Long months of pressure from the ongoing worldwide pandemic situation has interrupted manufacturing schedules, obstructed delivery supply lines, and put tremendous pressure on family budgets. As consumer prices rise and household income falls, DIY projects have become increasingly popular as a way to make necessary changes without digging into savings. 

When the project involves real safety risks, however, such as the installation of a home electrical system, it is important to note that DIY methods can lead to serious problems. If you are currently thinking about DIY-ing an electrical repair or renovation in your home, here are some great reasons to reconsider. 

Resale issues 

Most incorporated areas now utilize and enforce residential building codes to ensure that housing construction, renovations, and repairs are safe and able to conform to basic guidelines. Most building codes require a permitting, inspection, and construction process that requires the use of a contractor and city or county inspector.

Homes that have been constructed, renovated, or repaired without adhering to existing building codes often face problems with valuation and inspections when their owners list them for sale. Unpermitted work may put homeowners at risk of loss of market value or even condemnation orders if the problem is a serious one. 

Fire risk 

Another reason not to DIY any residential electrical repairs, installations, or renovations on your home is due to the risk of fire should a mistake in wiring be made. Should an electrical fire start in your home after a DIY project, your insurance company can void your coverage and refuse to pay for the damage to your home. 

When an electrical improvement is properly made using the legal permit and inspection process, a licensed electrical contractor provides information about their professional certification and the scope of the work to be performed at your home. Inspectors then sign off upon completion to indicate the work was safe and done according to code. After a fire, home insurance investigators actively confirm the information of this type before paying claims. 

Personal safety

Even more important than potential resale issues or insurance problems is the real threat to your personal safety when working with live electrical wires in your home. Electrical contractors wear special safety gear and rely on years of experience and safety training to ensure that they can renovate existing electrical systems or install a new one without injury to themselves or others.

To learn even more reasons to avoid the DIY route when dealing with home electrical system installations or repairs, take time to discuss your concerns and proposed residential electrical system changes with an electrical contractor in your area.