DIY Low voltage Projects is it worth it?
I grew up in a house where my grandfather was a huge DIY man. Anything and everything he would “fix”, to the best of his ability that is. I remember how the lighting in the house just wasn’t quite right. I would turn the switch on one end of the kitchen having to go to the other side to flip another switch to get this one particular light on.
You would think after living there for years I would get the hang of which switch did what, but that wasn’t the case. There are many DIY projects that may have been better left to the professionals.
When it comes to low voltage cabling people often become ambitious in wiring their home. Maybe they want a new sound or theater system, or even set up their own security system. With any job you need the right tools to complete it, that holds especially true when it comes to low voltage cabling.
Besides what is in your typical toolbox, you may need to triple that for a low voltage job.
To go over just a few favorites;
- Wire Stripper
- Metal cutter
- Voltage Tester
- Electrical Tape
- Labeling Marker and Labels
- Sheetrock Knife
- Crimpers
- Specific bits – space bit, concrete bits
- The correct cables
Many times people will purchase the wrong tools. This could result in an incomplete, inoperable system, not to mention often leaving the home looking unfurnished after such a project.
Having the right tools and knowing how to use them is where trained professionals really come in handy. Our techs have gone through extensive training, they are BICSI certified and have 20+ years of experience.
Often unforeseen problems occur. Trained Technicians encounter these issues and are excellent problem solvers as this is what they accomplish on a daily basis.
They have a certain situational awareness where they can identify what the problem is and exactly how to solve it, cutting the time in half compared to someone with little low voltage knowledge.
Is it worth it?
If you have the experience and training, then DIY is manageable, however even some jobs can be a two person project. There is usually a timeline when considering a project we want to complete. When you think of the cost of purchasing tools, your time, safety, and factoring any hiccups along the way it is best to Look at the big picture. Hiring a professional is usually the way to go.
Our techs may be able to handle the DIY home projects but does that mean so should you?