Should I Hire an Electrician or a Handyman?

There are several reasons why you should hire an electrician versus a general handyman for electrical work:

• Licensing: Electricians are required to be licensed in most states, while handymen are not. This means that electricians have met certain training and experience requirements, and they are also required to carry insurance.
• Expertise: Electricians have specialized training and experience in electrical systems. This means that they are better qualified to diagnose and repair electrical problems, and they are also less likely to make mistakes that could cause safety hazards.
• Safety: Electrical work can be dangerous, especially if it is not done correctly. Electricians are trained to work safely with electricity, and they have the proper tools and equipment to do the job right.
• Warranty: Electricians typically offer warranties on their work, while handymen may not. This means that if there is a problem with the electrical work after it is completed, the electrician will come back and fix it for free.

Here are some specific examples of electrical work that should only be done by a licensed electrician:

• Installing or repairing electrical panels
• Replacing wiring
• Installing or repairing light fixtures
• Installing or repairing outlets and switches
• Troubleshooting electrical problems

If you are unsure whether a particular electrical job is appropriate for a handyman, it is always best to err on the side of caution and hire a licensed electrician.

Here are some situations where you may want to hire a general handyman instead of an electrician:

• For minor electrical repairs, such as replacing a lightbulb or fixing a loose outlet cover.
• For electrical work that is not directly connected to your home’s electrical system, such as installing a battery-operated doorbell or light fixture.
• If you have a lot of different types of home repairs that need to be done, and you want to save money on labor costs by hiring one contractor to do all of the work.

However, it is important to note that a handyman is not qualified to do any electrical work that requires a license. If you are unsure whether a particular electrical job is appropriate for a handyman, it is always best to consult with a licensed commercial electrician.