About Me

Building an extension for my mother-in-law

I love my mother-in-law but I never planned on living with her permanently. I have been enjoying her living with us now that we have kids but I feel like we all need some extra space so I am getting a granny flat built at the back of our block. This should allow us to have some extra space to make sure everyone has the privacy that they need whilst we can still be a family. This block has some tip on the process of building a granny flat including how to choose a contractor and how to get the council approval for the build.

Search

Latest Posts

Tags

Building an extension for my mother-in-law

Electrical Repairs You Should Never Attempt To DIY

by Chloe Cooper

Electrical issues are an inevitable problem, because your electrical system comprises a complex network of wiring and hardware. Since these issues are common, some people may think that opting to DIY the electrical repairs are a cost-effective approach for dealing with these problems. The reality is that the issue will probably keep cropping up and you could end up seriously injuring yourself. While things like changing a bulb are simple to do on your own, there are a few other repairs that should never be engaged in by an amateur. Therefore, before you approach your electrical system with the intent of fixing an issue, here are a couple of electrical repairs that you should never attempt to DIY:

Patching up frayed wiring

Wiring is bound to become frayed over time. While this may happen due to normal wear, rodents tend to be one of the biggest culprits since they chew through the insulation and the wiring itself, subsequently leaving the wiring exposed. Frayed wiring is a massive risk in your home. Since the current is now exposed, coming into contact with the voltage will lead to electrocution. Moreover, an electrical fire could erupt if the wires rub against each other. The blunder some people make is reaching out for their electrical tape to patch up the exposed wires. However, this puts you at extreme risk since you can end up electrocuting yourself. The best thing to do is switch off the electricity running through the affected wires from your circuit board and have a certified electrician come and perform the repairs. 

Installing or repairing damaged outlets

Another part of your electrical system that may seem simple to fix but poses extreme danger is the outlets in your home. The outlets are the first point of contact people have when trying to access electricity, so they are bound to develop wear over time. Additionally, if the electrical system is compromised, the outlets could be exposed to internal electrical fires that lead to scorching at the surface and the holes themselves. If you notice a spark whenever you are plugging in an appliance, then your outlet definitely needs looking into. You should also be wary of any physical damage to the outlets in the form of cracks, as these will mean the outlet is no longer secure in place. Damaged outlets should never be handled by an amateur since you will be exposing yourself to live wires. An electrical contractor is best placed to carry out these electrical repairs, since they will know the safety measures to take that will ensure they are protected and that your home is safe from an electrical fire.

Share