Angi, which is the new and improved Angie’s List, knows that many homeowners are looking to complete home repairs and renovations themselves. While there are many benefits to do-it-yourself home renovations, there are some projects that are best left to the professionals.

If you have electrical work that needs to be completed, you may be wondering what projects you can take on yourself, and which should be left to a licensed electrician. Angi recommends that you hire an electrical professional for the five projects listed below.

Replacing an Electrical Panel

One of the projects that you should always hire an electrician to complete is replacing your electrical panel. The electrical panel, also referred to as a fuse box or a circuit panel, houses your circuit breakers. This box provides power to your home and is a vital component of your electrical system. The panel may need to be replaced due to age or because it does not supply enough power to your home based on the electrical items plugged into your home. A professional electrician can help you determine the right electrical panel for your home and properly install it.

Installing a New Outlet or Switch

It is common for people to turn to videos, such as those found on YouTube, to help them complete home renovation and remodeling projects. One of the projects that you may find commonly covered in these videos is the process of installing a new electrical outlet or light switch. The projects typically look simple, but it is a lot more complex than the average person realizes simply by viewing these videos. As such, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional electrician anytime you need any new outlets or light switches installed.

Installing or Replacing Hard-Wired Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors save lives. They detect smoke and alert anyone within the household to the presence of smoke, allowing them to safely exit the home before the home is consumed in flames. Since these alarms are so vital, it is strongly recommended that you hire a licensed electrician to install or replace your hard-wired smoke detectors. If you make a mistake when installing them yourself, you run the risk that the alarms will not work when you need them to operate properly. This is not a risk that people should take, and instead should leave this task to the pros.

Replacing Electrical Wiring

Replacing electrical wiring in your home is a complex, laborious, and dangerous task. The average person does not realize that there are different types of electrical wires, and installing the wrong type of wire can lead to electrical outlets or switches not working, the wiring becoming hot, or a potential electrical fire. Running wire through the home is also tricky as you are installing wiring and tight and confined places. Anytime you need to replace or install new electrical wires, you should consider hiring a professional electrician.

Installing Recessed Lighting

The final task that you will want to hire an electrician to complete in your home is installing recessed lighting. An electrician can help you install light fixtures, including chandeliers, ceiling fans, and pendant lighting. However, as long as the space is already wired, installing one of these light fixtures is fairly straightforward. On the flip side, recessed lighting is quite different. Recessed lighting involves cutting holes in the ceiling, properly wiring the space, and installing the lights properly. This can be time-consuming, and requires skill. Because of this, this is a task that an electrician should complete rather than a do-it-yourselfer.

Here at Angi, formerly known as Angie’s List, we understand that completing home projects yourself can be cheaper. However, when it comes to the five electrical projects listed above, mistakes can be costly or can even lead to electrical fires. As such, it is highly recommended that you hire a fully licensed and properly trained electrician to help you complete each of these projects.