Essential Electrical Maintenance for Rental Properties
A Guide to Electrical Permits
Hey there, Ken here! If you own or manage rental properties, you’re probably no stranger to renovations and upgrades. But have you ever paused to consider the importance of electrical permits when making changes to your property?
Whether you’re adding new outlets, installing appliances, or doing a full-on renovation, electrical permits are crucial to ensuring the work is safe and up to code.
Today, I want to walk you through why these permits matter and how electricians like me can help you navigate the process with ease.
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The Role of Electrical Permits in Rental Properties
When it comes to electrical work, safety is the name of the game. Electrical permits are essentially a way for local authorities to ensure that any electrical work being done on a property meets the standards set by local building codes. These codes are there to protect both the property and the tenants from potential hazards, like electrical fires or shock risks.
Skipping the permit process can have some serious consequences. Not only can it lead to safety issues, but it can also result in fines or other penalties if your work is found to be non-compliant during an inspection. Even worse, if something goes wrong with the unpermitted work, your insurance might not cover the damages. So, while it might be tempting to cut corners, it’s not worth the risk.
When Do You Need a Permit?
Now, not every electrical job requires a permit, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Here’s a quick breakdown of when you might need one:
Renovations: Anytime you’re making significant changes to the layout of your property, such as remodeling a kitchen or adding a new room, you’ll likely need an electrical permit. This includes moving or adding outlets, light fixtures, and appliances.
Additions: Adding on to your property, whether it’s a new bedroom, garage, or office space, will almost certainly require a permit. This ensures that the new wiring is properly integrated into the existing system and can handle the additional load.
New Installations: If you’re installing new appliances like HVAC systems, electric vehicle chargers, or even home automation systems, you’ll need a permit to ensure everything is wired correctly.
Panel Upgrades: Upgrading your electrical panel to handle more power is another time when a permit is a must. This is especially important in older rental properties where the existing panel may not be able to handle modern electrical demands.
If you’re ever unsure whether a job requires a permit, it’s always best to check with your local building authority or consult your electrician. We’ve been through this process countless times and can help make sure you’re following the rules.
How Electricians Help You Navigate the Permit Process
Here’s where we electricians come in. Navigating the permit process can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. A licensed electrician can guide you through the entire process, from pulling permits to passing inspections. Here’s how we help:
1. Assessing the Scope of Work
The first thing I do when working with rental properties is assess the scope of the project. Whether it’s a small job or a full-blown renovation, I’ll determine what needs to be done and whether it requires a permit. If a permit is needed, I’ll handle the paperwork, so you don’t have to.
2. Ensuring Code Compliance
Building codes can be tricky to navigate, and they can vary from one city to the next. As a licensed electrician, it’s my job to stay up-to-date with local codes and regulations. I make sure that all the work being done on your property complies with these standards, so you don’t run into any surprises down the road.
3. Coordinating Inspections
Once the work is completed, a city or county inspector will need to check that everything has been done correctly. Electricians like me are familiar with the inspection process and will be there to walk the inspector through the job. We’ll make sure everything passes, so you can rest easy knowing your property is safe and compliant.
4. Providing Documentation
After the inspection, you’ll want to keep copies of all permits and inspection reports. This documentation can be invaluable if you decide to sell the property, file an insurance claim, or simply demonstrate that the work was done legally and to code.
The Risks of Skipping Permits
I know it can be tempting to bypass the permit process to save a little time and money, but let me tell you, it’s not worth it. Without proper permits, you risk:
Fines and Legal Issues: If local authorities discover unpermitted work, you could be hit with fines or even be required to undo the work and start over.
Safety Hazards: Electrical work that isn’t done to code can pose serious safety risks, including fire hazards, electric shocks, and equipment failures.
Insurance Problems: Most insurance policies won’t cover damages caused by unpermitted work. That means if something goes wrong, you’re on the hook for the repairs.
Decreased Property Value: If you ever decide to sell your rental property, buyers will likely want to see that all work was done with the proper permits. Unpermitted work can lower the value of your property and make it harder to sell.
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Ken re-wired my mother’s entire electrical system. He was professional , extremely efficient and the cost came in under budget. He was communicative every step of the way, explaining exactly what had to be done and why. I highly recommend North Crest, LLC.
Ken installed a 60 amp circuit out to the driveway for an electric car charger. He was extremely prompt and responsive. Showed up early. Job was done efficiently and the inspector remarked about how good the work looked. He also cleaned up our panel and made things safer.
North Crest, LLC
5.0
Ken was excellent to work with. We had an electric car charger installed in our garage and Ken was extremely knowledgeable and answered all our questions. His work work done flawlessly and efficiently. He was also very courteous and clean. I would recommend him for any job you need done!
-Ira M.