Knowing when to call a handyman versus an electrician will save you time, money, and, of course, headaches. Both professionals are skilled in their respective areas, but their expertise often overlaps in minor ways. However, to understand when to call a handyman versus an electrician, we are going to discuss their roles to get a better idea and ensure your home’s safety and efficiency.
What Does a Handyman Do?
A handyman is a versatile professional capable of handling a variety of tasks. Typically, these tasks involve repairs, maintenance, and minor installations. Handymen are ideal for projects that do not require specialized certifications, like:
- Fixing Leaky Faucets: Repairing minor plumbing issues is a common task for a handyman.
- Painting and Patching Walls: From touch-ups to full-room painting, handymen often tackle these jobs.
- Furniture Assembly: Many homeowners call a handyman for assembling furniture or installing shelves.
- Installing Fixtures: Replacing light fixtures, curtain rods, or ceiling fans often fall under a handyman’s purview.
- General Maintenance: Tasks like cleaning gutters, repairing fences, or patching drywall are commonly handled by a handyman.
While handymen can handle some electrical or plumbing tasks, there are limits to what they should do, especially when it comes to building codes and safety regulations.
What Does an Electrician Do?
An electrician masters the art of handling electrical systems. He is certified to handle complex and high-stakes tasks. Electricians are trained to ensure that work complies with safety standards and building codes. Tasks for an electrician include:
- Electrical Wiring: Installing or replacing electrical wiring in new or existing structures.
- Breaker Box Repairs: Diagnosing and repairing problems in electrical panels or upgrading them to handle more power.
- Installing Outlets and Switches: Adding new outlets or replacing existing ones.
- Lighting Systems: Installing or repairing complex lighting systems, including recessed lighting or smart lighting setups.
- Troubleshooting Electrical Issues: Identifying and fixing problems like frequent circuit breaker trips or flickering lights.
When to Call a Handyman
If your task involves general home maintenance or minor fixes that do not require specialized training, a handyman is your go-to professional. Here are some scenarios where you can hire a handyman:
- Minor Electrical Repairs: Replacing a lightbulb, installing a new ceiling fan, or swapping out a light fixture can often be handled by a handyman if it doesn’t involve altering electrical wiring.
- Simple Home Upgrades: Tasks like installing a new doorbell, fixing a broken cabinet hinge, or mounting a TV can be done quickly and affordably by a handyman.
- Seasonal Maintenance: Jobs like weatherproofing windows, cleaning gutters, or preparing outdoor furniture for storage are ideally handled by a handyman.
When working with a handyman, it’s important to ensure that they are insured and have a good reputation. If you’re in New York City, consider reaching out to a reputable handyman company in NYC for efficient results.
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When to Call an Electrician
If you need assistance with tasks involving the electrical system in your home, hire a good electrician in NYC. Improper electrical work can be dangerous, leading to costly repairs and violations of building codes. Call an electrician for the following situations:
- Upgrading Electrical Panels: If your home has an outdated electrical panel or you’re adding new appliances that require more power, hire a licensed electrician.
- Installing New Circuits: For major renovations or new additions, an electrician is needed to ensure proper wiring and circuit installation.
- Handling Electrical Emergencies: Power outages in specific areas of your home, burning smells from outlets, or sparking wires require immediate attention from a professional electrician.
- Installing Complex Systems: Electricians are the right choice for tasks like installing a home automation system, advanced security cameras, or outdoor lighting.
For high-quality electrical work, hire a good electrician in NYC. They specialize in safe, efficient, and code-compliant electrical services.
What to Consider When Hiring a Handyman or Electrician?
Before hiring a handyman or an electrician, consider the following:
- Scope of the Project: First, understand if the job is minor, straightforward, complex, and potentially hazardous.
- Certification Requirements: For tasks like electrical wiring, a certified electrician is mandatory.
- Budget: Handymen charge lower hourly rates, but keep in mind that they are not qualified for the specialized tasks.
- Insurance and Licensing: Ensure the professional you hire is insured to protect against liability in case of accidents or damages.
How to Choose the Right Professional
- Evaluate the Task: Break down what the project has. Check local regulations to see if a licensed electrician is required if it involves electricity.
- Ask for Referrals: Word-of-mouth recommendations are often the best way to find reliable professionals.
- Read Reviews: Online reviews provide insight into the quality and reliability of services from providers.
- Check Credentials: Always verify that the professional has the necessary insurance and certifications for the job.
Contact Setup NYC to Hire a Certified Electrician or a Handyman
Are you confused about whether to call a handyman or an electrician in NYC for your task? No worries, Setup NYC is here to assist you. We have in-house handymen and electricians to help you. All of our professionals are licensed and insured. They have the right tools and equipment to handle your tasks efficiently and quickly. If you are confused about whom to hire, we can help you choose the right one at affordable rates.
Feel free to contact us and discuss your needs; we are always ready to assist you.
