Why Cheap Electricians Can Cost You More in the Long Run
When something breaks in your home—lights flickering, a weird smell near the switchboard, or a socket that stops working—you might want to find the quickest and cheapest person to fix it. Many homeowners search for "cheap electrician near me" and pick the lowest price they see. This seems to make sense at first. You want the job done fast. You want to save money.
But what if that low price ends up hitting your wallet harder?
In Nelson Tasman, we've seen many cases where "cheap now" becomes "expensive later". From dodgy wiring to failed house checks, the dangers of unlicensed or bargain-basement electrical work can cost way more than most folks think.
This post explains the key differences between licensed and unlicensed electrical work—and why picking a trusted qualified electrician safeguards your home, your wallet, and your loved ones.
Grasping the Dangers: Why Electrical Work Isn't a DIY or "Cash Job" Task
Electrical systems look basic from the outside, but behind every switch and outlet lies a web of wires carrying high power. Just one wrong connection can start a fire, wreck appliances, or cause shocks.
This is why NZ law states that licensed electricians can do certain electrical jobs. It's not just a rule—it's key to keeping people safe.
Workers without licenses can't give out certificates, don't stick to NZ rules, and won't be held responsible if things go wrong. After they're gone, the danger stays hidden in your walls.
How Licensed Electricians Keep You Safe
In New Zealand licensed electricians finish proper training, pass tests, and keep their papers up to date. The law says they must follow tough safety rules, and they have to give official papers when they finish a job.
A licensed electrician will:
Here's what licensed electricians do:
Work and
Give you a Certificate of Compliance or Electrical Safety Certificate
Stick to NZ electrical rules
Have insurance to protect homeowners
Back up their work with warranties
At Mako Electrical, our crew follows these rules on every job in Nelson Tasman. We test secure, and future-proof all connections when we put in new lights, fix problems, or rewire old houses.
The Real Cost of Cheap Labor: What You're Paying For
This is what happens with "cheap" or unlicensed electricians:
✔ The work looks done—but on the outside.
Loose wires overloaded circuits, or shortcuts that don't comply with NZ standards can hide behind the wall.
✔ Lack of certificates means no legal proof of safe work.
You might face costly problems if you sell your home or make an insurance claim.
✔ Cheap mistakes damage expensive appliances.
Bad wiring can harm heat pumps, fridges, ovens, TVs, and other devices.
✔ When things break, you pay twice.
A certified electrician must fix the issue , which costs much more than doing it right from the start.
✔ You take on 100% of the risk.
Workers without licenses have no insurance. If something goes wrong, you're stuck with the entire cost.
Many homeowners realize this when a minor issue turns into a major repair. This isn't just about cutting costs now—it's about steering clear of big expenses down the road.
Licensed Electricians Aren't "Expensive"—They Help You Save
Picking a licensed electrician helps you save money over time because:
their work endures
your home stays secure
your insurance remains valid
your appliances stay protected
you don't need to redo the job
At Mako Electrical, we prioritize safe compliant durable work to help you avoid big issues later. We handle every job with care, from small fixes to big installations.
Check out our residential electrical services.
Your Home Needs More Than Just "Cheap" Services
Don't take chances with electrical safety. If you live in Nelson, Stoke, Richmond, Wakefield, Motueka, Brightwater, Mapua, or nearby areas, hiring a licensed and insured professional makes the most sense in the long run.
Want to safeguard your home and prevent expensive fixes?
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cheap electricians often lack licenses, insurance, and certifications. They skimp on quality to keep prices down resulting in unsafe work that can cost you more down the line.
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New Zealand law prohibits unlicensed workers from doing prescribed electrical work. Licensed electricians can give out the needed safety certificates.
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Yes. Your insurer might reject your claim if a problem, fire, or damage stems from unlicensed electrical work. Only certified work keeps your policy valid.
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Request their Electrical Worker Registration Board (EWRB) number or look it up on the public register online. Licensed electricians must also provide a Certificate of Compliance.
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Yes—in the long haul. You might pay more at first, but certified electricians keep you safe from short circuits, house fires, and costly fixes. This ends up saving you big bucks down the road.
