What would you do? Electrical inspection question

[smk17]

I had some local Mennonites build me a pole garage, upstate NY. After they were done I hired someone to get the electric from my house to the garage. After that I did the electric myself inside the garage. The electric has been on for 6 weeks. I want an electrical inspection for insurance purposes and just to have that document that I had it inspected. My problem, I'm in touch with two inspectors, one hasn't communicated with me in six weeks, the second is 4 weeks. Is this normal wait time for an inspector to get to your house?

The second guy said he usually has to wait until there are a few needed inspections in my area so he doesn't have to come all that way (30 miles) just for me. So that begs the question, what if nobody in my area needs one till 2026?

I can't put in the insulation or the walls and the project is at a stand still. Do I just wait it out?

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

FIRST question is: Did you PAY and OBTAIN an electrical permit?…… If so, they are obligated to perform an inspection no matter how far you live away from the office and in a "reasonable" time frame like 3 business days BUT another getting back to you is unacceptable and very unprofessional.

Where do you obtain the permits from? EG: Municipality, State, Third Party
I would reach out to the department supervisor (aka: Construction Official) and explain your problem and "IF" you don’t get satisfaction call your local government official (Mayor or Town Administrator) and ask them on how to obtain an inspection.

"IF" the inspector wants to do a "drive by or windshield inspection" just tell him to mail you the approved stickers along with the the final Certificate of Approval (aka: C of A) and file it away…… DO NOT accept a verbal approval because "IF" it’s not in writing it’s a rumor!

Don’t be afraid to "rattle the cage" of these turds who take your money and don’t do their job or harass you. I was a NJ Construction Official in a busy municipality for 25 years and I would never put up with BS from my staff………. We were in the customer service business but the customer wasn’t always right.

 

[geneg]

I had some local Mennonites build me a pole garage, upstate NY. After they were done I hired someone to get the electric from my house to the garage. After that I did the electric myself inside the garage. The electric has been on for 6 weeks. I want an electrical inspection for insurance purposes and just to have that document that I had it inspected. My problem, I'm in touch with two inspectors, one hasn't communicated with me in six weeks, the second is 4 weeks. Is this normal wait time for an inspector to get to your house?

The second guy said he usually has to wait until there are a few needed inspections in my area so he doesn't have to come all that way (30 miles) just for me. So that begs the question, what if nobody in my area needs one till 2026?

I can't put in the insulation or the walls and the project is at a stand still. Do I just wait it out?

Are the inspectors free agents or employed by a building department? Your insurance company probably would require something beyond an independent inspection unless it was by a design or engineering firm. The "home inspection" guys usually don't go in depth enough to cover all aspects.

Did the person who pulled the power get a permit or inspection?

If the inspectors meet the insurance requirements, either offer to pay their hourly rate & mileage to make the special trip. Or see if they will accept photos of the areas that you need to cover. I've had local building departments accept photos if their inspection schedule would affect progress. Just have to get prior approval & never attempt anything improper.

 

[sjvicker]

It's probably different in your area but everywhere I've lived you have to get your permit first before scheduling the inspection.

The state runs inspections where I'm at and the last one I had took a week to get someone out and you have to call every morning to see if you're on that days list. They're short staffed, its frustrating and really unacceptable for them to not have a better way to plan inspections in rural areas. The key here is that they hold the cards so all I can do is smile, be nice and make any changes they recommend, there is no viable alternative other than to just deal with it.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

so many questions.

Who do these inspectors work for? AHJ or independent? If the latter, will you insurance accept that or do they require an inspection from the AHJ? If the latter, you may be SOL as youre supposed to pull permits before doing any work, then call for rough-in inspection then final inspection.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

so many questions.

Who do these inspectors work for? AHJ or independent? If the latter, will you insurance accept that or do they require an inspection from the AHJ? If the latter, you may be SOL as youre supposed to pull permits before doing any work, then call for rough-in inspection then final inspection.

Until the OP answers my questions in post #2 there is not anymore advice I can offer.

I have had citizens call for inspections PRIOR to paying and obtaining a permit.
I have had citizens tell me they needed an inspection "TODAY" after picking up a permit.
I have had citizens apply for a permit and would complain about the fees because they feel their taxes covered the permit fees.
I have had citizens do work without permits because ”they were the owners" and they lived in the house.
I have had owners and contractors who took pictures of all rough in work and proceeded to close up walls without inspections and call for final inspections after the job was done.
I have had people "rat out" some folks doing work without permits and when I went out to the job they would threaten me if I didn’t leave the property…….. These jobs escalated quickly into court and did not work out well for the owner.

 

[ALinCarolina]

Is the trench the first guy did still open? or is it overhead?

