Are electricians that busy?

[351cmach]

Are electricians that busy they don't want to do a garage? I've had my garage up and weather tight since end of Aug '14. The local electrical inspect will not allow anyone to pull a permit unless licensed and insured. I've had 4 different electricians look at the job and say they would do it no problem. The first one (from sept) started the rough and hasn't finished it and says he is busy haven't heard from him since. Second one ( nov) I'll give you an estimate and get back to you. haven't heard from him. Third one (end of Dec) said I'm finishing up a job and then I"ll do yours. He said "I'll have you hooked up in no time". Haven't heard from him either. Now I'm on the 4th electrician been 3 weeks now, said he's behind. I'm frustrated! What gives? Job to small?

I've had no issues with any other contractors. I've paid what they asked with dead presidents so that's not the issue.

 

[hoffman912]

my rough guess is stuff probably comes up that pays more, bigger projects. bigger projects mean bigger money so they are jumping where money is. they probably can and want to do yours, but between projects. they probably cannot turn down the opportunity for bigger money so leave you hanging.

 

[AlwaysFixingSomething]

Did the first electrician pull a permit?

 

[whyNick?]

2 years ago a tree fell and knocked out the electric line to an outbuilding on my property necessitating the replacement of the mast and the meter box. I figured this was a good opportunity to replace the old fusebox with breakers. Called a local guy who came highly recommended by a friend who is a contractor. He came out the following day and gave me an estimate the day after that. 4 months later, after multiple calls and emails from me, he finally came out and did the job. It took him about 6 hours. He did nice work but I won't use him again, I understand my job was small potatoes but 4 months is just too long to wait.

 

[351cmach]

Did the first electrician pull a permit?

First guy didn't pull a permit which is a good thing. Makes it easier for the electrician that is going to finish it.

I understand my job was small potatoes but 4 months is just too long to wait.

I agree 4 months is to long to wait. I've been waiting 5 months. It's very frustrating. I moved into a new house ( 1yr ago) with a smaller garage than the old house. My plan was to build a big garage for my cars, parts and equipment. Which I have now but I can't move anything in yet! everything is still in storage. Has been for 1 1/2 yrs

 

[volleyball]

Can you not do the work as a homeowner?

I'd go down to the local electrical supply place and wait around and tell a few guys first one there gets the job. Bring pics, diagrams and specs on what goes where.

 

[Rock knocker]

Why can't you get a HO permit?

 

[jmiller_2308]

Around here (MN) it is not just the electricians but all the trades.

I started on my addition November 2013, the actual hole didn't get dub until Oct 2014, they put the last of the roof on in January, and the stucco won't happen until spring sometime. When I called for heat I solicited for 6 bids, 3 showed up, 1 forgot to send me the bid, 1 was outrageously priced and the other got the job but took a month and a half to get around to it.

If I didn't do the electrics and sheetrock I'm pretty sure they wouldn't be done yet either.

Part of my issues are related to the worthless GC I hired but if I had a nickle for every time somebody said, "I won't be out next week because..." I'd probably have my lift paid for.

I asked around and this is apparently not a unique situation. The contractors that survived seem to pick only the work they want to do and that is usually the big $ stuff and that leaves those of us with small jobs at a loss. Worse is that they pass off a line that they will work on your stuff when in fact they might only do it when heck freezes over.

The framers that did my garage weren't even that good . I called one of them "the butcher" and when the inspector failed the final framing I stepped in and did it myself so that at least it would get done in a reasonable time as well as be done correctly.

GC and contractors giving the trades a bad name leaving me with the garage build from hell

 

[351cmach]

Can you not do the work as a homeowner?

Why can't you get a HO permit?

Electrical inspector will not allow it, says it's because of liability. My father inlaw, and cousin are licensed electricians, uncle is retired master electrician. And none of them can pull the permit because they are not insured. I myself am very capable of doing the work, but can't pull the pemit.

My understanding of the Ma. general laws. Only licensed hired professionals need to pull permit, which I am none of the above, but I don't want to get into a ******* match with the inspector.

 

[volleyball]

If the homeowner cannot pull a permit then it means they don't need one to do the work.

 

[AlwaysFixingSomething]

If your area has adopted the NEC which is pretty much everywhere technically nobody but an electrician is allowed to do electrical work. Lots of inspectors don't enforce this because the local townships would lose a lot of money from homeowners pulling permits.

From the NEC

(C) Intention. This Code is not intended as a design specification
or an instruction manual for untrained persons.

