Are permits typically required for something like adding a switch to a light in your closet? Genuinely curious, since I have not heard that from contractors, although I have heard permitting concerns for other projects involving electricity and/or plumbing.
It's going to be up to your local building codes -- the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction), in National Electric Code parlance -- but the answer is, "almost certainly." Pretty much any time you're running new wires you should get a permit. Adding a switch? Permit. A couple new recessed lights? Permit.
Reality: almost nobody does this.
This is a pretty good list of situations where you will/won't need a permit. In most cases you can replace an existing outlet/fixture without a permit, but anything new will require one:
Local codes could vary widely, but there’s a concept of “light electrical” which allows unlicensed people/handymen to do certain jobs. Replacing lights, plugs, and switches typically fall under that. Generally, if a permit is needed a licensed person has to do the work.
No. It’s very nice, but for things like actual electrical and gas work, a permit is required.
Many people don’t pull permits however - it’s something to be aware of when buying older homes. The advent of arc breakers and GFCI have reduced the chance of serious harm in these areas.
And I’ve also seen (and done) work that was significantly above the base line contractor level (that nobody would pay for usually) just because it was the homeowner bothering to do things very right.
It's really tricky. Replace the counter top--fine. Move the sink a few inches you're suppose to get a permit. A new electrical outlet--a permit. Solar system--permit. I can only think of a few things that don't require a permit--a fence maybe?
Always claim you just replaced the switch. Just replaced the plumbing. Even then they can make your life miserable if they want. (I can go into most people homes and find multiple code violations--some homes just a few years old.)
These towns are trying to make money. In my town, if you take a few pictures and sell them on eBay, or elsewhere the town wants a fee from you--guess what, you're a Professional Photographer.
My point is these counties/towns are drunk with power, and preventing homeowners from upgrading their homes. They are looking for every dime they can extract from you. A simple electrical switch in you house will require an Inspector in you home at least two times.
If you feel an inspector is picking on you; pull your video camera out and tape every move they make.(Keep the evidence if needed in a lawsuit.)
A building inspector can walk into your home without a warrant at any time. That needs to change, along with enacting all these petty laws most people don't even know they are breaking. Stop passing their bonds, bonds, bonds, bonds, until they stop harassing us.
(It's up to an inspector if they feel the improvements added to the value of your home in the counties I have worked in. Try arguing with some guy who just just looks up codes, and given way too much authority.)
In Boston it is illegal. Plumbing as well. I tried to hire a plumber and electrician to do simple bathroom rewire and could not find a willing contractor - job too small. "Call us in a couple of months, maybe we will squeeze you in" was a typical response. So, I did it myself, according to code but without pulling the permit. I had not other choice.
Fairly certain most DIY electrical work is strictly verboten in the UK, where the author is located. I would think at a minimum you need approval from the council. Not too dissimilar to the permitting process in the US, but the UK is noticeably more safety-obsessed.
You and your best friend most likely can’t install it. You not only need building permits, you also typically need a licensed electrician to do the work. Doing it without a permit or properly credentialed installers risks sanction from the municipality as well as potential insurance consequences.
"The zoning here is such that a homeowner can do any repair work they please on their own without having to get a permit or licensed contractor."
Wow, that's pretty strict for a "small town". Most places allow you to make repairs without a permit or contractor as long as you're not making changes.
For example, I needed a permit to put in an interlock and receptacle for a generator. If something breaks the receptacle, I can replace it with the same model/type/size without a permit. If I replaced it with a different type/size then I would need a permit. On a side note, the inspections are mostly a joke and just a way for the municipality to make money (permit costs more than the materials in many of my cases). The inspector had no idea about electrical stuff and didn't ask any questions about wire gauge/run, receptacle sizing, receptacle height, or how the breaker box was balanced. You know, the stuff that's important to do right to avoid fires, etc.
The law obviously isn't as simple as that. If I agree with an electrician that I will pay him or her to install a switch that we are both aware is unsafe and against building codes, that is still illegal.
In my jurisdiction, minor electrical work can be done by the homeowner (as long as it's a single family home). I think technically even major electrical word can be done by the homeowner as long as it's inspected and signed off, though it's possible that the inspector will require electrician signoff first.
But if a guy who is a master electrician in El Salvador can sell himself as an electrician here, then a homeowner may trust him to do major electrical work "Permits? Naa, you don't need permits for this, that'll just make it more expensive. Trust me!"
That depends. In a lot of places, if you expose any wiring (aka, rip out drywall) you need to get a building permit and inspection for the work you're doing.
reply