Even though you may be an avid DIYer, making electrical changes isn’t as straightforward as other home projects, such as painting walls or laying down hardwood floors. Sorting through all the necessary wires and circuits to install new lighting or outlets can be difficult, if not dangerous, for the average person to do on their own.
Hiring a local electrician will take the work off your plate and ensure everything is up to code so there’s no risk of hazards in the long run. Here’s a guide to what home projects you should never attempt to DIY.
Adding a New Electrical Outlet or Switch
Though this might seem like a DIY-friendly project, it’s better left to the pros. Replacing a pre-existing outlet or switch is fair game for homeowners to do by themselves (as long as it’s not damaged or burnt, in which case it’s better to call in an electrician). But installing brand new outlets requires running additional wire through the walls, which can be hazardous without the necessary skills and know-how.
Replacing Wiring
This is another similarly risky project for a person to attempt on their own. Hiring a pro for a job like this will make your life easier—and ensure your home is safe from electrical fires.
Installing Recessed Lights
Recessed lights are a type of fixture that’s built directly into your ceiling. Installing recessed lights involves moving a lot of wires around—a job a pro will have a much easier time handling. If your home is equipped with pre-existing recessed lights, feel free to replace them on your own. This is easy for any homeowner to do because there’s no need to sort through or add extra wiring.
Setting Up Outdoor Lighting
Hiring a qualified electrician to do this job ensures everything is installed correctly upfront, so there’s no risk of overloading your circuit breaker. A pro will also make sure everything is properly waterproofed and protected from the elements, so you can enjoy cozy outdoor lighting any time of the year.
Repairing a Broken Circuit Breaker
The circuit breaker is basically the center of your electrical system. Though it may seem simple on the surface, fixing or replacing your breaker can be daunting—especially because breaking one part could also cause unforeseen problems elsewhere. Instead of becoming an electricity expert in order to fix a broken circuit breaker, save yourself some time and energy and hire one instead.