Electrical issues in your home can be extremely dangerous if not addressed properly. However, hiring an electrician to make repairs can also be very expensive. Here are some tips to help you save thousands on electrical repairs without sacrificing safety:
Learn Basic Electrical Repairs Yourself
While extensive electrical work should be left to the professionals, there are some basic repairs you can learn to do yourself. This allows you to fix minor issues immediately without calling an electrician. Some things to learn include:
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Replacing light switches and outlets - With the power off, this is a straight forward job anyone can do. Watch online tutorials to learn.
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Fixing loose connections - Loose wires can cause intermittent issues. Turn off power and re-secure any loose wires in an outlet, switch or appliance.
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Changing light fixtures - As long as the power is off, light fixtures like ceiling fans can easily be swapped out with basic tools.
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Testing for power - Use a multimeter or voltage tester to check if power is running to a light or outlet before assuming it needs replacement.
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Checking circuit breakers - Many electrical issues can be fixed by simply locating and resetting tripped breakers. Learn where your breaker box is located.
Spending time learning some basic electrical DIY will allow you to take care of minor repairs yourself quickly and safely.
Purchase Your Own Electrical Tools and Materials
Electricians charge heavily marked up prices for parts and tools used in repairs. Whenever possible, purchase general use electrical tools and materials yourself at normal retail prices. Basic items every homeowner should have on hand include:
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Multimeter - Allows you to diagnose and test electrical issues.
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Voltage tester - A simple pen-style tester to safely see if power is live.
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Wire strippers - For stripping insulation off wiring when making connections.
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Electrical tape - Used for insulating wires and connections.
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Outlet tester - Plug into outlets to see if the wiring is correct.
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Clamp meter - Measures current flow in wires without touching live circuits.
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Extra fuses and breakers - Have spares ready to replace any blown fuses or tripped breakers.
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Basic tools - Screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, flashlight, etc.
By purchasing your own electrical tools and supplies, you avoid markup and save money.
Compare Multiple Quotes from Electricians
Never hire the first electrician you talk to for a repair quote. The rates electricians charge can vary wildly, so always get quotes from at least 3 local electricians before deciding who to hire.
When comparing quotes:
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Verify each electrician is licensed and insured.
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Ask what is included in their hourly rate.
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Make sure material costs are reasonable. Ask for a discount on parts.
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Avoid paying travel fees if possible. Hire someone local.
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Get a detailed breakdown of what is covered in the quote.
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Look for electricians willing to negotiate their fees.
Taking the time to do comparison shopping will likely save you hundreds to thousands of dollars on electrical repairs.
Prioritize Safety Over Low Cost
When trying to save money on electrical repairs, your top priority should always be safety. Never attempt dangerous electrical work yourself simply to save money. Likewise, don't hire an unlicensed or shady electrician just because they offer the lowest price. It's always worth paying more for an experienced, licensed electrician who will do the job safely. Safety practices to follow include:
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Turn off power - The power should always be shut off prior to any electrical work.
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Call a pro for complicated jobs - Don't DIY major jobs like rewiring or electrical panel replacement.
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Never overload circuits - Don't plug too many devices into one outlet or circuit.
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Use GFCIs - Install ground-fault circuit interrupters on outlets near water sources.
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Check for warning signs - Watch for flickering lights, burning smells, or outlets that shock you which signal an issue.
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Update old wiring - If your home wiring is extremely outdated, consider rewiring to avoid fires.
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Hire licensed electricians - Verify licenses and check reviews before hiring.
You can potentially save thousands on electrical repairs without sacrificing safety by learning to do minor repairs, buying your own tools and supplies, comparing multiple quotes, and focusing on safety. Be smart, do your research, and avoid obvious risks to successfully reduce costs.