reno
Five Things You Need to Know Before Your Reno
After more than a decade in the home renovation business, Michael Holmes Jr. has seen his share of faulty electrical work, putting homeowners and their families in potential danger. To avoid the risks associated with unsafe electrical work, Michael Jr. shares the five things you need to know before you start your reno:
- Hire an expert
Most people don’t think twice about hiring a professional lawyer, accountant or mechanic. You would never trust an uncertified doctor to perform a surgery and you should never trust an unlicensed electrical contractor or handyman to do electrical work in your home. When looking to hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) you need to do your homework; that includes asking for their ECRA/ESA licence number – your contractor or handyman cannot legally perform electrical work unless they hold an ECRA/ESA licence.
Find a contractor in your area at findacontractor.esasafe.com - Plan the electrical layout
Throughout the renovation planning process, a lot of time is typically spent on room layout and interior design. Planning the electrical layout is just as important. Michael Jr. works with a Licensed Electrical Contractor on every renovation project to design a safe and functional electrical layout. Think about task lighting and outlet placement ahead of time. This will ensure you have light and safe access to electricity everywhere you want and need it. A Licensed Electrical Contractor has the training and experience to help you plan for all electrical needs and avoid expensive changes after completion. - Get the right notification
Whenever you have electrical work done, with very limited exemptions, a notification (permit) to the Electrical Safety Authority must be filed by the party completing the work. This will ensure the electrical work will be completed correctly and will keep you and your family safe. - Electrical work must meet requirements
Once the electrical work for your reno has been completed, remember to confirm with the individual who filed the notification and completed the electrical work that they received an ESA Certificate. A Certificate ensures that any future electrical problems will be covered by your insurer, and you can rest easy knowing that all electrical components in your home were safely and properly installed. - Save the DIY for the finishes
Getting creative with a paint job or a feature wall can be a fun project for homeowners, adding the perfect finishing touch to a reno. However, when it comes to electrical work, DIY is dangerous. Electrical work that is done incorrectly can pose serious risks to you and your family, and only Licensed Electrical Contractors have the proper training and expertise to do the job right. Save your DIY skills for the finishes and leave the electrical work to a professional.
