Insurance Liability

I'm getting ready to finish my basement and, as one whose father was a contractor, I'm fairly comfortable with doing most of the work including the electrical (with some help from a couple of good 'how to' books). A friend raised the question of liability should something happen down the road that would cause an electrical fire - even if I followed all the rules and had everything inspected by the state's inspectors. The friend suggested that a licensed electrician's work would be insured where mine would not.

Any thoughts and/or experience on how this would play out in real life? Are there insurance riders that can be purchased that would cost less than an electrician? Other options or suggestions?

Thanks.

 

You dont need riders or anything else,, your homeowners covers it already. Anything else and you paying twice for same coverage. If it was a fire from negligent wiring from a contractor your ins company would just try to collect from another company,, yours would pay you then they fight it out between them. Dont lose sleep,,, you are already covered as long as your premium is paid.

 

In most areas, a person who both owns and lives in a house is free to do electrical work on it. However, you need to call your building department and verify if this is true in your city.

If you are allowed to do it, and you get a permit, and you have it inspected, then my opinion is that you have no more liability than if a licensed electrician had done the work. But I am not a lawyer.

Millions of people legally do electrical work on their houses every year. I see no justification for your concern. Do a good job.

 

A government appointed building, plumbing or electrical inspector may be a real pain while you are doing your job. Their job is to ensure that you meet all applicable rules and Codes.

After your project is done and has been inspected and approved that or those inspectors are you best alliance. An insurance company has little hold against your for liability if you have inspection approvals for the work you have done.

Anyone has little to no recourse for liability against you if you have received all your inspections and approvals. Those inspectors are the authority having jurisdiction supported by law. What they rule and their issuing your inspection approvals as you proceed with your project is your best liability insurance.

Good Luck

Wg