2 Electrical Projects a Homeowner Should Not DIY

When it comes to home improvements, there are many that homeowners may feel like they want to tackle themselves. DIY is all the rage right now, but what Pinterest does not show you is the perfectly staged photos of when DIY fails.

When it comes to home improvements, there are many that homeowners may feel like they want to tackle themselves.  DIY is all the rage right now, but what Pinterest does not show you is the perfectly staged photos of when DIY fails.  There may be many internet tutorials for DIY projects but not everyone is capable or should attempt certain DIY projects around the home.  One area of home improvement that home DIYers should definitely not attempt themselves is electrical.  Electricians are highly trained, skilled and experienced individuals and for good reason, the work they do is not for the layman.  Electrical work around the home is complicated and dangerous – not something with which to experiment.  Below are three home electrical projects that you should never DIY.

1.       Adding Outlets or Converting to GFCI

Any project that involves adding wiring to add outlets or convert existing outlets to GFCI outlets should probably be handled by an experienced and trained professional.  Today, code often requires that bathrooms and kitchens have at least one GFCI outlet but making the conversion can be complicated.  To bring your home up to code, hire a professional electrician who can appropriately space outlets and safely conduct all work because an incorrectly installed GFCI could put your home at risk of fire or other problems.  This will help you avoid injuring yourself, spacing outlets too close together, or possibly damaging your home or rendering it unsafe.

2.       Installing New/Replacing Old Lighting

Whether you want to install new lighting in your home or outside, or whether you want to replace a light fixture, it is probably best left to the pros.  The first, and most obvious risk, is electrocution.  But, even if you perform the cardinal rule of electrical work and turn off the electricity, there are still other potential problems.  While many homeowners could possibly replace a light fixture, they are often high and out of reach, necessitating a ladder.  But to take down a light fixture and hang a new one, it requires you to be able to safely climb a ladder and also hold light fixtures.  This can be very challenging.  If you want to add outdoor lighting or landscape lighting, you will need grounded electricity because of the risk that your electrical work could come in contact with water.  These complicated electrical projects are simply outside the range of knowledge or ability for many homeowners.