Moving house can be time-consuming, costly and stressful. There’s so much to take into consideration when moving – what you need, where to put it, how to get a good deal and who will help you. However, one thing that may not have crossed your mind is whether or not an electrician should be hired for the move. Here are five reasons why hiring an electrician may be necessary.
Electricity, smoke and fire
Electrical wiring that is not properly grounded or has broken wires can cause a fire. When moving house, it is important to ensure that the old and the new house are inspected for any potential electrical hazards. If there are issues with the wiring, an electrician may be able to fix them before the move. An electrician will also inspect your home for any potential fire hazards and make sure your home is safe from smoke and fire. They could also provide you with advice on what type of smoke alarms you should have installed in your new home.
Understand your options
Moving house can be stressful and overwhelming. It is easy to overlook the important things, such as whether or not your new home has the correct electrical outlets for all of your appliances. Certain appliances require a specific type of outlet. If you have something that requires a different type of outlet, you will either need to get it changed or purchase an expensive converter. Hiring an electrician to do this for you could save you time and money in the long run.
Appliance safety
If you are not sure if you have the right appliances for your home, or whether they are in good working order, an electrician can provide advice on which appliances are safest and best to use. If you need to replace your refrigerator or stove, having an electrician do an inspection on them prior to moving will ensure that they are safe and operational. They will also be able to identify any appliances that may not be safe for use in your new home.
Testing electrical devices
It is essential when moving house to test all the electrical devices before packing them up. These devices may include smoke and fire alarms, circuit breakers, electric light switches and security devices. If these are all tested and found to be working correctly, then there’s no need to worry about the possibility of a fire during the move. On top of this, it is important to know if you have enough electrical outlets for all of your appliances before moving. While appliances may seem small and delicate when they are stationary, they can prove to be much more difficult during the transport process.
Renovation and repair
Depending on where you are moving to, you may need to renovate or repair your house before it becomes fully functional. An electrician can help with this and provide electrical help during this time of renovation. They can also do a final inspection of the house prior to the move, just to make sure everything is ready for use once you move in.
What to look for in an electrician from a homeowner’s perspective?
This can vary on your needs, but most importantly is a level of knowledge and experience in the electrical industry. Many people are not aware that many new homes come with a minimum amount of wiring that should be inspected by an experienced electrician before move-in. When in doubt, have your electrician inspect the home for you. Being careful when handling electrical items and having an electrician on hand when it’s time to move can save you from a lot of potential headaches. Contact us to learn about our moving services.