For homeowners, few things are as satisfying as successfully completing a home improvement project, especially when they save some money in the process. Certain repairs or upgrades are safe to do on your own. However, many projects, including electrical or plumbing work, are better left to a professional – and that includes seemingly small projects.
Can I do DIY electrical work? For something like a light fixture or ceiling fan installation, the answer is a resounding no. Below, Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electric, the leader in electrical services in Tulsa, OK, explains why safety isn’t the only thing in mind when professionals caution homeowners against DIY electrics and other dangerous work.
The Best Reason To Avoid DIY Electrical Work in Tulsa? It’s Actually Illegal
You may be surprised how many well-meaning homeowners attempt electrical projects without realizing that doing so is against the law. That’s right; in Oklahoma, it’s illegal for anyone who does not have a professional electrician’s license to perform any kind of electrical work.
While you’re unlikely to get arrested or face jail time for changing out an outlet, you could run into trouble down the road if you try to sell your home. A home inspector will check code compliance. You may be on the hook for professional repairs if the official discovers issues with your amateur repairs or installations.
Typically, electrical repairs require a permit. If you visit the Tulsa permitting office and ask, “Can I do DIY electrical work?” they’ll refuse to grant you permission, and rightly so. Working with electricity is dangerous, and faulty repairs create too many risks to leave them in the hands of an amateur.
In general, only a professional electrician can get the necessary permits. This strict process ensures everything is legal, and the house won’t face any safety problems later on.
Unlicensed Electrical Work Can Create Safety Hazards
If you don’t have the training and expertise to work with electricity, you’re putting yourself and others in danger. Even something as minor as failing to secure wiring or a fixture can cause electrical fires that severely damage or destroy a home and put families at risk for injury.
Other common safety hazards associated with DIY electrical repairs include:
- Electric shocks, during and after the work
- Circuit overloads that lead to shorts and surges
- Damage or injuries due to not using the proper tools
- Fixtures that are dangerous to use
Can I do DIY electrical work with a basic understanding of the electrical system? The answer is always no. Even if you follow the precise instructions you find online or in a user’s manual, there are always DIY repair risks you’ll want to avoid.
Amateur Electrical Repairs Cost Tulsa Homeowners More Money
Saving money is the primary reason homeowners opt to attempt their own electrical repairs, but it’s common for that plan to backfire — and in a big way.
You might want to avoid the expense of hiring a Tulsa electrician. However, trying to fix problems yourself can make things significantly worse. Ultimately, you may face thousands in repair costs, and that’s the best-case scenario.
Let’s say that you do manage to fix one issue correctly, but along the way, you cause other problems that snowball into huge repair bills. If the work you’ve done then causes a fire or some other damage, you’ll spend a lot of money fixing those problems. Plus, the chances are your homeowner’s insurance won’t lift a finger because most insurers deny claims relating to what a homeowner did (or didn’t do), including unauthorized electrical work.
The bottom line is that making your own electrical repairs isn’t likely to save you any money. For your own peace of mind and safety, get a licensed Tulsa electrician to do the job.
Leave Electrical Work to Tulsa’s Most Respected Professionals
When you consider fires, significant electrical problems, and exorbitant expenses, it’s easy to see why we tell homeowners who ask, “Can I do DIY electrical work?” that it’s a terrible idea. Besides, when you have an exceptional team like Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electric to handle your Tulsa, Oklahoma, home, it doesn’t make sense to risk it.
Get the help you need by giving us a call or scheduling an appointment online. We’ll take care of every detail, from installing a light fixture to securing a permit to upgrade electrical panels. Don’t put your home or budget in danger – leave the electrical work to Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electric’s professionals.
