electrical and Plumbing work in your own home (insurance, condo)

[westchester]

Hello all what are the rules and regulations for doing work in your own home in nj...Can i put an Electrical service in my house, can i run new water and drain and sewer lines ,can i do carpentry work.. what are the guidelines and the ins and outs...New to NJ rules...This is in Brick Township....Cheers

[PDD]

You can do any electrical work or plumbing in your OWNER OCCUPIED SINGLE FAMILY HOME in NJ.
Permits and inspections are required for any NEW work and some replacement work like water heaters,A/C units.
Check with the town if you are unsure of what needs a permit.

Unless the laws have changed only Electrical and Plumbing contractors have to be licensed to work on customer homes.

[BobKovacs]

Originally Posted by PDD

You can do any electrical work or plumbing in your OWNER OCCUPIED SINGLE FAMILY HOME in NJ.
Permits and inspections are required for any NEW work and some replacement work like water heaters,A/C units.
Check with the town if you are unsure of what needs a permit.

Unless the laws have changed only Electrical and Plumbing contractors have to be licensed to work on customer homes.

Well technically, general contractors need to be "licensed" in NJ as well, but all the "licensing" consists of is showing that you have liability insurance, so it doesn't mean a whole lot.

[MiamiLIFE]

Originally Posted by PDD

You can do any electrical work or plumbing in your OWNER OCCUPIED SINGLE FAMILY HOME in NJ.
Permits and inspections are required for any NEW work and some replacement work like water heaters,A/C units.
Check with the town if you are unsure of what needs a permit.

Unless the laws have changed only Electrical and Plumbing contractors have to be licensed to work on customer homes.

How about in a condo unit?

[PDD]

Originally Posted by BobKovacs

Well technically, general contractors need to be "licensed" in NJ as well, but all the "licensing" consists of is showing that you have liability insurance, so it doesn't mean a whole lot.

If your a GC in NJ you have to use licensed Electrical Contractors and Plumbing contractors. They are required to be bonded and have passed the licensing requirements of knowing the codes and current laws including periodic training.
Yes I know it's big money making scam for the state but it's NJ and that's what you have to do if you want to stay licensed.

Years back you actually had to be a Journeyman to get a license now all you have to do is pass the test.

[PDD]

Originally Posted by MiamiLIFE

How about in a condo unit?

SINGLE FAMILY OWNER OCCUPIED

[RobRiguez]

Changing out receptacles and fixtures is usually a non permit issue. Once you have to change structure or run new lines, touch the electrical panel and such, that will require a permit.

Depending on how big the project is, you will also need to show the permit officer plans and or describe the work to be performed in detail and be able to show your knowledge of proper codes. Once work is complete, an inspector will need to visit and approve of all work before you drywall it up.

If work was not approved by an inspector, is clearly outside of code rules, and you have an issue later (fire, water, etc) Insurance companies have an out not to pay for your claim.

[westchester]

Thanks for the input guys....

[deniseg56]

Glad I found this post, I didn't know the rules before. !

[EBWick]

Depending on the town, they'll drive around and see if there are tell-tale signs of work. So depending on the size/complexity of your renovation, you might want to get the proper permits. A guy down the block didn't, got nailed and had to cough up over $1,000 bucks.