Can I Do My Own Electrical Work? A Licensed Electrician’s Honest Answer
Many homeowners ask us this question before starting a project:
“Can I do my own electrical work?”
The short answer is yes - legally, in BC, you can, as long as you obtain a homeowner’s permit.
However, after 25+ years as licensed electricians in Greater Vancouver, the better question is:
Should you?
In this article, we’ll explain what homeowners commonly try to do themselves, where DIY electrical work goes wrong, and when hiring a professional electrician will save you time, money, and serious risk.
What Homeowners Commonly Try to Do Themselves
From our experience in the field, homeowners most often attempt:
Changing light fixtures
Replacing outlet plugs
Swapping breakers in an electrical panel
While these jobs may seem simple, they are also where we see the most mistakes.
In fact, based on our experience, about 75% of DIY electrical work fails inspection or does not meet code the first time.
Is DIY Electrical Work Legal in BC?
Yes. In British Columbia, homeowners are legally allowed to perform their own electrical work if they obtain a homeowner’s electrical permit.
However, legality does not equal safety or correctness.
Electrical work must still:
Meet current electrical code
Pass inspection
Be safe for long-term use
This is where most DIY projects fail.
Why DIY Electrical Work Often Goes Wrong
Electrical systems are not just wires and switches. They involve:
Load calculations
Grounding and bonding
Proper GFCI and AFCI protection
Correct wire types and burial depth
Code-required outlet placement
Homeowners simply do not know the electrical code, and that’s not their fault - electricians train for years to understand it.
Real Case Studies From Our 25+ Years in the Field
Case Study #1: The $2,500 Job That Turned Into a $10,000 Repair
A homeowner ran power underground using non-burial cable, and it was not installed deep enough. Over time, the wire became damaged.
If done correctly from the start, the job would have cost $2,000–$3,000.
Instead, we had to:
Remove compromised wiring
Trench again
Replace materials
Bring everything to code
Final cost: ~$10,000
Case Study #2: Kitchen Renovation Wiring Mistake
During a home renovation, a homeowner pulled their own wires. When wiring the kitchen island, they ran power for the dishwasher and microwave - but forgot the required island receptacle outlets.
Because outlets on kitchen islands are required by code, the walls had to be reopened.
Original cost if done correctly: ~$1,000
Cost to fix after drywall and finishing: ~$3,000
The Most Dangerous DIY Electrical Mistakes We See
Two mistakes show up again and again:
Improper grounding of electrical devices
Missing GFCIs in required locations (bathrooms, kitchens, outdoors, garages)
These are not cosmetic issues - they are serious safety risks that can lead to shock, fire, or failed inspections.
What Electrical Work Is Reasonably Safe for Homeowners?
If you absolutely want to do something yourself, we only recommend very limited tasks, such as:
Resetting a tripped breaker
Changing outlet or switch cover plates
That’s it.
Anything beyond this should involve a licensed electrician.
How DIY Electrical Work Affects Home Value and Insurance
Improper or unpermitted electrical work can:
Reduce home resale value
Raise red flags during inspections
Create trust issues with buyers
Cause insurance complications if damage occurs
We’ve seen deals fall apart because electrical work couldn’t be verified or trusted.
So… Can You Do Your Own Electrical Work? (Final Answer)
Yes, you can do your own electrical work in BC with a homeowner’s permit.
But after 25+ years as licensed electricians, we can confidently say:
You should not.
DIY electrical work often:
Fails inspection
Costs more to fix
Creates safety risks
Reduces home value
Hiring a professional electrician the first time is almost always the safer and more affordable option in the long run.
Get a Free Electrical Quote - No Pressure, No Hidden Fees
If you’re unsure whether your project should be DIY or handled by a licensed electrician, we’re happy to help.
100% free quotes
No hidden fees
Certified, experienced electricians
Serving Greater Vancouver for 25+ years
