Homeowners can't do their own work. WHAT?!

[Ivan Reyes]

So, I spoke to my local building dept in Birmingham AL and they said homeowners can't do any of their own electrical or pluming.

You need a licensed electrician or plumber. Ridiculous. How many other municipalities are out there like this? I shouldn't have to hire an electrician just to run a couple of outlets or a plumber to move some pipes.

Just about every city website I researched allowed homeowners to do their own work as long as you have your permits and inspections. They even have electrical guidance (NEC) on their sites.

What ever.

[Brian Levredge]

Originally posted by Chris Trook:

Maybe the rules are to protect people from themselves! I've seen a lot of additions onto a house that I just can't believe.

While that may be true to an extent I can't even begin to tell you the number of jobs I've looked at that were done by "licensed" contractors. Having a license merely means you were able to pass a test. It does not convey that the holder actually knows what they are doing.