When it comes to home repairs and upgrades, electrical work is one area that requires special attention and care. While some minor electrical jobs like changing a light fixture or switch may seem straightforward, more complex tasks like rewiring or upgrading electrical service should only be handled by licensed professionals. So can a homeowner ever pull permits for electrical work themselves? Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Electrical Permits
Any type of significant electrical work done on a home typically requires a permit. Permits are required by local city or county building departments to ensure the work meets all electrical codes and standards. This helps protect homeowners from potential safety issues like fire hazards or electrocution.
Pulling an electrical permit involves submitting an application and project details to the local building department. Approved permits allow electrical work to legally be done, but also mean the work will be inspected. Failing to get permits for electrical projects can put homeowners at risk and lead to problems when trying to sell the home.
When Homeowners Can Pull Electrical Permits
In most cases, electrical permits need to be pulled by licensed electrical contractors rather than homeowners. However, there are some situations where homeowners may be allowed to apply for permits themselves:
- Minor repairs: Some building departments allow homeowners to get permits for minor repairs like replacing a light switch or fixture. This is because these are seen as simple “homeowner-level” tasks.
- Home additions: When a homeowner is building an addition themselves, they may be able to pull electrical permits for just the new addition wiring. This assumes they own the home and live in it.
- DIY-friendly areas: Some rural or remote areas with limited electricians may allow homeowners to pull permits for projects they plan to DIY. However, the homeowner may need to demonstrate electrical knowledge.
- Owner-occupied homes: Counties and cities will sometimes grant electrical permits to owner-occupants making upgrades to a home they live in. However, the scope of work allowed can be limited based on experience.
Limits on Homeowners Pulling Electrical Permits
Even in areas where homeowners can technically apply for electrical permits, there are usually strict limits in place:
- Homeowners are only allowed to do work on homes they own and occupy as a primary residence. Rental properties, second homes, and commercial properties typically require contractor permits.
- Permits are limited to minor repairs and upgrades. Major rewiring, new circuits, or electrical service upgrades usually require contractor permits.
- Inspectors can ask homeowners for proof of electrical knowledge, like previous experience or training. Lacking knowledge may result in rejected permit applications.
- Homeowners are rarely allowed to pull permits for work requiring high voltages. This includes services over 200 amps or three-phase power systems.
- Projects permitted for homeowners are usually limited in scope. For example, adding up to 2 circuits or 5 outlets in an existing home addition. Larger projects require contractor permits.
- Homeowners cannot perform permitted work for anyone else. Permits are granted to owner-occupants working on their own primary home, not for doing electrical jobs at other properties.
So while homeowners may sometimes pull permits, it’s generally limited to minor or simple electrical work on their property. More complex and hazardous electrical jobs require licensed electrician permits.
Dangers of Unpermitted Work
It can be tempting for homeowners to skip permits and inspections to save money on electrical projects. However, unpermitted electrical work poses several dangers:
- Safety hazards: Electrical work done without permits has a higher risk of fire, electrocution, or other hazards if not up to code. Mistakes can easily be made outside professional work.
- Legal issues: Homeowners can face fines and legal action for doing unpermitted electrical work, even if it’s on their property. Code violations discovered during sales can also threaten transactions.
- Insurance problems: Electrical fires or accidents stemming from unpermitted work may not be covered by homeowners insurance. This can leave expensive repair costs uninsured.
- Resale value loss: Unpermitted electrical work is a major red flag for potential home buyers and can make it much harder to sell the home later on. It also lowers property value.
- Lack of inspection: Without permit inspections, problems with wiring can go unnoticed. Faulty wiring is more likely to fail without being corrected by an inspector.
While homeowners may save upfront by avoiding permits, it often leads to much larger expenses and headaches down the road. Only licensed electricians have the skills and knowledge for code-compliant, safe electrical work.
Hiring a Licensed Electrical Contractor
For any major electrical project, it’s strongly recommended to hire a licensed electrical contractor to pull permits and complete the work. Warning signs that a professional is needed include:
- Upgrading the home’s main electrical service panel or entrance wires
- Adding new hardwired appliances like AC units or hot tubs
- Rewiring old homes or running new wiring in additions/remodels
- Installing new outlets, lighting circuits, or 240V circuits
- Converting fuse boxes to modern circuit breaker panels
- Running wiring to outbuildings like garages or sheds
- Fixing recurring tripped breakers or electrical faults
- Upgrading home for heavy electrical use from EVs or medical equipment
- Any other project requiring opening up walls to access wiring
When hiring an electrical contractor:
- Verify they are fully licensed in your state and city
- Check the carry proper general liability insurance
- Ask for local references from past customers
- Get a detailed written estimate of costs
- Make sure they pull all required permits before starting
Taking these steps helps ensure electrical safety, and code compliance, and protects homeowners from liability for any issues. Although permits add cost, they are essential for legal and safe electrical upgrades.
Conclusion
While homeowners are sometimes permitted to pull electrical permits for minor DIY projects, extensive electrical work requires contractor permits. Hiring licensed electricians minimizes safety risks and ensures proper inspections. Avoiding permits may save money initially but can lead to huge expenses and legal issues over time. For most homeowners, electrical work beyond very simple jobs is best left to the professionals.
