Do I Need a Permit for My Electric Project?
Many homeowners enjoy the challenge of DIY and remodeling projects in their houses. However, before you start pulling wires out of the walls, check to see if your electrical project requires a permit before starting. A licensed electrician may also be necessary.
Scroll down to learn from the pros at Axiom Power what permits are required when you tackle an at-home electrical project.
Do I Need a Permit?
For most homeowners, a permit is usually not required to maintain existing electrical work or replace broken or damaged electrical work.
A permit is typically NOT required to complete any of the following:
Replace broken or damaged electrical outlets, light fixtures, or light switches
Replace approved fuses or defective circuit breakers
Replace light bulbs
Replace existing garbage disposal or dishwasher (30 amps or less)
Install coaxial cable to CATV
Replace an existing doorbell
In Florida, state law requires electrical contracting to be done by licensed electrical contractors. Keep in mind you may not hire an unlicensed person as your electrical contractor. On top of that, we can pull the appropriate permits needed for the project.
A permit is usually required for any of the following jobs:
Installing or altering permanent wiring or electrical devices
Installing or running new wiring
Installing a new electrical outlet
Installing a garage door opener receptacle
Switching a fuse box to a circuit breaker
Installing or altering low-voltage electrical systems (including things like security alarms)
While some minor electrical work may not require a permit, it is always best to err on the side of caution and consult with your local building department. Some departments allow homeowners to pull their permits, but a licensed electrician must obtain others.
If you are allowed as a homeowner to obtain a permit in your specific area, you will need to be the owner and occupant of the home where you are working to pull the permit.
MORE > 5 Electrical Projects That Necessitate a Professional
You cannot perform electrical installations or modifications on a residence to be sold, leased, rented, or exchanged. If you do not own or live in the unit, a licensed electrician must perform the work.
Electrical Inspections
If you obtain a permit, the work will also need to be inspected by a certified electrical inspector.
When you call to schedule the inspection, you will need the following information:
The permit number
The project address
The name of the homeowner
The type of inspection needed
The date of the desired inspection
You may need to provide a detailed description of the completed electrical work.
Ensure that you have the proper permits by hiring Axiom Power for electrical projects around your home. We provide solutions without problems! Schedule a consultation today, (813) 308-9328.!
Play It Safe
It is always best to check — and double-check — whether you need a permit for electrical work. Most counties have a website for the building department where you can find permitting requirements.
If inspectors discover that a project was completed without a permit, drywall or other surfaces may require removal to inspect newly installed wiring. Inspectors also may demand that a permit be acquired, which could include a fine.
Further, consider whether you plan to sell your home in the future. Home real-estate inspectors will often check public records to ensure that a professional has permitted and completed any new work.
Need a permit in Tampa? Check here: Permits for homeowners in Hillsborough County
Skip the Hassle and Hire a Licensed Electrician
There are numerous simple electrical DIY projects that homeowners can complete. But when it comes to jobs that require permits, it is always wise to hire a licensed electrician who will obtain the proper permits and complete the work.
Skip the hassle of pulling permits and hire a licensed electrician from Axiom Power for your residential electrical needs. Simply call (813) 308-9328.