Electric work on other's Properties

[BarnBuiltBeaters]

I cannot seem to find this answer so I figured I'd ask here.

Say someone wants to hire me to do trade work (electrical, HVAC, plumbing, etc) which requires a license to perform. Is there a way to perform the work for a customer without having a license? For example, pulling a permit for the work being done and having it inspected?
I know state by state and county by county can vary but just asking generally. I live in New York state in anyone has specifics.

Getting these licenses take an incredibly long time for someone who wants to do work on the side (legally, through their established business) or someone who wants to switch career paths. I know I do not know everything, but I am capable of performing most of the work. Plus isn't this why an inspection is required even for people who are licensed?

Thanks

 

[BarnBuiltBeaters]

To add more. One is able to perform electrical work (such as running wire) on their personal property they live in with a permit. I do not see any difference between doing this on your property vs another's with an inspection. Once you move, this electrical work you previously did is now affecting someone else.

 

[mike93lx]

It's almost like the licenses are there for a purpose.

 

[BarnBuiltBeaters]

It's almost like the licenses are there for a purpose.

I agree but, you don't need a license to perform work on vehicles yet you can still get ASE certs. Someone who is working on/repairing steering, stopping, and safety components. Joe Shmoe can start a shop without any knowledge or certs/licenses (although probably wont be in business long)

 

[mike93lx]

I agree but, you don't need a license to perform work on vehicles yet you can still get ASE certs. Someone who is working on/repairing steering, stopping, and safety components. Joe Shmoe can start a shop without any knowledge or certs/licenses (although probably wont be in business long)

Doesn't matter how it compares to fixing cars. That's not what you are trying to skirt around.

 

[BarnBuiltBeaters]

I am just saying its another trade job with equal risks/responsibilities for peoples safety.

If one wanted to start a reno business without licenses, how would one reasonably get them while also work a day job (Due to Hr requirement)? For example, I work as an engineer, I cannot afford to quit and take on an apprentice role due to the pay cut.
Also, for renovations you may need to modify HVAC ducting, electrical, plumbing to complete a job. I would imagine not many people have all the licenses for this. So they must be subbing it out?

I can see a need for licenses to install new systems such as whole house wiring, plumbing, elec. But to modify existing, it seems like their would be a minor cert/license you would be able to obtain, i am guessing no. especially considering a homeowner is able to do their own work without a license.

 

[mike93lx]

am just saying its another trade job with equal risks/responsibilities for peoples safety.

That doesn't change the reality that the law requires one to be licensed and not the other. That's a debate that will quickly devolve to politics and this will get locked.

 

[dcg9381]

It's almost like the licenses are there for a purpose.

Agree. But the flip side of that is that in some states there are some substantially unlicensed trades and construction proceeds just fine, although inspection is warranted.

I'd have a lot more confidence doing it if I knew my work was going to be inspected. I install residential solar in some areas that don't require you to be an electrician, I carry insurance, and my work is inspected. I charge for that.

I *may* do electrical work for friends, if they are good enough friend and that work is in my "wheel house" for electrical.. IE, minor sub panels, branch circuits, setting up a well pump. But this work, I don't charge for.

Almost all general construction here is unlicensed. That includes structural concrete, framing, roofing. There are a million "renovation" subs operating under DBAs. In my area, hell, you don't even have to pull a plumbing or electrical permit. In nearest city, pulling an electrical permit can take 3 months currently. I'm NOT saying that this is always a good thing - some times very much the opposite, but it's reality.

 

[pattenp]

Have no written agreement and the property owner takes out the permit as owner doing the work. But no owner in their right mind would do this using someone they don't know to do the work. Once you are doing fee based work you'll most likely also need a business license.

 

[mike93lx]

Agree. But the flip side of that is that in some states there are some substantially unlicensed trades and construction proceeds just fine, although inspection is warranted.

I'd have a lot more confidence doing it if I knew my work was going to be inspected. I install residential solar in some areas that don't require you to be an electrician, I carry insurance, and my work is inspected. I charge for that.

I *may* do electrical work for friends, if they are good enough friend and that work is in my "wheel house" for electrical.. IE, minor sub panels, branch circuits, setting up a well pump. But this work, I don't charge for.

Almost all general construction here is unlicensed. That includes structural concrete, framing, roofing. There are a million "renovation" subs operating under DBAs. In my area, hell, you don't even have to pull a plumbing or electrical permit. In nearest city, pulling an electrical permit can take 3 months currently. I'm NOT saying that this is always a good thing - some times very much the opposite, but it's reality.

