Should I DIY The Electrical Work For My Reno?

No. It might sound like a simple answer, but electrical work is not something that should be attempted by those who aren’t trained. You can absolutely do DIY renovations to your home in general, but you’ll need to hire an electrician for this particular task. Without a trained electrician, you run the risk of electrocution, fires, improper wiring, and legal ramifications, making it no easier or affordable to do this particular project by yourself. There are other parts of the reno that involve electrical that you can be involved in, just not any of the wiring itself. There are several reasons you should hire a professional electrician instead of doing it yourself.

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Why Not To Attempt Electrical DIY

Safety. This is the number one reason why electrical services need to be performed by professional electrical contractors or electrical companies. Electricians are properly trained so that all electrical installation is not only safe while it is being installed, but afterward as well. If an untrained person is trying to work with the electrical wiring, they can easily shock themself or start an electrical fire by causing a short. Some electrical connections can be out of sight and can cause sudden electrical shocks.

Even if an untrained person manages to complete their wiring without injury, that doesn’t mean there are no complications. When electrical wiring is installed improperly, faulty wiring can go undetected for a long time before suddenly starting a house fire.

Improperly Working Electrical. Even if all wiring is installed without injury, it may not work seamlessly. If wiring is faulty, it can lead to

Dim or flickering lights
Inconveniently placed sockets
Frequent circuit breaker trips
A buzzing noise
Discolouration, scorching, or smoke
Warm outlets

While some of these may seem only like inconveniences, they all indicate faulty wiring that can lead to larger problems in the future.

Legality. When completing a DIY project, you need to get a permit to do the electrical work. This permit is only good for the homeowner, so you can’t get other family members or friends involved to help you. These permits also involve inspections before and after the work is completed, and if your completed electrical work is not approved, you will have to redo it.

Time. DIY is typically undertaken to save money and to create a sense of self-satisfaction knowing you’ve done something yourself, but having faulty wiring will not generate that feeling and the attempted DIY will likely cause frustration. Electrical work, particularly by someone inexperienced, is a very time-consuming task. This will likely stress out the average homeowner, but it also means your DIY project will take much longer overall.

What You Can Do Instead

Plan The Layout. You can still do a DIY home renovation and be involved in the electrical services, just not in a hands-on role. When you’re designing the layout of a room, consider where the electrical will go in the wall and help create a plan for your residential electricians.

Hire A Professional. The best thing you can do for yourself and your home is to hire an experienced, licensed, and insured electrician. This will ensure no one is injured during electrical alterations and it will ensure that you are protected against house fires during the installation and for years to come. A professional electrical company will set you up for a successful DIY project so that you can still be involved with creating your space and decorating it just the way you want but without the danger of doing the wiring yourself.

Have Wiring Done By Trained Calgary Electricians

To have your DIY project completed properly and safely, call the residential electrical experts at Fluorescent Man Lighting and Electrical in Calgary. Each of our Calgary-based electricians is fully licensed and insured, with between 5 to 8 years of electrical contracting experience. Fluorescent Man Lighting is proud to have provided efficient and affordable service in the Calgary and Chestermere areas for over 25 years, and our workmanship comes with a quality guarantee. If you’re ready to get electrical service for your DIY project or for any other electrical needs in your home, call Fluorescent Man Lighting and Electrical at 1-403-863-8529 or fill out the online contact form.

FAQ

Q: How much does a consultation cost?
A: FM Lighting and Electrical offers a free consultation that includes:

An assessment of your electrical needs
Recommendations of the best products for your home or business
An effective and efficient solution design
A no-obligation quote

Call us at 1-403-863-8529 or contact us online to learn more.

Q: What services are offered at Fluorescent Man Lighting and Electrical in Calgary?
A: FM Lighting and Electrical offers:

Surge protection
Outlet upgrades
Code corrections
Electrical panel review and maintenance
Automation system wiring
Fault protection
Appliance wiring and installation
Circuit breakers and fuses
Emergency services
LED Retrofit

Q: I have a little bit of experience with electrical wiring. Can I do my own electrical work if I get an inspection?
A: While you technically can and some experience will lower your risk of injury, having a fully licensed professional electrician is still best, as your insurance likely will not cover the cost if your home later suffers from an electrical fire. Also, it will always be safer to hire a highly experienced electrician to ensure everything is completed properly and safely.