I've been updating my home and have gotten permits for the new work, including a bathroom on the second floor and finishing my basement. I have a woodworking shop down there that I set up 5 years ago, but I never pulled permits for the electrical work I did back then. Now that I have a permit for the basement, I'm wondering how I should approach the inspector when it comes to this previously unpermitted work during my rough-in inspection for the upstairs bathroom. Should I remove the fixtures in the shop? Do you think the inspector will focus on the new circuits I've added? Additionally, can anyone tell me what the typical consequences are for unpermitted electrical work here in New Hampshire?
1 Answer
Honestly, I'd say just ignore the old stuff. The inspector usually won't be going through the entire house looking for past work. They're mainly focused on what's in your current permits. Just be sure your electrical panel is up to code, and if you don’t bring it up, they probably won’t either.
Exactly! Just focus on what's current. If they do ask, you can just say it was part of the house when you moved in and that you’ve only messed with fixtures.