In the United States, DIY projects are increasing in popularity. Painting a room or installing a cabinet are just two examples of this new do-it-yourself culture. However, when it comes to rewiring your home, it’s best to call a professional. Several aspects make rewiring your home alone a dangerous task. At Champion Home Services and Electric, we want your home to have the safest wiring possible. That’s why we had our team of professionals create a list of reasons why you should always, always seek professional help when having your home rewired.
Risk
With any home improvement project comes risk. Home rewiring comes with more dangers than one may think, such as:
- Electric shock
- Electrocution
- Electrical house fires
Junction boxes and connections may be hidden and tricky to work around. They’re meant to be concealed from sight, and it’s easy to get shocked by one on accident. Or worse, depending on the voltage, you may get electrocuted. This could lead to severe injuries and a trip to the hospital.
Reportedly 51,000 house fires occur annually as a result of electrical problems. Faulty wiring may be misleading and can go undetected for several years. Many may think they’ve rewired their home right, but a fire could spark from these wires at any moment. It’s best to contact a professional who knows the right safety measures.
Safety
To avoid the risk of injury or property damage, it’s best to turn to a professional electrician. They have gone through specialized training for this sort of work and know how to avoid danger to you and your home.
You may miss a step when rewiring on your own. Professional electricians are familiar with the process, and know how to do so safely and efficiently.
Electricians must complete around 600 hours of instruction and training, which is why it is important to always turn to a certified, professional electrician. They then train with a licensed electrician on the job to learn hands-on. Tutorials on rewiring your home don’t come close to the training of a professional. Electricians train so long for a reason: to keep themselves and your home safe.
Failed Inspections
A DIY electrical project could raise an issue when it comes to inspections. Inspectors check your home’s electrical system to make sure it’s safe and up to the National Electrical Code. As this work can prove to be troublesome, you may not follow the code as an electrician would.
Performing electrical work without a permit may land you with hefty fines. Failed inspections can also cost you when you need to pay for a re-inspection. DIY projects are often appealing for their low costs. This is one project, however, that could end up costing you more than if you had hired a professional.
This may also raise problems when attempting to sell your home. A potential buyer may not want to take the risks the faulty wiring poses. Or, a buyer could discover the wiring problems and hold you liable for any injuries or damage that occurs. They might even consider legal action for not being informed of the house’s electrical problems.
Insurance Concerns
Rewiring your home alone can also result in problems with your insurance. Insurance companies have the right to deny claims caused by negligence. Without the proper permits and proof that a licensed electrician has inspected your home, you could be held accountable for any damage that occurs.
A homeowner with faulty wiring may be declared negligent by insurance companies. If your wires catch fire and cause damage, you may not get any help from your insurance. This is another reason why inspections by professionals are so essential.
A denied claim is the last thing you need after an accident. Hiring a professional to rewire your home will save you hassle in the long run.
Legality
Finally, this is one DIY project that may be flat-out illegal. In Texas, homeowners are not required to have a permit or license when performing electrical work in their own homes. You are required to have a license to do such work in someone else’s home.
If you or someone else got injured as a result of this work, you may be persecuted. The same goes for any unlicensed electricians working on your home.
Because there are no strict laws forbidding you from this work, it’s not recommended that you go ahead with it. Hiring a professional can save you time, money, and stress.
Contact Champion Home Services
Champion Home Services’s team of professional San Antonio electricians can rewire your home safely. With over 40 years of experience serving the San Antonio area, and over 5,000 reviews, Champion has your needs covered. Contact us today for your electrical repair and rewiring needs!
