The Cost of DIY Electrical Work: Why You Should Always Hire a Licensed Electrician

YouTube makes it look easy—but one wrong wire and you’re not just blowing a fuse, you’re risking your home.

We get the appeal. Doing electrical work yourself can feel empowering. You avoid the scheduling hassle. You save a few hundred bucks. And there's a particular pride in saying, “I wired that myself.” But when it comes to your home’s electrical system, a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. Especially when safety, insurance coverage, and legal liability are on the line.

And with summer projects ramping up—pool installations, outdoor kitchens, fans, and lighting—it’s tempting to grab your tool belt and handle things on your own. But before you touch that breaker box, here’s what you need to know about the actual cost of DIY electrical work and why hiring a licensed electrician in Long Island is always worth it.

The Cost of DIY Electrical Work: Why You Should Always Hire a Licensed Electrician

The Dangers of DIY Electrical Work

Electrical Shock and Fire Hazards

Even something as simple as replacing an outlet can result in serious consequences if done incorrectly. A misconnected wire can cause arc faults: a type of electrical discharge that happens when wiring becomes loose or corroded. Arc faults are the leading cause of electrical fires, contributing to more than 28,000 fires and $700 million in damage each year.

And while it may sound extreme, the real risk of electrocution is present, especially around water. Attempting to wire a pool pump, hot tub, or outdoor kitchen without proper grounding or GFCI protection can lead to tragic outcomes.

Overheating and Short Circuits

DIY fixes often lack proper grounding or include outdated wiring techniques that can’t handle today’s high electrical loads. Think about how much electricity you’re using in the summer: central air, EV chargers, pool equipment, multiple refrigerators, grills, and more. Add poor wiring into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for overheated circuits and system failure.

Injury and Emergency Risk

Electrical mistakes aren’t just costly. Unfortunately, they can be painful or even fatal. One misstep, one live wire, and you’re not finishing your weekend project. You’re heading to the ER.

We offer 24-hour emergency electrician services throughout Long Island. Our team has responded to more than a few calls that started with, “I thought I could handle it myself.”

Code Violations That Could Cost You Big Later

What most homeowners don’t realize is that DIY work often violates New York State electrical codes, even if the lights still turn on. Here’s why it matters:

• Failed inspections during home sales or renovations

• Permitting issues that delay future upgrades

• Fines or rework orders from local authorities

More importantly, unpermitted or uninspected DIY electrical work can void your homeowner’s insurance. If a fire or electrical failure occurs, and the investigation traces it back to unlicensed work, you may be stuck covering repairs or losses yourself.

Thinking of selling your home or remodeling? Unlicensed work can kill a sale fast when buyers request inspection reports.

Insurance Implications and Legal Liability

If that DIY wiring job sparks a fire or causes injury, the financial consequences go far beyond the cost of parts.

• Your insurance provider may even deny your claim due to unlicensed work.

• If someone is injured—whether it’s a family member, guest, or tenant—you could be legally liable for damages.

• For landlords or owners of multi-unit properties, unpermitted work can open the door to civil lawsuits and code enforcement penalties.

Especially in areas like Nassau and Suffolk Counties, where real estate is competitive and tightly regulated, unlicensed work is a liability you don’t want. For commercial properties with heavy summer electrical demand, JPS also offers site lighting, panel upgrades, and 24/7 emergency response for business continuity.

Why a Licensed Electrician Is Worth Every Penny

Here’s what you get when you hire a professional, certified, licensed electrician in Long Island:

• Code-compliant work: Professionals are trained in local codes and ensure every job passes inspection.

• Proper tools and protection: From diagnostic tools to personal safety gear, licensed electricians are equipped to do the job right.

• Documentation and permits: Ensures your insurance and resale value remain intact.

• Peace of mind: You’re not left wondering if your wiring will fail during a summer storm or when your A/C kicks on.

Every one of our team members is fully licensed, insured, and trained. We offer not just installations and repairs, but guidance, so you know what your home needs, why it matters, and how to fix it right the first time.

How JPS Electric Can Help

We’ve been serving Nassau, Suffolk, and Long Island for forty years. Our team doesn’t just show up with a truck and tools—we show up with the experience, certifications, and care that protect your home long after we leave.

Here’s what we offer:

• Panel upgrades to meet modern load demands

• Outdoor kitchen and pool wiring done to code

• Power and control wiring for HVAC systems

• Preventative home inspections and annual safety checks

• Bucket truck service for commercial and hard-to-reach jobs

• 24/7 emergency electrical service for homeowners and businesses

And if you’ve already started a DIY project and feel in over your head, don’t worry. We don’t judge. We just fix it right.

Contact JPS Today to Request a Quote

Don’t let a DIY attempt turn into an emergency—or an insurance nightmare.

Call JPS Electric at (516) 546-3226 today to schedule a licensed electrical inspection, repair, or upgrade. Or click here to request a quote.

From outlets and panels to full backyard electrical setups, let our residential electricians handle the voltage, so you can enjoy your summer stress-free.