 

[smk17]

I'm contacting my local town department and I'm gonna do it the right way, even though I'm probably a few steps ahead and will probably get in trouble for it. Thanks for all your info. The Mennonites got a permit for the construction of the building but I didn't get one for the electrical part of it. As many people told me I didn't need one, I just needed the inspection. Live and learn.

 

[smk17]

The second inspector I contacted from an electrical inspection company (Atlantic Inland Inc) listed on my towns list of approved vendors to use, said I did not need a permit.

 

[acer66]

The second inspector I contacted from an electrical inspection company (Atlantic Inland Inc) listed on my towns list of approved vendors to use, said I did not need a permit.

I would talk to your insurance company and ask if they need that in writing.

 

[geneg]

The second inspector I contacted from an electrical inspection company (Atlantic Inland Inc) listed on my towns list of approved vendors to use, said I did not need a permit.

If your town has them on an approved list of inspectors, then meet with the company in person, but have a written list of questions or actions that they perform & what certification they will provide. Also, verify with the town that a permit is not required. Get both of the above requirements or answers in writing!
At this point- the potential for having to expose or redo work is only the service. If you go further, you are only complicating your life.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

The second inspector I contacted from an electrical inspection company (Atlantic Inland Inc) listed on my towns list of approved vendors to use, said I did not need a permit.

That’s funny! A dude who makes his living doing electrical inspections says "you don’t need a permit"

BTW! Some types of electrical work do NOT require a permit BUT wiring a whole new building IMHO would require a permit especially if you obtained a building permit.

 

[Innovate1]

If a permit for electrical work isn't required then getting an electrical inspection could be difficult. You should be able to call someone in your town or county to find out for sure if you need an electrical permit (probably the same place the building permit was obtained). I lived in a place where no permits were needed except for septic systems (that was a state law). If there are no permits needed then I would be asking the insurance company what they will accept/what sort of credentials the inspector must have.

 

[PCustoms]

The second inspector I contacted from an electrical inspection company (Atlantic Inland Inc) listed on my towns list of approved vendors to use, said I did not need a permit.

What town/location are you in?

 

[PCustoms]

I would talk to your insurance company and ask if they need that in writing.

Insurance companies don't dictate if electrical permits and building inspections are required. The could potentially give you issues if a CO wasn't issued, but again, the stipulations for getting that are set by the AHJ and NOT the insurance.

BTW! Some types of electrical work do NOT require a permit BUT wiring a whole new building IMHO would require a permit especially if you obtained a building permit.

You'd be very wrong in much of this state.

 

[sparky 1971]

I wouldn't do a damned thing

 

[acer66]

Insurance companies don't dictate if electrical permits and building inspections are required. The could potentially give you issues if a CO wasn't issued, but again, the stipulations for getting that are set by the AHJ and NOT the insurance.

I reread the op’s first post and it looks like I misread it since the op wants to do it but it is not required by the insurance.

But I honestly would not be surprised if that would not be a loophole for them to deny you coverage.

 

[PCustoms]

But I honestly would not be surprised if that would not be a loophole for them to deny you coverage.

It doesn't.

 

[acer66]

It doesn't.

Guess the op is in the clear then if they really do not require an inspection.

 

[mikedodge]

If you don't need to get it inspected don't bother. If there's an electrician you trust like maybe the one who did the initial work, if the guy you hired was licensed, you might be able to pay them to have a quick look at the work but don't expect anything in writing. But at least you'd know if there was something obviously wrong.
Otherwise take lots of pics before you close everything up and do nothing.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

Insurance companies don't dictate if electrical permits and building inspections are required. The could potentially give you issues if a CO wasn't issued, but again, the stipulations for getting that are set by the AHJ and NOT the insurance.

You obtain a BUILDING permit to build a pole barn with no electric or plumbing in January 2025 and obtain a "Certificate of Approval" for the building. Job is done and everything is great and no other inspections are needed because you only obtained a building permit.…….. Pole barn is loaded with expensive machines and equipment along with a new fully loaded 2025 Furd F350 4x4.
In April 2025 you decide to put some electric into the building and DO NOT obtain an electrical permit and or inspections.
In July of 2025 you have a fire that is traced down to a "obvious code violation"……… Everything is totally destroyed.
The insurance COMPANIES will start the paperwork investigation and finds out that you wired the building and never obtained an electrical permit or a final certificate of approval for the electric……. You now have a problem!
SOME insurance companies will look for any reason to not pay a claim especially when they have nobody to go after like a contractors liability insurance or inspection agency to recover some money. The insurance industry is in business to make money and with the recent fires in California they are "taking a bath" on the insured they didn't drop.

