Electric repair is a common thing that every homeowner has to deal with. When it comes to electric repair you have two choices: either you have to do it yourself (DIY) or call a professional. Before choosing between these two choices it’s important to know the pros and cons to make a good decision. In today’s world, DIY electric repair is very common and many people have started attempting it. According to a survey byHomeAdvisor at least one home DIY project is attempted by 90% of the population but only 39% are satisfied with the results. The low percentage of satisfied results is because of the complexity of DIY electric repair.
Many people start doing DIY electric repair because of the huge cost of professional electric repair. According to the HomeAdvisor Cost Guide, the cost of electric repair in the US ranges between 150$ and 500$ per repair. Despite the large number of people attempting DIY electric repair, many safety issues are related to this.
In this blog, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of DIY and professional electric repair and also discuss the factors which you have to consider before choosing between these two.
Pros and Cons of DIY Electric Repair
Pros:
The cost savings are the main benefit of electric repair. If you handle your electric repair by yourself you don’t have to spend money to hire a professional. This can be good for small repairs and the ones which don’t require expensive materials.
The other advantage is that when you do it yourself it will give you a sense of satisfaction. For those who love DIY, electrical repair can be a satisfactory experience. There are many tutorials available online that can help you fix electric issues and many of them just require basic understanding and the right tools.
Cons:
DIY electric repair can be dangerous. The main disadvantage of this is safety. Because working with electricity can be dangerous and even a small mistake can cause big issues. Without the proper knowledge, you might not understand the issue and make it worse or don’t follow the safety measures correctly and put yourself and your family in danger.
Another disadvantage is that this can cost you a lot of money in the long run. If the electric repair isn’t done the right way it can cause even more damage which can lead to higher repair costs when you call a professional. Some electric repairs require you to have a permit that the DIYers ignore which causes a legal issue.
Pros and Cons of Professional Electric Repair
Pros:
The professionals are trained and make sure that electric repair is done correctly. So, this gives you the satisfaction that the repair is done correctly when you hire a professional. They also have experience so they quickly identify the problems even the ones that are difficult for the average DIYer.
Another advantage is time-saving. Professionals know electric repair so they complete the repair without causing much disturbance in your home. This is very important for urgent and complex repairs that require quick action.
Cons:
The main disadvantage of hiring a professional for electric repair is repair charges. The electricians charge for their skills and knowledge, and sometimes it costs even more money especially when the repairs are huge. Some DIY homeowners can save this cost by completing the repair by themselves.
Another disadvantage is that it’s time-consuming. When you hire a professional you have to book an appointment or check the availability. This can disturb your schedule as you have to wait for the electrician to come and fix the issue. This also disturbs the lives of others in your home if the issue affects your daily life.
Factors to consider:
There are many factors besides pros and cons to consider when deciding between professional and DIY electric repair. These factors include safety concerns, the possibility of breaking warrants, environmental and health issues, community regulations, and household insurance effects.
Complexity of electric repair
Minor repair
If the task is to just fix a faulty outlet or repair a light switch you can do this on your own because it is DIY friendly. You just require the basic knowledge and some tools, which makes it easier for the homeowner.
Complex repair
If the task is to rewire a circuit, repair appliances or deal with a breaker panel, you must call a professional. Because these repairs require having the experience to ensure safety while working and in-depth knowledge.
Safety Concerns of Electric Repair
DIY Risks
Electricity is dangerous to work with. If you are doing DIY electric repair the risk of burns, electric shock and fires increase if you don’t do it the right way. Safety should be your priority while working with electricity and mostly when you are doing a high-voltage task.
Professional Expertise
Professionals have the experience and they know how to work with these risks safely. They also know the precautions necessary to avoid any injury and they also wear safety gear and are equipped with the right tools.
Possibility of Breaking Warrants
DIY Risks
If the repairs are not done by a certified professional this will cancel the warranties that some electrical components have. This can cause you trouble if you face an issue in the future.
Professional Benefits
The professional uses the proper procedures and approved parts to make sure that the warranties stay untouched.
Environmental and Health Issues
DIY Awareness
Most DIYers don’t know how to dispose of old components or deal with hazardous materials. This is because of the lack of awareness about the environmental and health factors.
Professional Knowledge
Electricians handle these issues safely and responsibly because they are trained. They can reduce the environmental impact and also protect the health of households.
Community Regulations
DIY Restriction
There are specific regulations in some communities that who can perform the electrical work. If someone violates these regulations they have to pay fines or face legal actions.
Professional Compliance
Professionals make sure that all the work meets the specific regulations of the community because they are recognized by authorities and are licensed.
These are the pros and cons and the factors that you should take into account before choosing between professional and DIY electrical repair. DIY electric repair has many benefits as compared to professional but you didn’t ignore the fact that professional electric repair is safe. So, in terms of safety professional electric repair is the best choice. You cannot ignore the safety while working with electricity as it puts your life and your loves ones life in danger. But if know how to perform simple DIY-friendly electric repairs do them by yourself.