Qualified Person. One who has skills and knowledge related
to the construction and operation of the electrical
equipment and installations and has received safety training
to recognize and avoid the hazards involved.

Reading forums, google and watching youtube is not training.

 

[big.jim]

how much would insurance cost for your in laws to be able to get a permit ,would paying for the insurance not be cheaper than getting a contractor in

 

[Hpozzuoli]

PM me if you still need an electrician. I am a licensed GC in RI, but use a lot of electrical subs. I have a guy I can recommend if you need him. Distance might be the only issue. I think he is based out of Woonsocket , RI so depending on where you are he might come.

 

[351cmach]

If your area has adopted the NEC which is pretty much everywhere technically nobody but an electrician is allowed to do electrical work. Lots of inspectors don't enforce this because the local townships would lose a lot of money from homeowners pulling permits.

From the NEC

(C) Intention. This Code is not intended as a design specification
or an instruction manual for untrained persons.

Qualified Person. One who has skills and knowledge related
to the construction and operation of the electrical
equipment and installations and has received safety training
to recognize and avoid the hazards involved.

Reading forums, google and watching youtube is not training.

3 family members being licensed electricians with over 120 years of experience, and 1 being a retired VP of a major electric contractor firm I believe they would be sufficiently trained!

how much would insurance cost for your in laws to be able to get a permit ,would paying for the insurance not be cheaper than getting a contractor in

Never thought of that, might have to look into it. Anyone here have an idea on cost?

 

[AlwaysFixingSomething]

3 family members being licensed electricians with over 120 years of experience, and 1 being a retired VP of a major electric contractor firm I believe they would be sufficiently trained!



Never thought of that, might have to look into it. Anyone here have an idea on cost?

I'm talking about home owners pulling permits not electricians..........

 

[volleyball]

If your area has adopted the NEC which is pretty much everywhere technically nobody but an electrician is allowed to do electrical work. Lots of inspectors don't enforce this because the local townships would lose a lot of money from homeowners pulling permits.

From the NEC

(C) Intention. This Code is not intended as a design specification
or an instruction manual for untrained persons.

Qualified Person. One who has skills and knowledge related
to the construction and operation of the electrical
equipment and installations and has received safety training
to recognize and avoid the hazards involved.

Reading forums, google and watching youtube is not training.

Those words mean nothing as related to being able to do job. The NEC writes code, not control who can do the job.

I had thought that it should be easy and not expensive to get an insurer to insure the job.

 

[351cmach]

3 family members being licensed electricians with over 120 years of experience, and 1 being a retired VP of a major electric contractor firm I believe they would be sufficiently trained.

I'm talking about home owners pulling permits not electricians..........

I would think any of them could pull the permit. There is a section where I could waive the insurance, but the inspector will not allow it. I was told by an electrical inspector from a neighboring town that he did not have the authority to refuse me, but I don't want to get into a ******* match I just want to get this done.

 

[AlwaysFixingSomething]

Those words mean nothing as related to being able to do job. The NEC writes code, not control who can do the job.

I had thought that it should be easy and not expensive to get an insurer to insure the job.

Really those words mean nothing as related to being able to do the job? Thanks captain obvious. That's not what i was saying at all.

A qualified person has received training and has worked in the trade for many years. Also completing a 4 year 8000 hour apprenticeship program qualifies you as a journeyman in most places.

 

[AlwaysFixingSomething]

I would think any of them could pull the permit. There is a section where I could waive the insurance, but the inspector will not allow it. I was told by an electrical inspector from a neighboring town that he did not have the authority to refuse me, but I don't want to get into a ******* match I just want to get this done.

Again I am talking about homeowners pulling permits...........................................................................

You just said your family members are electricians not "homeowners" with no training or experience....

 

[351cmach]

Again I am talking about homeowners pulling permits...........................................................................

You just said your family members are electricians not "homeowners" with no training or experience....

I am talking abouth license electricians pulling a permit with insurance being waived.....................

 

[aandpdan]

Electrical inspector will not allow it, says it's because of liability. My father inlaw, and cousin are licensed electricians, uncle is retired master electrician. And none of them can pull the permit because they are not insured. I myself am very capable of doing the work, but can't pull the pemit.

I'm in MA too.

You should be able to waive the liability requirement but you'll likely have to go with him to get the permit approved.

I went through this with some gas work. Have a friend licensed as a gasfitter that was doing a job for me on the side, hence no coverage. I just waived the requirement, no issue.

