Electrical Contractor Trouble

What is the name of your state? PA

We hired a contractor to replace the old wiring in our home. References, license with city, BBB, etc all checked out OK. They said they were responsible for getting the permit from the city.

They started the job and the first stage was to rewire the third floor. Sure enough, it is not up to code, they just ran the romex and plastered over it.

We have taken pictures of the work and luckily paid the deposit by credit card. Is there anything else we should do to document the situation in case we need to take legal action?

scooter48 said:

They started the job and the first stage was to rewire the third floor. Sure enough, it is not up to code, they just ran the romex and plastered over it.

We have taken pictures of the work and luckily paid the deposit by credit card. Is there anything else we should do to document the situation in case we need to take legal action?

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Not sure how you know it is not up to code, by your knowledge or an inspector actually saw it.

If an inspector has not seen this, call the electrical inspector (from you local municipality) to look at it. He will "red tag" the work if it is against code.. If the electrical inspector won't accept it, neither should you.

What happens when work has been started without a permit? Will they be fined? Or will they just tag what is not up to code and need to pay a reinspection fee? Is there any chance of them losing their license?

We are trying to figure out how to best proceed without this getting ugly, but also protect ourselves if it does... At this point we are thinking that our best recourse is to have them fix the work, but want to be prepared for the worst.

Thanks

What happens when work has been started without a permit? Will they be fined?

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It's possible (in some areas) but it would be up to the building department.

Or will they just tag what is not up to code and need to pay a re-inspection fee?

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More than likely

Is there any chance of them losing their license

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? Very doubtful but it would depend on what violations are involved and their history.

We are trying to figure out how to best proceed without this getting ugly, but also protect ourselves if it does... At this point we are thinking that our best recourse is to have them fix the work, but want to be prepared for the worst.

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The problem is if this is typical of their work, what are they going to do that you cannot see? I would be very leery of any work they have or will do. I don't know if they did this because they do not know what is and isn't acceptable or they were just doing poor work. I know I would not allow them to do any more work but they may have some excuse/reason and it is up to you to decide.