Home Improvement Jobs You Should Definitely Hire an Electrician For

Working with electricity is not a simple task. A wrong move could damage the wiring throughout your house, put you at risk for electrocution, or even worse, cause a house fire. Then, you’re hit with a hefty repair bill, potential hospital bills, and/or having to relocate after a fire. It can all be avoided if you start looking for an electrician before you start home improvement jobs such as those listed below.

Installing Light Fixtures or Ceiling Fans

You may be able to change lightbulbs without an issue, but if you’re thinking of installing new light fixtures or ceiling fans in your home, it is best to hire an electrician. When you remove the original fixture, there are a bunch of exposed wires. If you don’t properly turn off the electric source or clip the right wires, you could get hurt, blow a fuse, and a number of other things.

New Electrical Wiring

Electrical work is not only dangerous but it is also a home improvement task that must be permitted and up to code to remain safe and in compliance with your locality’s building codes. You may see easy to follow how-to guides online that show you how to add new lines for light switches, fixtures, and circuits, but it’s a serious risk to take.

Again, one wrong move and you could get hurt or seriously damage your property. Electricians are trained to work with electrical wiring, they have the necessary gear to keep the same and the proper tools to get the job done without issue. They’re also aware of building codes ensuring that your home improvement project will past safety inspections carried out by city and county inspectors.

Panel Upgrades

Thinking of installing a new appliance in your home? In many instances, you’ll need to upgrade your electrical panel to ensure there is enough energy to power the device. Before you try to update the panel yourself, consider the consequences. If you don’t do it appropriately, you run the risk of damaging the electrical wiring throughout your entire house. Fixing this damage is not only costly but time-consuming. You’ll obviously have to relocate until power is restored since you need electricity for daily activities, which costs you even more money. However, calling an electrician can save you money and ensure your devices are properly powered.

Kitchen Remodels

Kitchen remodeling projects are some of the most popular home improvements to complete. While a simple remodeling like painting, adding a backsplash, and installing cabinets may not require an electrician (and can be completed on your own), if you have to install new outlets or circuits, this should not be done without the services of an electrician. From adding circuits for appliances like the fridge, dishwasher, and microwave to installing new outlets or lighting fixtures, electricians are experts in making your kitchen safe and efficient.

Landscaping

Yes, you read that right. There are some landscaping projects that you need to consult an electrician for. You can certainly cut the grass, create a garden, trim the tree, etc, without the help of an expert, but there are other more advanced projects an electrician is certainly needed. For example, if you’re thinking of installing a pool, fountain, or outdoor kitchen in your backyard these all have electrical components. Digging too deep could cause you to damage electrical wiring buried in your yard. If the features you’re installing require electricity such as landscape lighting or a water feature, you’ll want to make sure you have adequate power and that these devices and/or appliances have been installed safely.

There are electrical components throughout your entire home. When you’re thinking of completing home improvement projects it is always best to consult an electrician to ensure you’re not going to do anything that could cause more damage, injure you, get you in trouble with the city, or set your house on fire.