Why You Should Hire a Licensed Electrician

Because Your Home Is Not a Science Experiment

Let’s be honest. Watching a few YouTube tutorials does not make you an electrician. It makes you “mildly dangerous with a screwdriver.”

Whether you’re planning to upgrade your electrical panel, install an EV charger, or solve the mystery of the haunted outlet that only works on Tuesdays. There’s one golden rule:

Hire a licensed electrician.

This guide explains why it’s not only the safe and legal thing to do but also the smartest way to protect your home, your money, and your eyebrows.

What Is a Licensed Electrician?

Spoiler: It’s not just your friend with a tool belt and confidence issues.

A licensed electrician is someone who has:

• Thousands of hours of supervised, hands-on training
• Passed state certification exams (yes, with real test anxiety)
• Insurance and bonding
• A working knowledge of the National Electric Code, which is longer than a Tolkien trilogy

In Colorado, electricians are licensed by the State Electrical Board. They know what they’re doing and they’ve got paperwork to prove it.

Why DIY Electrical Work Is a Bad Idea

Because smoke coming out of the walls is never a good sign.

Here’s what happens when DIY electrical work goes wrong:

• Shocks, burns, and an involuntary haircut
• Fires (the bad kind)
• Code violations
• Insurance companies laughing while they deny your claim

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), around 400 people die from electrical accidents in the U.S. each year. Don’t be a statistic. Be smart. Be alive. Call a pro.

8 Reasons to Hire a Licensed Electrician

Besides the obvious “not dying” reason.

1. They Know the Code (So You Don’t Have To)

Electrical codes are complex, constantly updated, and about as exciting as reading the terms and conditions on your phone. Fortunately, licensed electricians are fluent in “Code-ese.”

They know what permits are needed and how to pass inspections without breaking a sweat or a circuit.

2. They’re Insured (You’re Covered)

A licensed electrician carries general liability insurance, which means if something goes wrong, you’re not on the hook.

Your cousin who once rewired a lamp? Not so much.

3. They’re Actually Trained (Not Just “YouTube Certified”)

In Colorado, journeyman electricians complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 288 classroom hours. That’s not a weekend project—that’s a career.

Your neighbor who “helped rewire a garage once” is not a substitute.

4. They Bring the Right Tools

Wire strippers. Fish tape. Thermal imaging cameras. Stuff that sounds like spy gear but is actually essential for safe, professional work.

Plus, they know how to use all of it without turning your breaker panel into a bonfire.

5. They Help You Avoid Expensive Mistakes

Unlicensed work might seem fine until it starts tripping breakers, frying your electronics, or catching fire behind the drywall.

Licensed electricians do it right the first time, so you don’t end up paying twice. Or three times. Or hiring a contractor to rebuild the kitchen.

6. They Make Your House Easier to Sell

Thinking of selling someday? Home inspectors love licensed work. Unpermitted, unprofessional wiring? Not so much.

With a licensed electrician, you get paperwork, permits, and peace of mind. All things that help buyers say “yes.”

7. They Keep Your Insurance Valid

If a fire starts because of unlicensed work, your homeowners insurance may deny the claim.

Licensed electricians = due diligence = your insurance company cannot say, “Tough luck.”

8. They Give You Sleep-at-Night Confidence

You’re not lying awake wondering if that outlet you installed is about to spark. Or if your home is secretly a fire hazard.

Hiring a licensed pro means you can rest easy. Preferably under dimmable, well-wired LED lighting.

What Happens If You Hire an Unlicensed Electrician?

Let’s just say… don’t.

Unlicensed work can lead to:

• Failed inspections
• Code violations
• Fines
• Rework costs
• Voided insurance policies
• That “uh-oh” moment when the lights flicker for no reason

Worse? You have no legal protection if something goes wrong. You can’t exactly take your handyman to court if he ghosts you because legally, he shouldn’t have done the work in the first place.

But What About Small Jobs?

Sure, swapping a light fixture or outlet looks easy on TikTok. But even basic tasks can get messy.

• Is the circuit grounded?
• Is the wiring aluminum or copper?
• Should it be GFCI or AFCI protected?
• Why are there six black wires and no white ones?

You get the idea. Call a pro before you end up with a flashlight duct-taped to your forehead, muttering “I can fix this” at 11 p.m.

FAQs: Hiring a Licensed Electrician

Do I really need a licensed electrician?

Yes, if the job involves wiring, permits, panels, or safety. Always. For lightbulbs? You’re good.

How do I check if they’re licensed in Colorado?

Easy. Use the Colorado DORA license lookup to verify.

Do I need a permit?

For most installations and wiring work, yes. Licensed electricians will pull the permit for you.

Are they more expensive?

Up front, maybe. Long term? They’re cheaper. Especially when they help you avoid fines, fires, and full rewires.

Why Call The Electricians?

We’re licensed. We’re local. We know Colorado electrical code better than we know our favorite coffee order. And we love making homes safer, smarter, and energy efficient.

📞 Call us at 720-633-5937 or schedule service online.

Final Thoughts: Be Bright, Not Fried

DIY electrical work might feel empowering, right up until your ceiling fan catches fire or your outlet zaps you across the room.

Hire a licensed electrician.

It’s safer, smarter, and actually cheaper in the long run.

And remember: If your electrician doesn’t know what a voltage tester is… run.