 

[AlwaysFixingSomething]

I am talking abouth license electricians pulling a permit with insurance being waived.....................

All my comments were directed to the guy who asked why can't a HO pull a permit.

I never heard of a licensed electrician not having insurance.

 

[351cmach]

All my comments were directed to the guy who asked why can't a HO pull a permit.

OK

I never heard of a licensed electrician not having insurance.

Insurance not needed if working for someone (company). Just an expense if not needed

 

[Aceman]

I never heard of a licensed electrician not having insurance.

I think you mean "electrical contractor." I am a licensed electrician, I do not have insurance because I work for someone else.

 

[AlwaysFixingSomething]

I think you mean "electrical contractor." I am a licensed electrician, I do not have insurance because I work for someone else.

No the term "license" is used wrong by a lot of people. License means a license to do business like you said electrical contractor. If you are an electrician you are certified journeyman or master. The license word is just a blanket term used when people really mean they are certified.

 

[pi_guy]

Where are you on the South Shore?

 

[Aceman]

No the term "license" is used wrong by a lot of people. License means a license to do business like you said electrical contractor. If you are an electrician you are certified journeyman or master. The license word is just a blanket term used when people really mean they are certified.

I think you're missing the point. The word license can apply to many different things. I know the card in my wallet was not meant to be called a drivers certification.

 

[TractorJeff]

Other option would be to do the work yourself under the "supervision" of an Insured and Licensed Electrician. Then pay him in CASH to sign off on the Work.

 

[_Dock_]

Lots of places all over the country let homeowners do their own work and obtain a ho permit. This is not unusual, the county I live in allows it and we are under the 2014 NEC.

 

[Thumper68]

No the term "license" is used wrong by a lot of people. License means a license to do business like you said electrical contractor. If you are an electrician you are certified journeyman or master. The license word is just a blanket term used when people really mean they are certified.

This is where things are different in parts of the country and world, I have a License to provide Power Limited cabling, I also have a license as a registered contractor.

Right on the paperwork for both it says "License" not certified.

As far as the cost of INS my liability coverage for a year is just under $500 for 2 mil which is the min I can carry (I carry 5 mil). Check with any Ins agent you do business with.

 

[AlwaysFixingSomething]

This is where things are different in parts of the country and world, I have a License to provide Power Limited cabling, I also have a license as a registered contractor.

Right on the paperwork for both it says "License" not certified.

As far as the cost of INS my liability coverage for a year is just under $500 for 2 mil which is the min I can carry (I carry 5 mil). Check with any Ins agent you do business with.

My point is when i hear licensed in most cases it means they are a business an electrical contractor. The "license" is called a business license not talking about his qualifications. If someone says they are a licensed electrician it tells me they obtained a business license with the city/town/state.

So when the guy said he is a licensed electrician and doesn't have insurance that's why I never heard of that. That's why the word licensed is confusing it can mean a business license or a describe the electricians qualifications.

 

[PaulyC]

Most inspectors allow you to pull a permit without insurance when you as the home owner sign the liability waiver.

What part of the south shore are you on? PM me if you need to, I can help you out no problem.

 

[AlwaysFixingSomething]

Lots of places all over the country let homeowners do their own work and obtain a ho permit. This is not unusual, the county I live in allows it and we are under the 2014 NEC.

Not in most places in PA and NJ. Each township/city has their own rules. Philadelphia the closest city to me requires only licensed electricians to pull permits.

 

[Kevin C]

If your area has adopted the NEC which is pretty much everywhere technically nobody but an electrician is allowed to do electrical work. Lots of inspectors don't enforce this because the local townships would lose a lot of money from homeowners pulling permits.

From the NEC

(C) Intention. This Code is not intended as a design specification
or an instruction manual for untrained persons.

Qualified Person. One who has skills and knowledge related
to the construction and operation of the electrical
equipment and installations and has received safety training
to recognize and avoid the hazards involved.

Reading forums, google and watching youtube is not training.

Where I live (Portland OR) developmental services makes the call as to who is eligible. They allow homeowners to do the work and you get inspected like everyone else. They also choose to use the NEC with amendments.

Some use the TLA "AHJ".

