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Guide

Licensed electrician vs handyman: which do you need?

Some electrical jobs are fine for a handyman; others legally require a licensed electrician. Here's how to tell.

Handyman-friendly jobs

Swapping a light fixture or a plug-in fixture, or mounting where no new wiring is needed, is often fine.

Licensed electrician jobs

New circuits, panel upgrades, EV chargers, rewiring and anything behind the wall need a licensed pro and permits.

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Why it matters

Unpermitted electrical work can be unsafe and cause insurance and resale problems. When in doubt, use a licensed pro.

How Genie helps

Genie verifies licensing and insurance for electrical work, so the right pro is matched to the job.

FAQ

Can a handyman do electrical work?

Minor fixture swaps are often fine, but new wiring, circuits and panels need a licensed electrician. Genie routes these to licensed pros.

Do I need a permit for electrical work?

Often yes for new circuits, panels and EV chargers. A licensed electrician handles the permit and inspection.

Get it done on Genie

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