Again, it doesn't matter what other states do. The OP lives in a state for which it is required.

Is this a philosophical debate?

 

[dcg9381]

Is this a philosophical debate?

My reply was philosophical. IF this is a "what should the OP do" debate, my reply is "do only what the local jurisdiction allows you to do". That's my official answer.

 

[BarnBuiltBeaters]

That doesn't change the reality that the law requires one to be licensed and not the other. That's a debate that will quickly devolve to politics and this will get locked.

I am aware of the law (or some of it for that matter). Im not looking to debate, I was comparing and wondering if there are ways to legally avoid being licensed while performing work for a customer (like a mechanic or someone on their own house). or if there is a "reno" license to perform such work.

Agree. But the flip side of that is that in some states there are some substantially unlicensed trades and construction proceeds just fine, although inspection is warranted.

I'd have a lot more confidence doing it if I knew my work was going to be inspected. I install residential solar in some areas that don't require you to be an electrician, I carry insurance, and my work is inspected. I charge for that.

I *may* do electrical work for friends, if they are good enough friend and that work is in my "wheel house" for electrical.. IE, minor sub panels, branch circuits, setting up a well pump. But this work, I don't charge for.

Almost all general construction here is unlicensed. That includes structural concrete, framing, roofing. There are a million "renovation" subs operating under DBAs. In my area, hell, you don't even have to pull a plumbing or electrical permit. In nearest city, pulling an electrical permit can take 3 months currently. I'm NOT saying that this is always a good thing - some times very much the opposite, but it's reality.

Once again comparing to Auto, an ASE cert is not required but tells your customers your are able to perform the work correctly. Without one, you may lose out on business due to customers not being assured. I was thinking there may be something similar with other trades as well and that a license may not be required but a good thing to have to get hired (by a business/customer). So far this does not seem to be the case except for in select states

 

[dcg9381]

I think the "big" issue is if you are in an area that can track renovation to permit. If that can be tracked, upon resale, you can get slapped with having to resolve those issues.

When I choose a mechanic, I look for one that is a specialist in the particular make and JUST works on that particular make. I could care less if they are ASE certified, but if they've done 10 years of time for BMW and set up their own BMW shop and have a good reputation within the BMW community. I'll probably pay them a visit. (Not that I own a BMW)

 

[Innovate1]

I have been told in my area doing electrical work as a business for others does not require a license. Seems unlikely but that's what I have been told. That said people often skirt rules. For example here they require anyone doing roof work to be licensed. When you pull a permit there is a spot on the permit for the roofers and their license number. But individuals are allowed to do work on their own house. I didn't know who I was going to use so just put down that I was doing it. Ended up hiring a licensed roofer but that detail was never checked by the AHJ. It's going to vary a lot from area to area.

I would be very hesitant to do electrical work for others without a license, insurance, etc. I have done some minor repairs for relatives and good friends but that's it.

 

[Maxcustody]

I read this and my first thought as others have stated was, you are just skirting around the issue and if it requires a license, it is what it is. However, I thought more and I guess the way around this would be as many do in my area. ‘Handyman’ jacks of all trades master of none. Some people just want the issue fixed and most times pay less for individuals like this. However you are gambling whether it is fixed correctly or not.

Just a thought

 

[BarnBuiltBeaters]

I think the "big" issue is if you are in an area that can track renovation to permit. If that can be tracked, upon resale, you can get slapped with having to resolve those issues.

When I choose a mechanic, I look for one that is a specialist in the particular make and JUST works on that particular make. I could care less if they are ASE certified, but if they've done 10 years of time for BMW and set up their own BMW shop and have a good reputation within the BMW community. I'll probably pay them a visit. (Not that I own a BMW)

I think everything should be tracked and even if you were to do it unlicensed (if it was legal) with a permit, it could still be tracked.

As far as the car, im not sure why people do this. I have an Auto Engineering degree and work on my own cars as well as others. Cars are pretty much the same throughout each brand. Sure their are differences but not enough to make a difference when repairing. The only thing about going to a BMW specialist with a BMW, is they are likely to have seen the issue before and can fix it easier and possibly cheaper from being more efficient as well as having the proper tools as sometimes brands like to use specific tools to their cars. German cars with triple squares for example. But any decent mechanic should be able to diagnose and repair almost anything.