You must be both the owner and occupant of the house in order to do the electrical work yourself. This work may not be done on a dwelling that is now or will be for sale, lease, rent or exchange in the next six months. For questions concerning your eligibility, call Residential Electrical Inspections (503) 823-7388.

http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/41031

 

[Malczewski]

Call the union hall. They'll send an old fart(retiree) over.That's what you want anyhoo.
Old, mellow, honest..seen it all.
I hired a retired block mason to do my garage. Laser perfect work.
Took him a week to do 1100 block. $1 a block and lots of beers and talk about"back in the day".
Best call I ever made.He's a block man, concrete,stucco, electric, carpenter, plumber, welder....you get the picture.

 

[AlwaysFixingSomething]

Where I live (Portland OR) developmental services makes the call as to who is eligible. They allow homeowners to do the work and you get inspected like everyone else. They also choose to use the NEC with amendments.

Some use the TLA "AHJ".



http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/41031

Yeah makes you wonder why an AHJ would amend something about being qualified to do electrical work At least most areas are catching on and requiring only a licensed electrician to pull permits and do the work.

 

[PaulyC]

Where I live (Portland OR) developmental services makes the call as to who is eligible. They allow homeowners to do the work and you get inspected like everyone else. They also choose to use the NEC with amendments.

Some use the TLA "AHJ".



http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/41031

Call the union hall. They'll send an old fart(retiree) over.That's what you want anyhoo.
Old, mellow, honest..seen it all.
I hired a retired block mason to do my garage. Laser perfect work.
Took him a week to do 1100 block. $1 a block and lots of beers and talk about"back in the day".
Best call I ever made.He's a block man, concrete,stucco, electric, carpenter, plumber, welder....you get the picture.

What Kevin posted about the home owner doing the work applies here in MA.

as far as calling the union hall and getting them to send someone over around here, well, good luck with that.

 

[Zeke]

My point is when i hear licensed in most cases it means they are a business an electrical contractor. The "license" is called a business license not talking about his qualifications. If someone says they are a licensed electrician it tells me they obtained a business license with the city/town/state.

So when the guy said he is a licensed electrician and doesn't have insurance that's why I never heard of that. That's why the word licensed is confusing it can mean a business license or a describe the electricians qualifications.

You're making a lot of noise on this thread about licenses vs. certifications and blah, blah. There are many "licensed" and/or certified electricians that can do as poor quality work as the 'homeowner' that you categorize as a hack in a generality.

If you would like to help the OP in getting someone to pull his permit and do his work so he can move into his new garage, then do that. If you have information that the electrical contracting business is so busy now that they simply overlook a garage job then show the OP that. All he wants is help in getting his garage done. If he has to get in line or fill out a lottery form to get a sparky, he probably would at this point.

Or if you have any suggestions on how the OP can move this along I bet he would be very open to hear that. I think that's why he started this thread. He certainly did not indicate that he was going to watch youtube and then wire his garage.

I think a homeowner has the right to enjoy and improve his property. If said homeowner has done all the due diligence to get an electrician approved by the AHJ and cannot get his work down in 5 months of waiting and calling people, that he should wire the goddamn garage hisownself with or w/o the help of his relatives and call the inspector. If he is failed if and when all the work is up to code, I'd take that case to court.

 

[AlwaysFixingSomething]

You're making a lot of noise on this thread about licenses vs. certifications and blah, blah. There are many "licensed" and/or certified electricians that can do as poor quality work as the 'homeowner' that you categorize as a hack in a generality.

If you would like to help the OP in getting someone to pull his permit and do his work so he can move into his new garage, then do that. If you have information that the electrical contracting business is so busy now that they simply overlook a garage job then show the OP that. All he wants is help in getting his garage done. If he has to get in line or fill out a lottery form to get a sparky, he probably would at this point.

Or if you have any suggestions on how the OP can move this along I bet he would be very open to hear that. I think that's why he started this thread. He certainly did not indicate that he was going to watch youtube and then wire his garage.

I think a homeowner has the right to enjoy and improve his property. If said homeowner has done all the due diligence to get an electrician approved by the AHJ and cannot get his work down in 5 months of waiting and calling people, that he should wire the goddamn garage hisownself with or w/o the help of his relatives and call the inspector. If he is failed if and when all the work is up to code, I'd take that case to court.

Too much noise didn't read the whole thing.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Electrical inspector will not allow it, says it's because of liability. My father inlaw, and cousin are licensed electricians, uncle is retired master electrician. And none of them can pull the permit because they are not insured. I myself am very capable of doing the work, but can't pull the pemit.

My understanding of the Ma. general laws. Only licensed hired professionals need to pull permit, which I am none of the above, but I don't want to get into a ******* match with the inspector.

Go out and get a commercial/contractors insurance policy for your uncle and have him do the job.