Poging GOUD - Vrij
WHEN TO CALL AN EXPERT
The Home Handyman
|Jul/Aug'25
When it comes to electrical work, safety should always come first. While some small tasks are safe to tackle yourself, many electrical jobs require the knowledge and skills of a qualified electrician. According to a recent survey commissioned, 29% of homeowners have tried to do their own electrical work, despite 89% agreeing it’s better to call in a professional.
-
Attempting complex repairs without proper expertise can lead to serious injury, fire hazards, or costly damage. And, doing electrical work yourself could also put you at risk of breaching insurance conditions, safety regulations and compliance standards.
Some basic tasks are relatively low risk, especially for homeowners. However, even simple jobs in business settings should often be left to professionals for speed, compliance, and safety.
The risks of DIY electrical work
- Safety concerns
Safety should always be the top priority when it comes to electrical work. DIY projects carry inherent risks, especially for those lacking experience. Electrical shocks, fires, and other hazards are real possibilities when proper precautions aren’t taken.
- Code compliance
Professional electricians are well-versed in local electrical codes and regulations. Performing DIY electrical work may lead to code violations, jeopardizing the safety and legality of your home’s electrical system. An expert’s knowledge ensures that all work meets or exceeds industry standards.
- Voiding warranties
Some electrical appliances and systems come with warranties that become void if DIY repairs or installations are attempted. Calling a professional not only ensures the work is done correctly but also safeguards any existing warranties.
What electrical jobs are safe to DIY?
Completing your own DIY jobs can be satisfying, but online tutorials can give a false sense of confidence. Electrical work is no joke! Poorly executed electrics can result in serious risks or even fatalities.
Safe DIY electrical tasks:Changing light bulbs
Dit verhaal komt uit de Jul/Aug'25-editie van The Home Handyman.
Abonneer u op Magzter GOLD voor toegang tot duizenden zorgvuldig samengestelde premiumverhalen en meer dan 9000 tijdschriften en kranten.
Bent u al abonnee? Aanmelden
MEER VERHALEN VAN The Home Handyman
The Home Handyman
LIGHT UP YOUR PATH
A well-lit pathway isn't just about aesthetics, it's about safety, security, and welcoming guests to your home.
2 mins
January/February 2026
The Home Handyman
ROUTINE CARE FOR AIR CONDITIONERS
During the summer, the ideal room temperature is between 22 and 26°C.
4 mins
January/February 2026
The Home Handyman
HOW TO ARC WELD
A step-by-step guide (for beginners).
3 mins
January/February 2026
The Home Handyman
HOMEOWNERS URGED TO BUILD SMART
Home renovations, solar installations, and water-saving projects are on the rise. However, the MBAWC warns that homeowners who enter building agreements without fully understanding both their and the appointed contractor's rights, responsibilities, or the importance of clear contracts and insurance, risk costly disputes. Highlighting the scale of the problem, Sihle Zikalala, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, noted at the 2025 International Construction Law Association Conference that South Africa is spending considerable amounts of money due to disputes within the construction sector.
4 mins
January/February 2026
The Home Handyman
HEAVY-DUTY SECURITY GATE
By now, your gate posts are solidly set in concrete, and your rectangular frame is cut, tacked, and checked for alignment.
5 mins
January/February 2026
The Home Handyman
UNDERSTANDING CORDLESS DRILL TORQUE SETTINGS
Acordless drill is one of the most versatile tools in any DIYer's toolbox. It drills holes, drives screws, mixes paint, stirs mortar, tightens bolts and even sands with the right attachment. But many homeowners still feel confused by one particular feature: torque settings.
5 mins
January/February 2026
The Home Handyman
HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT BUILT-IN BRAAI
A builtin braai is more than just a cooking appliance, it's a lifestyle statement. Whether you're hosting a Saturday rugby braai, a relaxed Sunday potjie, or a festive family gathering, the right builtin braai becomes the heart of your entertainment area. With so many options available in South Africa, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming, but with a little guidance you can confidently select a braai that suits your home, your cooking style, and the local climate.
3 mins
January/February 2026
The Home Handyman
YOUR SUMMER-TO-AUTUMN GARDEN GUIDE
The first three months of the year bring long days, warm evenings and a rhythm of rain, humidity and occasional heatwaves. It is a rewarding time for gardeners: vegetables grow fast, flowers burst with colour and there is still plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors before the crispness of autumn arrives.
3 mins
January/February 2026
The Home Handyman
THE PERFECT BRAAI AREA
Few things in life bring South Africans together quite like a braai. Whether it's a quick weekday chop, a Saturday rugby get-together, or a full weekend kuier, the braai area is where stories are shared, meals are made and memories live.
3 mins
January/February 2026
The Home Handyman
CHECK YOUR VEHICLE'S BRAKE PADS AND PARKING BRAKE
Your vehicle's brakes are some of the most hardworking safety components on the road. They operate every time you stop at a traffic light, slow down at an intersection or descend a steep hill. Yet many drivers only think about their brakes when something goes wrong. Regularly checking your brake pads and parking brake doesn't just keep you safe, it can save you money by catching wear before it becomes a major repair.
4 mins
January/February 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size