I have been told in my area doing electrical work as a business for others does not require a license. Seems unlikely but that's what I have been told. That said people often skirt rules. For example here they require anyone doing roof work to be licensed. When you pull a permit there is a spot on the permit for the roofers and their license number. But individuals are allowed to do work on their own house. I didn't know who I was going to use so just put down that I was doing it. Ended up hiring a licensed roofer but that detail was never checked by the AHJ. It's going to vary a lot from area to area.

I would be very hesitant to do electrical work for others without a license, insurance, etc. I have done some minor repairs for relatives and good friends but that's it.

I finally found in NY state that only select counties require a license but they all need inspections. This makes so much more sense to me personally.
I think residential electrical work is something that people think is a lot harder than it actually is. A lot of it is pretty much color coded too. I've only done lighting, outlets, and installed a 240V minisplit. I had zero experience priors but loads of research to be up to code and then ask questions to those who are experienced at work/forums/friends. This is where I think people slack on and it is research...

 

[BarnBuiltBeaters]

I read this and my first thought as others have stated was, you are just skirting around the issue and if it requires a license, it is what it is. However, I thought more and I guess the way around this would be as many do in my area. ‘Handyman’ jacks of all trades master of none. Some people just want the issue fixed and most times pay less for individuals like this. However you are gambling whether it is fixed correctly or not.

Just a thought

its not that I want to skirt around being licensed. Its just been a thought that it would be an enjoyable career path (more of a dream than pursuing) but I can't quit my day job to be an apprentice to get thousands of hours with such a pay cut. It would also take way to long to be qualified if I was to do this part time even.
Maybe a handyman is what I am asking for then. Is a handyman able to run/modify electrical, plumbing, HVAC?

An issue is for someone more experienced (a licensed individual). Adding to a circuit (say additional lighting), I believe someone with some basic knowledge is able to perform granted their circuit can handle an additional load (a handyman).

 

[dcg9381]

I think everything should be tracked and even if you were to do it unlicensed (if it was legal) with a permit, it could still be tracked.

Not everything can be tracked. There is no way to tell on my home what was part of original construction as we only have to pull 2 permits to complete a house. One is "general development" (which has a footprint) and the other is septic. Even within the general development permit, if I convert an attic to an apartment, that's within scope of the original general development permit.

Then again, if I was in Jersey, I might try to pump my own gas!

As far as the car, im not sure why people do this. I have an Auto Engineering degree and work on my own cars as well as others. Cars are pretty much the same throughout each brand. Sure their are differences but not enough to make a difference when repairing. The only thing about going to a BMW specialist with a BMW, is they are likely to have seen the issue before and can fix it easier and possibly cheaper from being more efficient as well as having the proper tools as sometimes brands like to use specific tools to their cars. German cars with triple squares for example. But any decent mechanic should be able to diagnose and repair almost anything.

I worked on a lot of cars growing up. I'm much much faster at an OHC Nissan/Datsun or Toyota than I am anything else. I've never done it for a living (but came pretty close). The reason why I choose "specialists" is exactly as you've stated: Limit the scope of what you work on and you become very familiar with all the common problems and solutions. Never mind that I can probably identify the location that of any bolt that goes into a 240Z on sight (yea, not working on those much anymore).

Two examples:

1. Another example is that I had a VW TDI. It started to lose front lighting, so I started chasing light replacements. I spent about $200 in bulbs before I realized (from other owners via google) that those cars have a "weak fuse" that causes intermittent electrical issues in the front light systems. It was a $2 part. I spent 4 hours and $200 on it.
2. I have a VW "specialist" for the same car. Car popped a turbo after 145k, I took it in to be replaced, the independent shop owner said, "yea, those are probably covered by your settlement warranty". He could have cleared about $3k in repair bills on it, but instead had it towed to the dealer where they repaired it for free under warranty at 145k miles. Had I taken it to any general automotive place, they would have replaced that turbo and charged me.

 

[Maxcustody]

its not that I want to skirt around being licensed. Its just been a thought that it would be an enjoyable career path (more of a dream than pursuing) but I can't quit my day job to be an apprentice to get thousands of hours with such a pay cut. It would also take way to long to be qualified if I was to do this part time even.
Maybe a handyman is what I am asking for then. Is a handyman able to run/modify electrical, plumbing, HVAC?

An issue is for someone more experienced (a licensed individual). Adding to a circuit (say additional lighting), I believe someone with some basic knowledge is able to perform granted their circuit can handle an additional load (a handyman).