Insurance companies look to state and municipal governments along with geographic information to do underwriting, actuarial and risk in order to gain information on how to gain policy pricing for their clients. I have been through 3 of these ISO (Insurance Services Offices Inc) audits and they are very detailed and usually go through inspection files to see how plan review was performed along with code enforcement for non compliance.
"IF" you live in a state where NO inspections are required (and there are many) the risk for the insurance company will be higher compared to a state that has strict regulations.

TIP! READ your insurance policy and "IF" the AHJ doesn’t require inspections or certificates I highly suggest to get this in writing ESPECIALLY on any "new work" that has been performed.
If it’s not in writing……. It’s a rumor!

 

[PCustoms]

You obtain a BUILDING permit to build a pole barn with no electric or plumbing in January 2025 and obtain a "Certificate of Approval" for the building. Job is done and everything is great and no other inspections are needed because you only obtained a building permit.…….. Pole barn is loaded with expensive machines and equipment along with a new fully loaded 2025 Furd F350 4x4.
In April 2025 you decide to put some electric into the building and DO NOT obtain an electrical permit and or inspections.
In July of 2025 you have a fire that is traced down to a "obvious code violation"……… Everything is totally destroyed.
The insurance COMPANIES will start the paperwork investigation and finds out that you wired the building and never obtained an electrical permit or a final certificate of approval for the electric……. You now have a problem!
SOME insurance companies will look for any reason to not pay a claim especially when they have nobody to go after like a contractors liability insurance or inspection agency to recover some money. The insurance industry is in business to make money and with the recent fires in California they are "taking a bath" on the insured they didn't drop.

Insurance companies look to state and municipal governments along with geographic information to do underwriting, actuarial and risk in order to gain information on how to gain policy pricing for their clients. I have been through 3 of these ISO (Insurance Services Offices Inc) audits and they are very detailed and usually go through inspection files to see how plan review was performed along with code enforcement for non compliance.
"IF" you live in a state where NO inspections are required (and there are many) the risk for the insurance company will be higher compared to a state that has strict regulations.

TIP! READ your insurance policy and "IF" the AHJ doesn’t require inspections or certificates I highly suggest to get this in writing ESPECIALLY on any "new work" that has been performed.
If it’s not in writing……. It’s a rumor!

You're off base in more ways then one here. Sorry

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

You're off base in more ways then one here. Sorry

NOT off base at all……… Post up your experience and qualifications and only then I will have an intelligent conversation with you.

BTW! Home Depot or Lowe’s "Employee of the Month" does not count as a qualification.

 

[WildBill]

ALL insurance companies will look for any reason to not pay a claim especially when they have nobody to go after like a contractors liability insurance or inspection agency to recover some money.

Fixed it for you. I have also been involved in house/shop fire and water damage claims where the homeowner was denied coverage because something was changed in the plumbing or electrical without a permit. But I live somewhere where permits are required, I don't know how it works if they are not.

 

[PCustoms]

NOT off base at all……… Post up your experience and qualifications and only then I will have an intelligent conversation with you.

BTW! Home Depot or Lowe’s "Employee of the Month" does not count as a qualification.

Thanks for throwing insults out there, really productive. As I've said in this thread, permits and inspections are not required in several cases in several areas. For example, single family owner occupied residential in rural Vermont (I think 1 city requires them).

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Thanks for throwing insults out there, really productive. As I've said in this thread, permits and inspections are not required in several cases in several areas. For example, single family owner occupied residential in rural Vermont (I think 1 city requires them).

seems youre basing your experience of off your locale. Chuckster in NJ is basing it off of his. 2 completely different scenarios. no point in claiming he is off base when you havent experienced what he has... both scenarios are possible for the OP and neither of you know which one applies

 

[PCustoms]

seems youre basing your experience of off your locale.

Correct, a long with several other areas I have lived and worked in. Lots of places don't require permits/inspections.

The "insurance is going to deny you" argument comes up here often, and it seemed the answer has almost always been universally that no, they can't deny a claim for stupidity/bad work. Now, if insurance says there is a deficient condition that has to be rectified and you don't, then they can absolutely deny claims related to that, or if a contractor is negligent they might go after them

Have you ever seen an insurance company require permits/inspections in an area where the AHJ does not offer permits or inspections?

I understand that there are areas and situations that permits/inspections are required. Crazy how (on both sides) there are no universal truths

 

[65ranchero]

Same here, the only thing needed for inspection is septic as well as a permit for one.
A building permit is only needed to add on to a house or add a permanent structure.
No plumbing or electrical inspections needed.
Which I found difficult at first since I came from NJ king of permit and inspection fees.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

 

[mikedodge]

That does say typically and that different cities and towns have different rules. Best to call and ask (smk17 you said you were going to, did you??). Some small towns aren't picky with permits but you'd think at the very least want it for work involving a new building.

