Thanks to the internet, performing simple DIY repairs has never been easier. Homeowners now feel more confident and equipped than ever to tackle projects: new paint color in the living room, bedroom carpet replacement, floor finishing, etc. While none of these seem to pose a danger should something go awry, there are certain repairs homeowners should simply leave to a licensed professional.

We understand why homeowners would want to save a buck or two where they can. But we don’t believe that it’s worth risking safety. Should a DIY repair fail, it could lead to electrocution, or possibly a fire. We’ve put together a list of why it’s important to hire a licensed electrician to complete your electrical repairs, installations, and maintenance.

When you hire a licensed electrician, you can rest assured that whoever comes to your home has undergone extensive professional training. A licensed electrician is state certified and must meet a certain standard, mastering skill requirements and completing a set number of practical hours.

But that’s not all. A licensed electrician has one thing in mind at all times: your safety. They are up to date on all the state and local codes and regulations.

Sometimes, watching a Youtube video a couple times or reading a lengthy tutorial can have the effect of making one feel like an expert. We’ve all been there before. The truth is, though, having little to no practice in a field can make for a bad situation, especially when it comes to electrical work. With small DIY projects, such as repairing a hole in the wall or replacing cabinetry, you don’t have to worry about risks. Sure, there’s a possibility it might not turn out like you had hoped, but there’s no imminent threat.

Electrical repairs, on the other hand, aren’t so. A botched repair could lead to extensive damage and pose a risk to your safety and overall well-being. When you a hire a licensed electrician, you can have peace of mind that the person working on your home is committed to precision and thoroughness. He or she is fully aware of the equipment, knows the proper tools to use, and will not leave until your safety has been assured.

If you’re planning on selling your home or having major work done to it, you’re going to need an inspection. If you fail to have your home inspected, it could invalidate your homeowner’s insurance should a malfunction occur.

If you have work done by a licensed electrician, you can be assured that there will be a clear paper trail, which will make things much easier for you in the end. Should your insurance company have any questions, you’ll be able to provide them with all the information needed.

If you hire an unlicensed handyman you found for cheap, you run the risk of working with someone who is not bonded or insured. The reason it’s important to hire a bonded and insured electrician is that should he or she get hurt on the job, work compensation will cover the costs. With an unlicensed handyman, on the other hand, you’ll be required to pay for the costs.

It’s simply not worth the risk to hire an unlicensed electrician to tackle your electrical jobs. Ensure your peace of mind by having a professional, licensed, and insured electrician perform any repairs or replacements.

Juggling the seemingly endless myriad of accessories, appliances and tools that have become commonplace in modern homes can sure be a hassle. Many homeowners find themselves routinely swapping plugs, or using devices like a power strip. While these can suffice in many situations, and offer a (relatively) effective solution, many make the mistake of relying on a power strip too much.

The only thing Kolb Electric takes more seriously than perfect service is safety! We don’t want to see you caught up in an electrical emergency, and to make sure you don’t we’ve built a short list of power strip safety tips. We also have some alternative, and overall superior, suggestions as well!

When deciding to use a power strip, keep these points in mind:

As we said, power strips are fine. In moderation, and as long as you observe proper power strip safety. But there’s a better solution! You aren’t simply stuck with however many outlets are currently installed in your home. Additional outlets can provide a safe, dependable and long-term solution to your electricity needs! The process is quick and simple in the hands of a professional, and will have you set to handle all of our modern lifestyles.

No matter what you require for your home, the experts at Kolb can provide the electrical access you need! We’ve been handling electricity, wiring and appliances for years, providing our consumers with only the absolute best in service, skill and technology. Contact Kolb today to learn more about our services, or to set an appointment!

Modern demands for electricity often exceed what the original builders of your home envisioned. It’s not unusual for older rooms, even kitchens, to have just one or two electric outlets, but that can put an unsafe strain on your wiring system.

In addition, older homes (those 50 years or older) may have outdated aluminum and/or knob and tube wiring. If you frequently trip the circuit breakers in your home and/or notice discoloring around the outlets, this could be a sign that your wiring needs to be replaced. Old wiring is nothing to ignore. More than 26,000 residential fires are caused by electrical system failures each year.

If you suspect the wiring in your home may need updating, you are likely wondering about the cost to rewire a house. According to Angie’s List, the average cost of rewiring a 1,500 to 3,000-square foot home ranges from $8,000 to $15,000. The good news is that this is a one-time expense. Unlike replacing your roof or heating system, it’s extremely unlikely you’ll need to replace the wiring again for as long as you live in the house.

There are many factors that contribute to the cost to rewire a home in the Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC areas. They include:

At Kolb Electric, we understand that the cost to rewire a house can be substantial. That’s why we take the time to answer all of your questions and address your concerns before we ever start work on the project. We’ve been helping Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC area homeowners with their electrical needs for more than 20 years, and our team of licensed electricians are some of the best and well-trained in the region.

To learn more about rewiring your home and/or to schedule an appointment in the DC area, call us at 877 287-1179.

DC motors are electrical devices which draw electricity (direct current) and convert it into mechanical energy. They have many uses in today’s industries, even though alternating current is the preferred choice for mains power supply. They are especially useful for machines that need to be driven at variable speeds.