I understand what you are saying. Handyman around here fixes everything…..however is it fixed correctly, these people have no licenses or requirements. It still comes back to individual state and county’s. I use only licensed contractors and my county does not require license or inspection for the vast majority of the work performed.

 

[ycgoat]

There are 2 issues here; Legal and Liable.

For legal I am not familiar with NY laws, but I do not see a reason why the home owner can not hire a consultantant or helper for this work or have a friend lend a hand, assuming they are allowed to perform the work as the home owner. Un-licensed and or Un-permitted work happens all of the time around here as does unlicensed contractors posing as legitimet.

Liability - I was taught that you are financially and criminally liable for your work and those that work under your supervision. For the home owner that does not mean you will be able to recover any losses from mistakes or failures their friend electrician may have been responsible, and If the locality does find out there can be other civil liabilities, such as having to rip it out or be inspected by a licensed contractor or engineer.

My philosophy has always been if I am not going to do it myself, I hire a reputable, licensed, and insured professional.

 

[firebirdparts]

I do not see any difference between doing this on your property vs another's with an inspection.

Well, now, right there's your problem.

 

[kngelv]

Do you ever wonder why electrical apprenticeships are 8000 hours on the job plus schooling? It's so a competent person can do the electrical work at a home or business and not burn it down. I really get tired of all the "it's pretty easy" types on here who think they can properly do electrical work after reading a couple books or watching a few YouTube videos. I won't even look at the electrical forum because of all the dumb stuff I see on there. I regularly have apprentices working on my crew and see firsthand all the bad things they learned prior to starting their apprenticeship. The OP claims he is an engineer. Maybe your company can hire someone without an engineering degree to do that work. I've got two college degrees and am a Journeyman Electrician with 26 years of experience. Maybe I could read a book and take your job.

James

 

[Captain Spaulding]

Ask your insurance agent what they think. Most people won’t change a hose washer for pay without insurance as a plumber. The liability can be enormous and your insurance will not cover you unless such work is called out in your policy.

 

[dcg9381]

Maybe your company can hire someone without an engineering degree to do that work. I've got two college degrees and am a Journeyman Electrician with 26 years of experience. Maybe I could read a book and take your job.

James

James, I'm an engineer (EE). I assure you that you could do many of our jobs. Not all, but may of them..
To me, an engineering degree is just a piece of paper that says "this person can learn stuff related to math and science".

I've known lots of EEs that have never soldered anything in their lives and certainly wouldn't attempt to change a circuit breaker or replace an outlet. Nor should they.

I *think*, last time Iooked (in my state) that I get some "credit" granted toward a master electricians license due to that degree (about 2 years), but substantial hours and experience are still required for good reasons.

When I retire, I may go on staff for an electrical contractor (in some state where the summer temperature is below 80)...

What we agree on is that there is no substitute for experience!

 

[Ilikeike]

Around here you can have a handyman do small jobs up to $500 (at least it use to be 500) Over that, you needed a licensed contractor.
Now if it's "Permitted" electrical work, you most likely need a Licensed contractor no mater the amount.

 

[kngelv]

James, I'm an engineer (EE). I assure you that you could do many of our jobs. Not all, but may of them..
To me, an engineering degree is just a piece of paper that says "this person can learn stuff related to math and science".

I've known lots of EEs that have never soldered anything in their lives and certainly wouldn't attempt to change a circuit breaker or replace an outlet. Nor should they.

I *think*, last time Iooked (in my state) that I get some "credit" granted toward a master electricians license due to that degree (about 2 years), but substantial hours and experience are still required for good reasons.

When I retire, I may go on staff for an electrical contractor (in some state where the summer temperature is below 80)...

What we agree on is that there is no substitute for experience!

I work with electrical and mechanical engineers all the time. Some are really good and others have no clue on applying theory to reality. It's like any job - some are good and others not so much. I can get through PLC logic pretty good, write logic etc. However a real good controls guy can do things more efficiently than me because that is what he does all day. At my job it's a pretty collaborative effort between engineers and tradespersons and there are excellent and poor examples of both. Funny story time. We had a fairly new process engineer who had an EE degree and was a little full of himself. He wanted a screen moved at an operator station. I pointed out that it would be hard for the operator to use at that location and suggested an alternative placement. He told me that "if I wanted to be a process engineer then I should fill out an application." Needless to say the screen was not moved that day. His boss got word of it and the next day I had a brand new "apprentice" with an electrical engineering degree. He was on a special 7 day assignment. It was pretty funny. We rode him pretty hard that week but it turned out well. He is one of the better engineers that I work with now.

