So, a few years ago I added an outlet to my bedroom wall so I could install a TV.

We used the correct gauge/type of wiring, and made all connections/splices inside the plastic work boxes. Up to code as far as we know. My friend that helped me flips houses on the reg and does this kinda shit all the time.

I did not get a permit to do this.

I'm still a few years away from selling this house, but just wondering what kind of hassle this might cause me when trying to sell? If the potential buyers inspector sees this, will I have to provide paperwork/have an electrician come out and "approve" the installation?

If it's truly a hassle, I'll just take the wiring/outlet out and drywall over it when I decide to sell.



[Edited on December 2, 2013 at 10:15 AM. Reason : .]

12/2/2013 10:14:11 AM

you should be fine.

I did the same thing, and when we sold the house last year, the inspector didn't even check. That said, the TV was still up and the outlets weren't visible with the TV above it.

I guess it comes down to the inspector seeing something that would make him ask such questions.

Similarly when I bought my house, the inspector spent a lot of time looking at the breaker panel, and caught a lot of things that the homeowner DiY'ed that wasn't up to code. The seller had an electrician make the necessary minor fixes to bring it up to code.

later on i found other shit which was far worse that the owner DiYed, but would never have been found by the inspector. It's far from a precise art, especially if the sellers are still occupying the house. inspectors aren't going to move shit out of the way.

My advise: don't worry about it until you have to.

[Edited on December 2, 2013 at 10:51 AM. Reason : x]

12/2/2013 10:50:13 AM

unless it looks out of place, I doubt a generic home inspector will even notice an electrical outlet (as long as it tests correctly).

12/2/2013 11:13:01 AM

The only reason I even think they'll notice is because we had to make the splice in the attic and run the wire down from the top of the wall. So we obviously moved around the spray-in insulation and you can sorta see where we've been over in that part of the attic.

I'll just not worry about it until it comes up as an issue. Thanks folks.

12/2/2013 11:43:12 AM

Truthfully the only thing you will ever get nailed not pulling a permit on is anything the realtor can get from mls history.

You add a bathroom, you add conditioned square footage etc.

The only time other than this you will get busted is if the inspector comes by during your receptacle addition.


Seriously though you thought an extra outlet would get you popped?

12/2/2013 11:44:56 AM

I have seen people get a permit for a garage with only rafters, then put an air conditioned room up there, and the inspector still didn't give a shit

12/2/2013 11:59:20 AM

Hahaha I guess I'm just being overly paranoid since this is my first house.

I'm typically one to just DIY everything and not give a shit. But my wife is super paranoid about doing things by the books and has lots of "what if" moments.

Really just wanted some validation that it wasn't a big deal.

12/2/2013 12:40:28 PM

^^ the inspector won't but the next buyer may refuse to pay for it realtors may not list it in the advertised sqft, or try forcing you to get it permitted.


Most city inspectors are two damned busy to care but the plans they keep on file for your house better show additional sqft, bathrooms, etc or realtors will be on you like a hawk

Garage sinks, outlets, dormer windows etc can usually be done no questions asked

2 car garage goes to 4 with no permit pulled people will think you did some rigged up work.

Inspectors just want it safe that's all they care about.

I'd ask why the last breaker was a different brand or something if it was the last one in the panel on the spare receptacle issue (unless you just added it to an existing circuit)

12/2/2013 1:52:43 PM

Yeah, I just added it to an existing circuit.

12/2/2013 4:20:55 PM

Ok, in this same vein...

Lets say I wanted to add a 60A 240v outlet in my garage for a welder/my electric homebrewery setup.

Same thing? Not an issue as long as everything's up to code?

12/2/2013 4:53:18 PM

So just had this situation. previous owner did some self wiring which wasnt even near up to code. Only reason I noticed it is it was later blank plated. Inspector never even noticed it until I mentioned it to him and we took it apart.

^ That will show up. Will require you to run a new circuit and breaker. As said above, circuit panel stuff normally shows up quickly.

Anything not permitted in regards to sq footage can not legally be listed (in NC at least) on the forsale sheet (and maybe not be able to be listed as "extra footage".

12/2/2013 6:00:26 PM