work be licensed, for safety reasons.
4. Fixing Circuit Breakers
If there's a problem with your circuit breaker, call a professional. The breaker protects your home from short circuits or overload, and typically, they can be reset manually if there is a problem. However, if you've attempted to reset the circuit breaker and it didn't work, it could be dangerous to attempt fixing it yourself. Unplug everything in your house and call someone to help you find the problem.
5. Any Job that Requires the Power to be Turned On
Typically, when you're working with electricity at all, even just changing a lighting fixture, you want to cut off the power to the entire house (or that part of the house). Sometimes, however, the job at hand requires that the electricity remain turned on. If this is the case, call a professional to help you complete the job. He or she knows better how to take safety precautions to avoid shocks.
6. Finding the Problem
If you don't know what the problem is, it is always better to call a professional. Sometimes, if you understand the problem or know what you want changed, you can follow directions and save money by making it a DIY home project. However, if you aren't educated in regards to electrical work, finding the problem could take a long time. In the meanwhile, the safety of your family and home will be at risk, since many electrical problems can be very serious. At the first sign of unknown trouble, call a professional and schedule an appointment.
7. Commercial Projects
If you're running a business, you have a duty to your customers to ensure that any building they enter is safe. Even if an electrical project seems fairly easy, call a pro to handle the job. After all, not only do you have your customers' safety to consider, but larger commercial buildings may have special wiring considerations that are different from what you'd find in a home. Beyond replacing light switch covers or changing light bulbs, you should do commercial electrical work.
In addition to the projects listed above, if there is any doubt whatsoever in your mind regarding a DIY electrical project, call a professional. If you make a mistake, it could cause a fire or give you a very dangerous shock - two things you definitely don't want to risk. Luckily, there are tons of affordable options when it comes to hiring a professional, especially if you're willing to go out and purchase the materials on your own our help complete the project. You don't have to spend an arm and a leg to get your electrical work done.