James

 

[Meursault74]

Amateur vs professional, many times has to do with liability.

If you have a headache, you go and take an aspirin or Tylenol on your own accord. If you tell someone else to do so, you're giving medical advice which you shouldn't. The "what if this happens" always is present.

I've done my own electrical repairs and some on my brother's place. Changing out a loose outlet or a faulty GFCI outlet is quite simple. Changing out a light or a breaker too. That being said, I'd never do it for an acquaintance/neighbor and not for pay either. Too much at risk. What if something happens with device installed? I didn't make that device, I just screwed it in, but I'd be on the hook for it. The pros carry insurance and are supposed to know what they are doing.
I wouldn't want to be answering questions on how I did or did not loop the wire the correct orientation around the screw terminal.

Keep DIY to "yourself".

If you want to be a pro (get paid) then do all that needs to be done to get to that position.

 

[rayra]

I stopped reading the OP at 'New York' and the answer is No, not in any incorporated area. Pretty much anywhere in the Northeast, for that matter.

 

[Showkey]

Ask your insurance agent what they think. Most people won’t change a hose washer for pay without insurance as a plumber. The liability can be enormous and your insurance will not cover you unless such work is called out in your policy.

Most people ??????

All that electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, siding, kitchen and appliances “stuff” sold at Home Depot, Menards and Lowes…….getting installed DIY ? Guess what no permits is common.

Your insurance not covering is bocus.

 

[kbs2244]

in most jurisdictions,
if the owner pulls the permit for their property
You are allowed to work on your own property

and they are allowed to have "assistance"

NYS may prohibit this

You will have to ask your building dept
if you can work on your property with assistance

 

[jkuro]

Getting these licenses take an incredibly long time for someone who wants to do work on the side (legally, through their established business) or someone who wants to switch career paths.

Getting a license is not that hard. Go to your city/county, fill out the paperwork, show them your insurance, pay your money, done. Normally your good for a year. Why make it hard and try to beat the system.

 

[dcg9381]

Getting a license is not that hard. Go to your city/county, fill out the paperwork, show them your insurance, pay your money, done. Normally your good for a year. Why make it hard and try to beat the system.

Let me know what state I can use this process in to be a master electrician.

 

[reader2580]

Most people ??????

All that electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, siding, kitchen and appliances “stuff” sold at Home Depot, Menards and Lowes…….getting installed DIY ? Guess what no permits is common.

Your insurance not covering is bocus.

I think you missed the "for pay" part of the post you quoted.

 

[BarnBuiltBeaters]

Well, now, right there's your problem.

Reason I say this is because once you move it is someone else's property and not yours anymore. Therefore their is no difference between the electrical work at your house vs. another's in my eyes at least.

James, I'm an engineer (EE). I assure you that you could do many of our jobs. Not all, but may of them..
To me, an engineering degree is just a piece of paper that says "this person can learn stuff related to math and science".

I've known lots of EEs that have never soldered anything in their lives and certainly wouldn't attempt to change a circuit breaker or replace an outlet. Nor should they.

I *think*, last time Iooked (in my state) that I get some "credit" granted toward a master electricians license due to that degree (about 2 years), but substantial hours and experience are still required for good reasons.

When I retire, I may go on staff for an electrical contractor (in some state where the summer temperature is below 80)...

What we agree on is that there is no substitute for experience!

I 100% agree with this. Although I am an engineer, I could teach someone how to do 90% of my job. I have a better background but that background was taught with classes and, more importantly, experience on the job.





I think we are forgetting what I was asking. I am not trying to get around not having insurance, it is the license part due to the long hour requirements generally required. I am looking for legal ways to do such work. For any work done a business should have insurance. I know Without being legal insurance wouldn't cover it.

I know any trade work is skilled at their jobs and a homeowner cannot know everything that an experience tradesmen can. However I do believe that many of us are more than capable of altering such structures with basic know how. A permit is pulled and someone who has lots of experience then comes check the work to verify it is correct. Why their is a difference between one's home and a customer's is really what I don't understand.
Their is always a place for skilled tradesmen but to run electrical to a different spot in the kitchen (say installing recessed lights) or changing the location of a showerhead another wall, why one is unable to perform such tasks with a permit/inspection on another's property seems unreasonable to me. maybe I am just not educated enough in the trades to understand.

