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I have two projects at my house right now being performed by two different contractors. 1) new heat pump install and 2) new lighting in the kitchen. Tomorrow an inspector is coming out to look at the electrical for the heat pump and I do not expect any problems, BUT contractor number two did not finish the ceiling job on time and I now know that he isn't licensed to do electrical work.
So, when the inspector arrives and sees all the wires hanging from my ceiling what do I say? I would like to be truthful but I would also like to avoid fines or getting the contractor in trouble. Perhaps that is too much to ask. How should I handle this when the inspector arrives?
Thanks.
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You're screwed. You must always get a permit. The good thing is that you can rip out the stuff put in by the unpermitted contractor. The bad thing is that contractor can still lien your property and sue you for the full contracted amount.
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Is the lighting in the kitchen is basically replacing fixtures using existing wiring ?
Do they really require a licensed electrician and a permit for it ?
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Your only hope is if they allow you to do the work sans license and permit. And you can fib. Successfully . Be prepared to answer questions like pull tests on wire nuts.
Or run and get the electrical permit first thing tomorrow morning.
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I replaced 3 lights in my kitchen with hanging pendant lights. You're telling me I needed a permit to do that?
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You could have your permitted contractor early and cancel the inspection, perhaps because you are thinking of changing things. Then get a real electrical contractor to pull a permit and have them redo the work.
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Check your city's codes. I wouldn't need permits for either job.
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Hell, here they'd probably fine you if you called an inspector out to inspect a replaced fixture...
But yeah, find out what your local code says! And find it out from a licensed contractor.
I can't say I'm a big fan of how "code" gets set in a lot of places (inluding here...) but it IS a case of "render unto Caesar what is Caesars".
