Meeting code requirements.

[rjc116]

This might fall into the category of "if you don't want any bad answers, don't ask any questions" BUT. I am just starting a remodeling business. Small jobs mostly. Baths, kitchens, basement buildouts, etc. These jobs may require very small amounts of electrical and/or plumbing work. Moving a light fixture. Adding an outlet. Reconfiguring the plumbing in a bath or kitchen. I would like to stay legal and get permits when needed but have skirted around them because I am not a registered electricial or plumber. I doubt that I could find one to come in and do these small jobs without waiting for weeks for them to hit a slow time or paying exhorbitant minimums. I have done numerous jobs for myself,(some have been been large jobs) and I always got permits and passed the inspections with no problems. Is it an absolute requirement that all work be done by a registered mechanic or will an inspector approve them if done correctly regardless of who did the work. I know that the answer to some degree depends on where you are but with a national universal code now, geography might not be as big a factor.

[Snoonyb]

The requirement for licensing has to due with liability, IE., by licensing, there becomes an implied responsibility for ability, ergo, testing and verifiable experience.

As a general rule, most municipalities require individual business licensing which is a cost that can be either assumed or passed on. When voicing this option, in competitive bidding, there also becomes the incumbency to articulate the ramification of owner/builder permits and insurance.

There are also different rules governing a licensee’s ability to permit. In some cases a "general" is required to be performing a min. of two trades to be able to obtain a comprehensive permit. In some cases, a specific "sub" license is required to be held to accomplish each.

In some municipalities, "handyman" licenses are issued.

Insurance, have it.

[Pendragon]

Call the office that handles your licensing.

It *sounds* to me (and seems proper IMO), that if the work is 'incidental' to what you are doing, you shouldn't need an additional license or permit for it.

Such as, if you move a cabinet, and now need to move an outlet because of it.

But again, that's just my opinion, getting a contractors license in florida is terrible, gotta have 10k just sitting in the bank to even apply...