Something to keep in mind is that the actually county inspectors are quite versed in walking homeowners through the steps, area building codes are easily available online, and there are some very high quality contractors with YouTube channels now showing most everything.

The units are large (2,200 sft) and feature custom kitchens and baths, granite tops, wet bars, fire places, and cathedral ceilings.

Why not offer to split the cost with them and you hire the electrician to make sure it is done to code? 

It all depends on the location, type and size of property Fisrt step is to meet with the city to find out if there are any code issues and non-conformities.

By the way, these codes are local, states (sometimes), but county and even cities have different zoning codes and meaning within those codes.

He did flooring, countertops, paint, ripping out a weird semi-wet bar from the basement room to convert to a closet so it can operate as a functioning bedroom now.

Fortunately the work that was done was up to code so all we had to do was invent some drawings and pay the permit fee.   

I'll respectfully decline to further expand on it.If you want the correct answer you should be going to the code and regs, not IRS instructions, which are non-authoritative.I agree a taxpayer should work with a professional once their complexity warrants it.

So i can at least have better knowledge of what to expect from handymenAlso are any of your handymen familiar with the IRC and other codes or do you keep up with it to protect yourself as oppose to relying on them.

Brought the house back to code and compliance together with adding a bed and half bath to maximize the potential.