 

[75gmck25]

In Post #24 wildbill mentions "being involved in house/shop fire and water damage claims where the homeowner was denied coverage because something was changed in the plumbing or electrical without a permit". Does anyone else have any first-hand experience having a homeowner claim denied because of this type of scenario?

The reason I ask is that my house was built in 1940 and apparently a few electrical items changes over the years. We bought it in 2012 and have had two renovations that were permitted, and also made other minor changes. I can't imagine an inspector or myself ever getting all the documentation needed to figure out if a failure or fire was related to unpermitted work. And based on my first-hand experience with the inspectors, they never went that deep into the details as long as it matched the blueprints and looked like quality work.

I also assume you buy insurance to cover mistakes, and inadvertent and stupid things that happen. For example, they don't usually deny auto claims if one tire is bald or you were driving a little too fast or too close for conditions. It may determine which company will pay the claim, but they don't usually completely refuse to pay. And then they raise your rates.

 

[niget2002]

Fixed it for you. I have also been involved in house/shop fire and water damage claims where the homeowner was denied coverage because something was changed in the plumbing or electrical without a permit. But I live somewhere where permits are required, I don't know how it works if they are not.

Agreed on 'ALL'. My insurance agent was very adamant that I did not say the word 'water damage' when talking to my adjuster. We didn't have flood insurance, so when the hail storm took out our roof and everything flooded, we had to be careful in 'how' the damage occurred.

 

[dave*99]

Agreed on 'ALL'. My insurance agent was very adamant that I did not say the word 'water damage' when talking to my adjuster. We didn't have flood insurance, so when the hail storm took out our roof and everything flooded, we had to be careful in 'how' the damage occurred.

You sure? I always hear you should not say flood damage since you do not have flood insurance. But you should say water damage.

 

[niget2002]

You sure? I always hear you should not say flood damage since you do not have flood insurance. But you should say water damage.

Possibly? My agent just recommended I used the phrase, "storm damage" on anything related to the event.

 

[75gmck25]

We owned a house in TX two years ago when they had the big freeze and our renters left town and let the hose bibs freeze. One of them leaked inward toward the house, into a Jack and Jill bathroom, and screwed up the floor in the bath and both adjacent bedrooms.

I remember the discussion with insurance about water damage vs. storm damage, but kind of blocked it all out after we decided that since our deductible was high, we would just pay it out of pocket. And if water damage was due to an unrepaired leak (making it my fault) they told me it would not be covered, so they wanted to know how long the hose bib had been leaking.

One issue we had after that was to find a contractor that did not expect it to be an insurance claim. When insurance is paying they will go after the biggest repair they can (for example, the first contractor removed all the baseboards in the bedroom and was working on the door casing, even though there was only water leaking under one wall). Their logic seemed to be that once you pay the deductible, all the high cost stuff will be paid by insurance, so why not do it.

 

[smk17]

UPDATE: I contacted my local code enforcement office asking him the proper way to move forward and got this reply:

______
"An additional Building Permit would be required here if more time had passed. An electrical inspection done by an accredited electrical inspector would be required for a certificate of compliance.

Since you already paid for a Building Permit for the structure, adding electric would have been covered in the original build, had it been part of the plan from the start. I will waive the fee, but please have an electrical inspector complete an inspection and forward a certificate to me, and we can add it to the original Certificate of Compliance."
____________

So now I wait until the two inspectors I'm in contact with get back to me. It's been about six weeks of waiting for them.
Thanks all for the discussion.

 

[BillK]

the second is 4 weeks. Is this normal wait time for an inspector to get to your house?


I can't put in the insulation or the walls and the project is at a stand still. Do I just wait it out?

Personally I would wait it out and feel a lot better having it looked at and have a written report in my hand. Now days you cant be too cautious. 4 weeks will fly by.

 

[smk17]

Personally I would wait it out and feel a lot better having it looked at and have a written report in my hand. Now days you cant be too cautious. 4 weeks will fly by.

Yep, I'm definitely not proceeding on the barn until I get an inspection.

 

[BillK]

Yep, I'm definitely not proceeding on the barn until I get an inspection.

You must have been typing your last reply the same time I was If I had seen that I wouldn't have said anything

 

[Brandon_oma#692]

Agreed on 'ALL'. My insurance agent was very adamant that I did not say the word 'water damage' when talking to my adjuster. We didn't have flood insurance, so when the hail storm took out our roof and everything flooded, we had to be careful in 'how' the damage occurred.

You sure? I always hear you should not say flood damage since you do not have flood insurance. But you should say water damage.

Possibly? My agent just recommended I used the phrase, "storm damage" on anything related to the event.

Unrelated but related. 10 years back a coworkers kid probably 13 or 14 rode his bicycle into a parked car with nobody in it. Health insurance denied the ER visit stating it was an automobile accident. That took way to much effort to get sorted out.