Depending on the extent of your project, you'll need to file for certain permits with the building inspector's office. An electrical permit is required for any substantial electrical work; if you're adding on to the home, a building permit will be needed as well. The filing fee will vary by city. Typically, the permit is filed by your contractor, unless you're doing the work yourself. Whoever files will need to submit a rough sketch of the entire project, including all the components, routes of new circuits, and the sizes of loads, cables and circuit breakers. A short quiz may also be required. It can up to a week to obtain your permit, so don't wait till the last minute. Once underway, the electrical work will be inspected at two different stages; if it does not meet local code, changes will be required. For more information on electrical permits, check with your local building inspector's office.
