Did you know that there are 51,000 electrical fires in the United States every year? These account for 500 deaths and more than $1.3 billion in property damage.
It is one of the main reasons that, when you are hiring a professional electrician, you need one that is licensed and insured. Unfortunately, there is a lot of confusion about what this means and why it is important.
Below are four of the most common myths about the electrical industry and the people who work in it. This information will help you determine how to select the right professional for your electrical repair.
1. Anyone Can Do the Job
It is not against the law for you to hire whomever you like to work on your home. With many home repair or renovation projects, it may be completely suitable to hire a handyman who does work on the side. But that is not the case with electrical work.
Hiring a certified electrician is essential for ensuring that the project is done right. Conversely, someone who is not a licensed electrician may lack adequate skills and expertise.
2. All General Contractors Can Perform Electrical Work
Hiring a general contractor and hiring a licensed electrician is not the same thing. Not every state or local jurisdiction requires licensing for general contractors. But electricians must be licensed no matter where you live.
Any reputable contractor will have a working knowledge of electrical systems. But that does not mean that they have the same level of expertise as a trained electrician.
One of the main reasons people fall into the trap of hiring a general contractor for electrical work is that hiring a single contractor to perform myriad project tasks is both convenient and cost-effective. While it may save time, it is not necessarily the case that it will save you money.
A sub-standard electrical repair could end up costing you more money down the road. It could also be difficult to sell your home without proof that a licensed, professional electrician did the work.
3. Some Electrical Jobs Do Not Require a Professional Electrician
Any number of problems can arise from shoddy electrical work. Faulty electrical wiring inside an outlet can cause a fire. Fuse boxes with loose breakers can cause outages and damage to your home’s structure.
Even the smallest electrical jobs carry high risks if not done well. The scope of the project does not matter. Even if the repair seems insignificant to you, leave it up to a trained electrician to determine what steps you need to take.
4. Electricians Damage Walls
It is a common misconception that electricians haphazardly cause wall or other damage when doing rewiring or repairs. This is why you should hire a licensed electrician, not shy away from them.
The best electrician will be the one who will minimize any physical alternations necessary for rewiring. You can expect them to discuss with you at the outset what structural impact the repairs will warrant.
Find the Best Electrical Contractor Near You
Now that you understand some of the reasons to hire a professional electrician, you can start looking for one in your area. Find a local electrician that you can trust and with whom you can establish a relationship. It will give you the peace of mind that your home’s electrical system is intact and that you and your family are safe.
At White Electric, we provide a range of electrical services, including indoor and outdoor installation and repair. Our technicians and licensed and qualified to tackle any electrical issue you have. Reach out to us today for a free quote or to schedule a visit.
