It can be very tempting to do your electrical work yourself. It at least appears to save money and wiring a socket or light switch is easy, right?
There are strict laws in Philadelphia about what can and cannot be done on your own when it comes to electrical work. If all you need to do is replace a switch or install that wonderful lamp that you found, you can absolutely do that yourself. However, more complex things require permits, which are only given to licensed electricians.
Any electrical work done has to be up to code, and if you are not absolutely confident about these basic repairs, then consider hiring an electrician anyway. A properly licensed electrician will perform the work quickly and you can be reassured that it is up to code and not a fire hazard. There are also a lot of myths around - for example, a lot of people think you can use electrical tape to replace insulation (you can't, and it's a fire hazard). A lot of people also try to install ceiling fans, which can easily result in a fan on the table.
You may not realize it, but the money you save doing your own electric work could cost you much more later on down the line. This is especially true if you try to sell your house later. During the required inspection, the inspector will fail you for not getting a licensed electrician, which can void any potential sale.
Another benefit is that an electrician will generally guarantee their work and if it fails, will come back and fix it.
It is entirely possible to save money while hiring a pro. Just look for experienced workers or companies who are licensed and have a reasonable hourly or flat rate. It will save you money and a lot of stress in the long run.
There are strict laws in Philadelphia about what can and cannot be done on your own when it comes to electrical work. If all you need to do is replace a switch or install that wonderful lamp that you found, you can absolutely do that yourself. However, more complex things require permits, which are only given to licensed electricians.
Any electrical work done has to be up to code, and if you are not absolutely confident about these basic repairs, then consider hiring an electrician anyway. A properly licensed electrician will perform the work quickly and you can be reassured that it is up to code and not a fire hazard. There are also a lot of myths around - for example, a lot of people think you can use electrical tape to replace insulation (you can't, and it's a fire hazard). A lot of people also try to install ceiling fans, which can easily result in a fan on the table.
You may not realize it, but the money you save doing your own electric work could cost you much more later on down the line. This is especially true if you try to sell your house later. During the required inspection, the inspector will fail you for not getting a licensed electrician, which can void any potential sale.
Another benefit is that an electrician will generally guarantee their work and if it fails, will come back and fix it.
It is entirely possible to save money while hiring a pro. Just look for experienced workers or companies who are licensed and have a reasonable hourly or flat rate. It will save you money and a lot of stress in the long run.
About the Author:
Stay safe and find a certified Philadelphia electrician to solve your electrical problems. There will be one local to you listed online at http://www.barryfisher-electric.com/.
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