It's pretty straightforward right?
Well, not always. There are cases where a renovation can require a lot of changes to your existing electrical system to meet current codes. A common example is smoke/carbon monoxide alarms. Adding or removing walls may change the requirements for these alarms and inspectors may require that a system may be updated to meet current codes. These changes could be effortless at the rough in stage of the renovation but could be very costly if overlooked. Another great example is the requirements for arc fault detection that many circuits now require. Certain devices are not permitted or not recommended to have this protection while others are required to have it. It can be difficult and costly to separate the two if not caught during the rough inspection. While undergoing a renovation a sub panel may be require to provide space for the additional circuits. In some cases it may provide better value for the client to replace the main panel instead. This is not an exhaustive list but it details why it is important to have a qualified and experienced electrician involved in your renovation project before any work has begun.
What does an electrician do in a renovation?
There are a few stages to a renovation and they are commonly broken down into 3 parts for the electrician:
Service change:
The electrician will make any required changes to the meter, service feeder and main panel. This is usually completed after the demolition of the renovation area and could take anywhere from 1-2 days depending on the size of the project. The goal with this stage is to get the main panel in place so that the required clearances can be observed throughout the rest of the project. Doing the panel first also reduces time spent tying in circuits to the original panel, removing them, then tying them into the new panel. It also ensures that wire is not wasted or pulled too short as the exact location of the new panel is known and not estimated. An electrical inspection may be required at this point depending on what work has been done.
Rough in:
After the framing, HVAC and plumbing trades have finished their rough-ins and required inspections, the electrician will complete their rough in. It is important to have the electrician last for a few reasons. The plumbers and HVAC trades have fewer options when routing their ducts and pipes, and navigating around wires and devices would make their job much more difficult. While pipes and ducts can be frustrating for an electrician to work around, it is still possible to get the job done correctly in a reasonable amount of time. Having the electricians work last also reduces the risk that a wire may be damaged while the other trades are working nearby. The goal of this stage for the electrician is to have all the wires run in the walls and ceiling, and terminated in boxes. This could take between 1-5 days depending on the size of the project. An electrical inspection is required at this point. If not done, the inspector could order the wall coverings to be removed to expose the electrical system for inspection.
Final or finishing:
This is where the electrician install devices like plugs, switches and lighting. This is often begun after the drywall, mudding and painting have been completed although it may change depending on your particular situation. The electrician will also install cover plates, tie in all circuits to the panel and complete a verification to ensure that everything is working properly. This could take 1-3 days depending on the project. After this is completed another electrical inspection is required.
Service change:
The electrician will make any required changes to the meter, service feeder and main panel. This is usually completed after the demolition of the renovation area and could take anywhere from 1-2 days depending on the size of the project. The goal with this stage is to get the main panel in place so that the required clearances can be observed throughout the rest of the project. Doing the panel first also reduces time spent tying in circuits to the original panel, removing them, then tying them into the new panel. It also ensures that wire is not wasted or pulled too short as the exact location of the new panel is known and not estimated. An electrical inspection may be required at this point depending on what work has been done.
Rough in:
After the framing, HVAC and plumbing trades have finished their rough-ins and required inspections, the electrician will complete their rough in. It is important to have the electrician last for a few reasons. The plumbers and HVAC trades have fewer options when routing their ducts and pipes, and navigating around wires and devices would make their job much more difficult. While pipes and ducts can be frustrating for an electrician to work around, it is still possible to get the job done correctly in a reasonable amount of time. Having the electricians work last also reduces the risk that a wire may be damaged while the other trades are working nearby. The goal of this stage for the electrician is to have all the wires run in the walls and ceiling, and terminated in boxes. This could take between 1-5 days depending on the size of the project. An electrical inspection is required at this point. If not done, the inspector could order the wall coverings to be removed to expose the electrical system for inspection.
Final or finishing:
This is where the electrician install devices like plugs, switches and lighting. This is often begun after the drywall, mudding and painting have been completed although it may change depending on your particular situation. The electrician will also install cover plates, tie in all circuits to the panel and complete a verification to ensure that everything is working properly. This could take 1-3 days depending on the project. After this is completed another electrical inspection is required.
Do I need a permit?
Most likely. If you as a homeowner are acting the general contractor and are directly hiring the trades, then you will need to pull a building permit. The other trades will pull their permits under that building permit. If you have hired a general contractor, they will pull the building permit for you. Your local inspection department will be able to provide you with valuable information and you should call them before beginning any renovation project. Permits are there to protect you. If a contractor insists that you don't need a permit, it may be wise to double check with the local inspection department. In the electrical trade, there are only a few things that can be done without a permit such as replacing devices with the same kind. The only electricians that are qualified to pull permits are Master Electricians and in many instances, they may be required to hold a business license in that municipality.
Liability
Most homeowners don't know that they could be held liable for injuries that occur on their property during the renovations. It is important to ensure that your contractors have WCB coverage. It is also important to ensure they have liability coverage appropriate for the work they are doing.
We love renovations!
We have the experience to help your renovation run smoothly. We understand how to work closely with the other trades to ensure that the work is done right. We are qualified to pull electrical permits and have the required licenses to pull those permits. We have WCB and Liability coverage. We can provide you with top quality electrical installations that have great value and will keep you and your loved ones safe. Call us today for a free estimate at 587 988 2707.