Making the decision to renovate your house is a huge one, and although it may be an exciting time, it can also be extremely expensive.
Because renovations may be costly, you’re probably looking for some do-it-yourself projects and are ready to save on labour costs as much as possible. While this is a good idea, some things cannot be done as a do-it-yourself project, and electrical repair is one of them. While on the work, you must adhere to a variety of legal obligations and safety precautions. While there are many projects that may be done on your own, electrical work is best left to the professionals.
An electrician can get your renovation project done in no time. It is critical that you have your electrical work done by a qualified electrician.
DIY Vs professional electrical jobs
As a homeowner, you can do the simple things such as changing light bulbs, installing battery operated smoke detectors and other basic tasks. But if you want help regarding the following tasks, you need to hire an electrician –
- Change out a light switch
- Install a ceiling fan in place or a light fixture
- Assemble an extension cable or a power board
- Installing or removing a power outlet
- Repair of electrical items including heaters and kitchen appliances
- Installing and maintenance of air conditioners
- Switchboard upgrades
- Electrical fault finding
If you are preparing your home for renovations or are in the midst of one, there are a few things you should keep in mind while working near wiring or appliances. Appliances that are being repaired or replaced should not be used. Never use power boards or extension cords outside the home. Contact with rain or intense sun heat might result in damage and, in severe cases, cause a fire. Get to know your way around the fuse box. When the home consumes more electricity than it can handle, it will occasionally shut down. Check the fuse box first and see if any switches are down before hiring an electrician. If this is the case, pull them up to get power. Remember to wear protective gear while doing so.
Only hire licensed and insured tradies
Hiring a licenced contractor may be more expensive in the short term but a qualified electrician, we get all your work done according to government safety and regulatory compliance, and will also have the right insurance/warranty if something goes wrong.
Cash job electricians may be less expensive because they don’t have additional expenses like insurance, warranties, licencing fees, and workers compensation, among other things. Unlicensed contractors are not held liable for complaints or poor workmanship. So, if something goes wrong in your house, it’ll be much more expensive to pay for damages.
It is critical that you locate the right tradie to complete the work for you. Electrical renovations should not be attempted as a do-it-yourself job since you risk damaging your property more. It is critical to select the proper tradesperson for the work at hand. Some electricians, for example, specialise in air conditioner installation, while others install and repair light fixtures. Regardless of how big or little your work is, you should always choose a qualified and insured professional, especially if something goes wrong.
Don’t forget to ask them how much the renovation project will cost you before you begin. Find out how much an electrician costs.
Get detailed quotes for your project
Make an appointment with the electrician first and show them your renovation plans. They will then be able to offer you with an electrician quote that contains all of the necessary details. You will be able to make a more informed selection if you have a thorough and clear estimate and description. When faced with a large project, many electricians charge an hourly rate. The price varies considerably depending on where you search. They can also charge a one-time call-out fee for services such as arriving at the client’s house to assess the work that needs to be done. Most electricians may charge a fixed price for small jobs. As a result, you will receive a price based on the size of your renovation project. A standard quote includes the following –
- Labour costs
- Material and appliance costs
- Subcontractor payments
- Prep time and duration to complete the project
- Any additional fees
If you are planning a large renovation project, don’t forget to ask for examples of their previous work.
Don’t select the first electrician you talk to. Get at least 3 quotes and compare their prices, experience, examples of previous work and duration of project completion. Based on that, you can select the electrician which works the best for you.
