Okay Kids, Don’t Try This One At Home: 6 Home Improvement Projects You Shouldn’t DIY

Okay kids, don’t try this one at home…

One way that many people have been filling their time this year is by learning a new craft, finishing projects around the home and DIY-ing every little thing. In one sense this is great, you’re learning something new and gaining a sense of accomplishment, but on the other hand, there’s a reason it’s not your day job. 

Trained electricians are required to complete 600 hours of certified in-class instruction and on-the-job training before they are classified as a trained electrician. So, while it may seem like a project you can check off your list on a Saturday afternoon it may be best to think twice. 

When it comes to electrical work, the best course of action is to always call on a professional. Mistakes can lead to safety hazards, costly repairs, and even house fires that cost over $1.3 billion annually. You may think you’re saving a buck doing it yourself but it will likely cost you more later down the road. 

Here are 6 Electrical Projects You Should Never DIY

1. Replacing an Electrical Panel

If your breaker trips often, if there’s been weather damage, or if you get a subtle shock 

when you touch outlets then it may be time to replace your electrical panel, but don’t do it yourself. Not only would this be incredibly difficult to do without proper training and licensing but oftentimes it also requires an electrical permit to do. You’d be shocked at the consequences this could bring. 

2. Altering, Extending, or Installing Power Cables

You may feel like you have all the power when you complete a DIY project but it’s best to leave this one to the professionals. This complex job not only requires an understanding of the complexities of electrical work but inspectors will often need to see that the work was done by a certified electrician before they issue a Certificate of Compliance. 

3. Installing New Switches

It may sound as easy as on and off, but it’s not! Most people don’t know that a vital first step is to check for hot wires. To do this job safely it requires technical skills and specific tools. Don’t skip a step and regret it later—call a professional to get it right the first time. 

4. Installing Dedicated Circuits

Some heavy-duty appliances require their own dedicated circuit so that they don’t cause others to overheat. For a job this big it’s best to leave it to the big guns. Installing a dedicated circuit requires an expansive knowledge of wiring and outlet installation. 

5. Replacing Burnt Outlets

Yes, replacing outlets is something you can probably do on your own, but when the outlet is burnt that’s another story. Simply replacing the outlet won’t fix the problem. An expert electrician will be able to diagnose the problem and save you time and money in the long-run. Whether the burnt outlet is resulting from overheated wires or overloaded circuits, this is a project that’s too hot for you to touch. 

6. Replacing Wiring

In the United States there are over 51,000 house fires each year and faulty wiring and 

electrical shorts are the culprits to many of these. Replacing wiring is one of the more complex jobs that an electrician does and there’s too much room for error to DIY. 

Whether you’re mitigating risk, keeping your family safe, or staying within code there are several reasons why calling in the professionals is the better choice than DIY-ing these 6 electrical projects.

NuBlue is one of Charlotte’s top-rated electricians and can handle each of these projects and dozens more with flawless execution. They’ll put your safety first and gain your trust throughout the process—getting the job done right the first time. 

So the next time you’re itching to do a DIY electrical project, stop and give NuBlue a call!