|
There may be a lot of items on your “honey do” list that are not a big challenge such as cutting the grass, washing the windows, cleaning out the garage, doing some landscaping or replacing some tiles on the roof, but when it comes to electrical work, it’s highly recommended that you find a pro.
There are numerous issues that can arise not only during the work but after. If electrical work is not done properly, there can be a silent killer lurking in your walls, outlets or wires. These types of mistakes can lead to fires and other potential disasters that can put your family at risk. Electrical contracting is one profession we have the utmost respect for and we highly recommend you do as well. Here are a few valuable suggestions from us that can help you with your due diligence and assist you in avoiding trouble. In no particular order, here they are:
Along with this list of 10 items that can help you, we suggest the following 5 steps and that you also discuss the following:
We hope this list provides some valuable steps to take not only when hiring a licensed, professional and trustworthy electrical contracting company, but with any contractor who may potentially enter your home. Doing too much due diligence is certainly better than not doing enough. Good luck! The lights flicker, and an unusual smell wafts into the room, and you immediately know something is wrong. The hair on your arm stands on edge as you hear a strange groaning noise from within the walls.
If this scenario sounds scary, it’s because it is; faulty electrical wiring is among the most frequented ways houses catch fire. Once your old wires lose its protective sheathing and send inconsistent surges of power throughout your home, it only keeps you at risk of harm. Below are some helpful tips that we share with area homeowners. Flicking or Burnt Out Bulbs You recently replaced that old light bulb with a newer CFL, halogen, or LED one a few weeks ago. And yet, it’s already burnt out. Newer bulbs get designed to last for at least a year of continued service, so there’s no reason why it should be out already. If your new light bulbs don’t remain lit, then it’s receiving uneven amounts of power, forcing it to work harder. Aluminum Wiring Aluminum wires were the go-to installation choice back in the 1960s. However, they stopped using it in the early ‘70s because it was causing electrical fires. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that wasn’t used in the construction of your home, especially if it’s an older residence or historical building. If you see wires with an AL printed on the casing, you know you need help. Outlets with Only Two Prongs Another blast from the past, two-pronged electrical outlets stop getting used in construction in the early 1960s as well. Initially, these systems had included a small ground wire, but modern electrical needs far outpace what it can handle. Modern outlets have three prongs so that it can use a designated grounding wire, leading to safer device use. If your outlets still only have two prongs, it needs more than a new cover installed by a certified professional. Lights Continually Flicker Although flickering lights in the middle of the night is a spooky situation, it nearly always has a reasonable explanation. Unfortunately, the reason behind dimming and flickering lights is often bad electrical wiring. While it’s possible it could be a light fixture that needs to get tightened or reconnected, most homeowners have this issue throughout their home. And if that is the case, that wires in each room are worn out, it’s a house fire waiting to happen. Angry Outlets Do you feel a slight bite each time you plug in your phone to charge? Shocks, sparks, and electrical arcs forming from plugs are all exposed electrical components. Not only is this dangerous for your house, but to your family as well. When you have small children, pets, and guests over, they all remain at risk for electrical shocks. Keep your home safer with a reputable contractor and check their reviews first! With the advent of Home Depot, Lowe’s and many retailers and online stores, many homeowners and even business owners have resorted to trying to take the less expensive DIY route.
While it’s admirable and sometimes a good idea, electricity is not something we suggest you mess with unless it’s the simplest of jobs. The risks with children, animals, water, fire, and potentials for injury, harm or even death, make it one of the less desirable things to check off the “honey do” list yourself. We recommend researching and hiring a qualified professional service contractor in your local area. That being said, please be aware of the following precautions:
|