A lot of fires are caused by short-circuits and electrical problems. So for home improvement projects, always look for an electrician to ensure the safety of homes and of people living on it. One responsibility of electricians is to prepare the electrical installation layout plan of a house especially if it is newly built. He must prepare the new wiring installation and check the wiring facility for repairs. He also needs to maintain the electrical systems to avoid future damages, risks and problems. They respond to reported emergencies and power outages and even work with the electric power industry and many other sectors in preventing electrical hazards like jumpers or unauthorized power consumption reducers. With all of these responsibilities, searching for a qualified person to do the job requires a lot of effort. A person trying to improve their homes should not trust their electrical systems to inexperienced people.

Whether it is home renovation or electrical repairs, people must get a qualified electrician to work for their homes. One important aspect to be checked is his credibility. Is he licensed? Is he a member to associations or guilds in the electric service industry? By inquiring about these things, one will be sure that that person he is hiring for the job is knowledgeable and professional. Even if it is a small house repair, having a licensed electrician to fix it is the safest thing one can do because their license is an assurance that they are highly-skilled. One may also ask if the electrician has an insurance that will cover damages in case of accidents because the job is dangerous and are unavoidable. Always remember that an apprentice is not allowed to do a job alone. He always need the supervision of a licensed electrician and hiring them may cause problems not just for safety but also to the one who employed him since it is illegal. Check the state regulations too because there are a few states that do not require electricians to be licensed. Please report to the authorities if these cases occur to avoid possible dangers to life and property. Another thing to consider here are the feedback of people whom he worked with before. Do they still recommend him? If he recently worked in the community, one can ask neighbors, relatives, and colleagues about his skills and work attitudes. However, one can also refer to online information and reviews in searching for electricians. Check out several websites before calling someone to do the job.

Trusting homes to qualified electricians pays off. Safety is secured and damages will be prevented. Be careful in selecting and follow the reminders above to assure a successful home improvement project.

Kenneth Crawford is a South Florida based interior designer and owner of Kenneth Crawford Interiors.  As the August Designer of the Month, he offers some professional lighting and decorative ideas.

Each element in a well-decorated room from paint color to the detail of each doorknob is important, and the right lighting is key to unlocking the true potential in your design. The space must be orchestrated perfectly, creating a cohesive flow through out.

I have over 20 years of experience with commercial and residential design, and whether you are building a new restaurant or renovating a 500 sq. foot dining room, the lighting fixtures themselves and the angle of illumination make a world of difference. That’s why I shop Capitol Lighting’s extensive database to find everything I need from unique ceiling pendants and elegant crystal chandeliers to simple bath vanity fixtures and top quality light bulbs.

The examples featured below show how the right lighting will create a custom finish and bring out the best in your decorative scheme:

Dining Room

When designing an interior space, you must look at the room as a whole. Light fixtures should blend harmoniously with the decor, adding color, texture and style to complete the design. The Philippe Stark fixture, purchased from Capitol Lighting, is more like a sculpture, making a stunning design statement and blending with the architecture without obstructing the view or overpowering the space.

Guest Bedroom

These nightstand lamps purchased from Capitol Lighting add the perfect finishing touch to this room. I wanted a metallic element to pull the silver embedded in the artwork and create a sparkling effect reminiscent of the Intercoastal on a clear day. 

Powder Bathroom

The Italian glass sconces were selected for their linear design, which adds to the architectural composition of the room.

Bedroom

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.