Electrical Jobs a Handyman Can Do
Electrical wiring is tricky. It requires a lot of skill to install correctly and follow safety protocols.
For some types of electrical jobs in the home, a qualified electrician should be called in. This includes notifiable electricity work such as replacing outlets or plug sockets, which must be carried out to regulated standards.
Upgrading Electrical Panels
An electrical panel upgrade is one of the most important jobs a handyman can do for your home. If you have an older fuse box, it might not be able to handle the amount of electricity modern homes use. This can lead to overloading, arcing, and even fire. When you get a new electrical panel, it will replace your old fuse box and give you more circuits to handle everything you need to run in your home. A good electrician will assess your current system and determine what size panel you need as well as how many additional circuits you might need. They will also work with the power company to make sure that the electricity is cut off for the day of the upgrade and ensure they have a permit for the job.
Flickering lights, unusual sounds coming from the fuse box, and breaker boxes constantly tripping are all signs that it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel. Taking care of this now will mean fewer issues in the future, such as electric fires that can be deadly and cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and property damage.
Upgrading your electrical panel can also add value to your house if you ever plan to sell it. Buyers will be reassured by the fact that your electrical system is up to date and won’t be at risk of fires or other problems.
Installing Smart Devices
The specialized work of an electrician Is often the purview of another professional, but there are plenty of other projects that can be accomplished by handymen. They’re able to handle the smaller tasks that most people don’t have the time or equipment to do themselves, including things like de-cluttering basements and building movable shelving. They’re also able to patch leaky guttering and do basic plumbing tasks, such as installing new taps or repairing leaky faucets.
In addition, they can also install smart devices in homes and businesses, such as mounting a video doorbell or smart thermostat. This can make a home more convenient for its inhabitants and even help them save energy. Handymen can also assist with connecting these appliances to the home’s internet connection, making them even more useful.
Fixing Light Fixtures
Many homes have multiple light fixtures that are either outdated or broken. Instead of replacing them, consider hiring a handyman to fix them. This is a much cheaper option and will save you the hassle of trying to do it yourself. There are plenty of light fixture replacement services that offer this service, and they can usually complete the job in a short amount of time.
First, make sure the power is off by turning off your circuit breaker for the room that needs a new light fixture. Always use a non-contact voltage tester before touching any wires to confirm there is no current flowing through them. Next, remove the light fixture and any decorative pieces to expose the wiring. Generally, there will be three sets of wires present: black, white, and a bare or copper (grounding) wire. The bare or copper wire connects to a screw in the ceiling electrical box and can be removed by unscrewing it.
Once the wires are disconnected, you can install your new fixture. Screw the mounting bracket into place and attach it to the electrical box with the provided hardware. Then, reconnect the wires. If you are unsure of how to do this, refer to the instructions that came with your new fixture or consult a professional. Then, screw in the bulb(s) and secure any other final hardware or screen that is provided.