 

[Zeke]

You are in a massive gray area. The rules that local AHJ's go by vary greatly from region to region, even county to county in some states. Here in CA a homeowner can get a permit to do just about anything. One thing an inspector will check is if he knows of or sees subs on the job, he will ask for city business licenses. State contractors licenses are governed by the state, not a county or city. If working on federal property like a military bas in CA, the locals have no say.

Again, workers comp is a matter that the state deals with. Liability ins is not questioned by the AHJ.

A few things cannot be performed by a homeowner and my list is not complete or up to date. Sewer connections, work on public land or right of ways, foundation work involving pilings and caissons, and power connections. Last I knew, to get a HO electrical permit, the HO has to take a proficiency test.

There are 2 types of general contractor licenses in CA, "A" and "B." A B license cannot grade public works projects nor build structures like bridges and high rises. So if a park is being built, the A grades it and puts in the roads. A B can build the bathrooms and do the hardscape and landscape (usually done by "C" specialty contractors of which there are about 45 classifications). C's can work for (contract) A, B and HO's.

I see they have added a "B-2" classification for residential remodeling. That might have something to do with what HO permits are available. For example, as a B, I used to split my time between residential remodeling and commercial tenant improvements. So I'm gonna take a WAG and say a business owner can't get an owner/builder permit to build out a small store, etc. And apparently a B-@ is shut out as well. IDK the facts on that specifically.

 

[nadogail]

No good deed will go unpunished, I no longer find the time or energy to be responsible for electrical repair and construction. Even with an umbrella liability policy I am uncomfortable replacing someone’s home

 

[Zeke]

No good deed will go unpunished, I no longer find the time or energy to be responsible for electrical repair and construction. Even with an umbrella liability policy I am uncomfortable replacing someone’s home

Me neither. After 50 years of everything construction related I couldn't give a ****. You do something and all you get is whining and doubt from those that don't know what they are talking about in the first place. And if something does go wrong all you hear is "lawyer up." Even here on the GJ. Screw it.

 

[firebirdparts]

Well, one thing I always think about is WHEN the government offers a license to do something, then they expect you to get you one. It's much easier to drive on an asphalt road than it is in a plowed field. So the argument would be that you don't need a driver's license on the road because you don't need one in a plowed field. You can't get by with that kind of clever reasoning.

They have various reasons for offering a licensing process, but there's no variation in what they think about you getting one.

 

[35Ford]

It comes down to are you qualified to do the work?
If you don't have a license, along with a lot of other things, you're not qualified.
Capable and qualified are not the same.

 

[zeke67]

I'm not a tradesman, I do as much of my own work as I can, and try to limit my involvement with government processes. That said, the licenses and permits are there for a reason. As much to protect the unknowing homeowner as the learned professionals while also generating revenue for the government.

I take issue with the comment that electrical wring is mostly about color codes. This is pretty much the sort of thinking that gets DIYers and Handyman types in trouble and screw the HO while advancing the NFPA and UL standards that raise costs for all of us. Most of what sparkys do is dealing bonding, grounding and load balancing when it comes to new work. After that it's the code requirements of how many devices, of what type, and where. Color is about the last thing, the only two colors that can't be anything else are white and green.

That said (rant over) "if" the OP is looking for a way to work in the grey area, it's to make sure the HO pulls the permit and offer "consulting services" on how to hook things up. Which has a couple of implications, one is that the HO is willing to do it that way. Some will, there are a lot of handymen types that get hired. Another is that it's believable when the AHJ shows up -- a young guy that has a "buddy" (i.e. you) come over to help with a ceiling fan is more believable than an 80 year old grandma type that needs a little help wiring the solar inverter for the new array she put on her roof "by herself". It's all pretty grey and I would suggest you may get away with it and even do quite well.

In addition to the comments about liability and legality there is the insurance industry. I've pulled electrical HO permits and done 100% my own work, and been "educated" by the AHJ, who was still helpful and still passed me. But he mainly looked at the panel board, UL listings, grounding/bonding and that was it. He spent zero time looking at how devices where wired, if I had too many on a circuit, and so forth. Maybe my work looked good enough, maybe he didn't care to go deeper. The point is, if you get approved but didn't do the work correctly and manage to burn the place down, the insurance adjusters will figure out what caused it and if it wasn't to code it'll come back to you. If it was code, then you'll be fine.