Do you need a licensed electrician to work on that remodeling job in your home? Here are some pros and cons to consider.
An electrician is an electrical contractor that you hire for remodeling jobs or new construction. These professionals can be licensed or not. Many homeowners wonder if it's really necessary to hire the fully licensed company or individual when there are cheaper ways to get the jobs done.
Electricians run new wires or replace old ones. They handle electrical boxes,
fuses, conduit and circuits. They follow blueprints and plans designed by electrical engineers in order to create working systems within a home or commercial building. Some handymen and jacks-of-all-trades claim to be able to fix your wiring, but buyer beware: electric installations or repairs are complicated endeavors that demand respect from DIYers. Faulty wiring can be disastrous. Here are some pros and cons for hiring a licensed vs. unlicensed individual or business.
Pros of Hiring a Licensed Electrician:
- Licensed pros have had to do coursework in order to learn the ins and outs of electricity. Not only did they have to study and pass tests, they also had to spend time working out in the field acquiring hands-on experience.
- A homeowner can check with the local board of electrical contractors in order to learn about a pro's past history. Is his or her license up to date? Have there been any unresolved complaints about them? These are important items to check into.
- Building codes are set up to ensure public safety, and licensed contractors will stay up to date with them. When electrical work is done, the local municipalities will inspect it to make sure it's done correctly.
- In order to go through the steps to get their license, these individuals had to be dedicated to their craft and in refining their skill set. This dedication will shine through in the degree to which you can trust their work.
Pros of Hiring an Unlicensed Electrician:
- An unlicensed person's fees will be less expensive than one licensed. If you "know a guy" who can do the work you need done, and if it's not a huge task, you might be able to save some money here.
- Since an unlicensed worker won't usually bother with permits and inspections, the job will be completed faster, which is cool if you're trying to finish the work in a hurry.
Cons of a Licensed Professional:
- It will cost more cash to hire a professional, but it's important to remember that you often get what you pay for.
- A homeowner will have to get permits and wait for inspectors. Still, the homeowner will be assured that when all is done, the job has been done right.
Cons of an Unlicensed Handyman:
- Crossed wires can short out and burn your house down. Worse yet, if the insurance company learns that a non-professional performed the work, they may not pay for the damage caused by the fire.
- Because the handyman isn't being watched over by municipalities, inspectors or the board of contractors, if something goes wrong, there's no recourse.
When building a new house or remodeling, there are many decisions to be made. Deciding between hiring an unlicensed or licensed electrician is one of them. After weighing the facts, a homeowner will have to make a decision for him or herself.
