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#3174 08/09/01 08:20 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,056
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Redsy Offline OP
Member
Okay, at what point do you decide to pull a permit?
If someone wants a ceiling fan installed, and you charge $145.00, do you then add $75.00 for permit&inspection?
How about-
Installing a single new outdoor receptacle, or 6 recessed incandescents in a basement?
The reason I'm asking is that Consumer Reports magazine had a feature on the safety of residential electrical systems. It mentioned that, although permitting helps a municipality ensure safe installations, many customers decline them to save time & money.
Thoughts? Confessions?

#3175 08/09/01 08:53 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,116
Likes: 4
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Redsy,

I think that's mostly true. I see many people that do not want to spend the money for the permit or inspection fee. Here that would amount to over $100. There's not much that you can do about it.

Bill


Bill
#3176 08/09/01 11:23 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 53
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Member
If you look at it, a permit is not much different than a tax. You know how people hate to pay taxes. I don't deal with it much because people in the commercial end of the trade are used to paying for permits, ect. I would just be honest with your customers, and let them make the choice.

#3177 08/10/01 04:43 AM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,392
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Beuracracy is a double edged sword. I struggle with the same Q too. Our permits are dirt cheap, i can't believe the state even makes gas $$ out of it, but they are so shorthanded i may not get inspected even if i do pull a permit.

#3178 08/10/01 08:43 AM
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 311
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Member
In the area where I live an electrical permit is required for just about all electrical work. If caught without one, a fine and suspended electrical license might result.

#3179 08/10/01 09:00 AM
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 466
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J
Member
Redsy,

I have stuggled with this also. I mostly agree with you about the permit cost sometimes being excessive compared to the price of the job. However, on larger jobs I do not give the customer the option of declining a permit. After all it is my license, without it I can make no money. i am sure the insurance people would have something to say also.

#3180 08/10/01 06:22 PM
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Isn't there a liability issue do or don't ?

#3181 08/11/01 01:50 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,056
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Redsy Offline OP
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Quote
Originally posted by Jim M:
Redsy,

I have stuggled with this also. I mostly agree with you about the permit cost sometimes being excessive compared to the price of the job. However, on larger jobs I do not give the customer the option of declining a permit. After all it is my license, without it I can make no money. i am sure the insurance people would have something to say also.
I work similarly. Most of our localities require permits for even installing one receptacle. It is a risk to not obtain permits for any job, but realistically, you wouldn't get any residential work if you insist on a permit for every little thing. Service upgrades, pool & spa wiring, etc. are a different story.

#3182 08/14/01 02:47 PM
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 58
K
Member
in my area of south carolina a permit is not required for anything under $2500 unless it's new construction or a meter/service change out. the smaller cities are worried more about a business licenses's than permits and in the general area there are 6 towns that require from $85 to $150 each and thats for the first $2000 bid price.
ken m


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