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The Hidden Costs of Cheap Electrical Work

Writer: Forrest DemmanForrest Demman

Why Quality Matters

When it comes to electrical work, cutting corners to save money can be a costly mistake. While a low quote might seem attractive upfront, poor-quality electrical work can lead to safety hazards, failed inspections, and expensive repairs down the road.


At Big Tree Electrical, we’ve seen firsthand the damage caused by unqualified or careless electricians. In this article, we’ll break down the hidden costs of cheap electrical work and why investing in quality matters.


1. Safety Risks: The #1 Reason to Avoid Cheap Electrical Work


Electrical systems power your entire home or business, and mistakes can have serious consequences, including:

  • Electrical fires – Faulty wiring and overloaded circuits are leading causes of house fires.

  • Electrical shocks – Improper grounding or wiring errors can put homeowners at risk of electrocution.

  • Unreliable connections – Loose wires can cause intermittent power issues, flickering lights, or worse, hidden dangers inside walls.



Real-World Example:


Exposed wires and pipes on a concrete wall in a dimly lit basement. A toilet tank is partially visible. Mood is industrial and unfinished.

We’ve been called in to fix improperly wired basement renovations where homeowners thought they were getting a great deal—only to find live wires left exposed, hanging from the ceiling where anyone might accidentally brush up against them. These shortcuts put families at risk.


The Right Way: Hiring a licensed, insured electrician ensures correct wiring, proper grounding, and adherence to safety codes, preventing these risks.


2. Insurance and Liability Issues: Are You Really Covered?


Many homeowners don’t realize that insurance policies may not cover damages caused by unlicensed electrical work. If a fire or electrical failure occurs due to subpar installation, your claim could be denied.


Key Issues With Cheap Electrical Work:

  • No permits – Many low-cost electricians skip the permit process, which can void insurance claims.

  • No warranty or accountability – Fly-by-night electricians often disappear when things go wrong, leaving you responsible for costly repairs.

  • Legal liabilities – If an unlicensed electrician gets injured on your property, you may be held liable for medical costs.


The Right Way: A reputable electrical company ensures proper permits, inspections, and liability coverage, protecting you financially.


3. Failed Inspections & Costly Rework


Cheap electrical work often means cut corners, outdated techniques, and non-code-compliant installations. If you’re planning to sell your home or get an inspection, these issues can cause major headaches:

  • Failed home inspections – Homebuyers demand code-compliant wiring, and faulty work can delay or cancel sales.

  • Expensive rework – Fixing bad wiring after drywall is up can be far more expensive than doing it right the first time.

  • Municipal fines – Electrical work done without permits can lead to costly fines or required corrections before approval.


Frayed electrical wire with tape on pink insulation, under bright flashlight. Wood beam nearby. Text "TRENDex" visible on the wire.

Real-World Example:

A homeowner in Creston hired a "cheap" electrician to wire an addition on their mobile home. When selling their home, the silver label inspection failed due to non-compliant wiring—forcing them to pay more than double to have the wiring redone properly.


The Right Way: Working with a licensed professional ensures inspections pass the first time, saving time and money.



4. Short-Term Savings, Hidden Long-Term Costs of Cheap Electrical Work


Hiring an underqualified electrician may seem like a budget-friendly choice, but it often costs more in the long run due to:

  • Frequent repairs – Cheap wiring jobs lead to power surges, circuit overloads, and failing connections.

  • Energy inefficiency – Poorly installed systems can waste power, increasing monthly bills.

  • Early equipment failure – Substandard work reduces the lifespan of electrical appliances and fixtures.


What’s the True Cost?

If you spend $500 on a cheap electrical fix but need $3,000 in repairs later, was it really worth it?


The Right Way: A one-time investment in quality work prevents these costly problems.


5. The Value of Expertise: Why Quality Electrical Work Matters


At Big Tree Electrical, we believe that quality matters for three key reasons:

Leviton Load Center Electrical panel on a beige wall, surrounded by multicolored cables. A list of labels is visible on the left. Neat, organized setting.

🔧 Precision & Expertise

  • Proper load calculations, correct wire sizing, and secure connections prevent future failures.


🏡 Peace of Mind

  • Knowing your home is wired safely and up to code means no unpleasant surprises.



🔌 A Job Done Right the First Time

  • No "band-aid fixes"—we provide long-term solutions that protect your investment.


Conclusion: Cheap Electrical Work Isn’t Worth the Risk


At Big Tree Electrical, we take pride in providing safe, high-quality electrical work that stands the test of time. If you’re considering electrical upgrades, don’t gamble on unqualified electricians—invest in the safety and reliability of expert service.


📞 Need professional electrical work done right? Contact Big Tree Electrical today for a consultation and get the job done safely, efficiently, and to code.


👉 Request a Quote | Call Us: (250) 977-3477 or Click Here

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