How to Get an Electrical Permit for Your Home

Electrical codes in the United States are changing, and this means most people should now need an electrical permit. An electrical permit is an important step for most new home construction because it allows you to get the building permits needed to convert your home from gas appliances to electric, and it is also a requirement for remodeling projects.

Get a permit from the electric utility

Call the utility to find out if they will issue the permit and what will be needed to get the permit.

Work out a budget for the electrical work

Depending on what you’re doing, you may be able to use your existing electric utilities installed if you live in a standard home at the moment.

For smaller remodeling projects, electrical contractors in Birmingham, AL may be more than possible to use the existing electric utility service. If the utility has not been turned off, you need to speak with the power company to see if they will provide you with the service. In some cases, you will need to upgrade the system. So, you will have to get a permit for that.

Get your building permits

Obtain all your building permits before you work on your home. This is the case for all building permits, not just electrical permits. A builder will need these permits to build your home.

Register your electrical permit with your local building department

Once you have everything you need to get an electrical permit from the electric utility, make sure you actually register your permit with the local building department. A lot of people don’t do this. If you are having a contractor do the work, they will need to register the permit. A building department will need to know if the permit is valid.

Work on your electrical system

If you are remodeling your home, you will want to get an electrical permit before you start the remodeling project. If you are renovating your existing home, you may want to get an electrical permit after you start the remodeling project. After you get your electrical permit, you will want to get your power utility turned back on.