When it comes to electrical work, it can be tempting to cut corners—especially when a project feels “small” or a contractor says a permit isn’t necessary. But skipping permits can lead to big, unexpected costs down the road. Electrical permits exist to protect you, your property, and the people working on it.

At Panhandle Electric, we’re fully licensed, insured, and proud to pull permits for the work we do. We handle the entire permitting process from start to finish so you stay compliant, protected, and stress-free. Here’s why that matters more than most people realize.

1. Failed Home Sale Inspections Can Cost Thousands

If unpermitted work is discovered during a sale, the buyer’s inspector can flag it—and suddenly your smooth transaction becomes a negotiation nightmare.

You may be forced to:

  • Open walls to expose wiring
  • Bring outdated or unsafe work up to current code
  • Pay for post-work inspections
  • Reduce the sale price or offer concessions

Unpermitted upgrades that seemed harmless at the time (adding outlets, moving a circuit, installing new lighting) can turn into costly last-minute surprises.

The best way to avoid it: Choose a licensed contractor who always pulls the proper permits—so you never inherit someone else’s problem later.

2. Insurance Companies Can Deny Claims for Unpermitted Work

This is one of the harshest hidden risks.

If a fire, shock, or equipment failure can be traced back to unpermitted or non-compliant electrical work, insurance carriers may:

  • Deny your claim
  • Reduce payout amounts
  • Cancel or refuse to renew coverage

Even if the issue wasn’t directly caused by the unpermitted work, insurers can use the lack of a permit to challenge liability.

Protect yourself: Make sure every installation, modification, or upgrade—no matter how small—is done under the proper permit and verified by inspection.

3. You Could Be Held Liable for Safety Issues or Code Violations

Electrical codes change for a reason: to keep people safe.

Skipping the permitting and inspection process means:

  • Unsafe wiring can go unnoticed
  • Improper sizing, grounding, or GFCI/AFCI protection can be missed
  • Future electricians won’t have accurate documentation of what was done

If an accident occurs—shock, fire, equipment damage—you may bear responsibility for work that wasn’t performed to code.

A permit acts as your proof that the job was completed safely, by licensed professionals, and verified by an independent inspector.

4. You May Pay More Later to Fix What a Permit Would Have Prevented

We see this often: someone wants to save a little upfront and ends up paying much more later.

Common scenarios include:

  • Panels improperly loaded or labeled
  • Circuits added incorrectly
  • Underground wiring installed without depth requirements
  • DIY work that voids warranties

By the time a homeowner calls us, walls may need to be opened, circuits rerun, or full replacements made—all of which cost far more than pulling a permit originally would have.

At Panhandle Electric, We Make Permitting Easy

As a fully licensed electrical contractor, Panhandle Electric pulls the necessary permits for every job that requires one—no exceptions, no guesswork. We handle the entire process on your behalf, including:

  • Determining which jurisdiction has authority
  • Submitting permit applications
  • Coordinating inspections
  • Ensuring all completed work meets or exceeds code

We believe in doing things the right way. Permits protect you, your investment, and your peace of mind—and they reinforce the quality standards we stand behind every day.

When in Doubt, Ask—We’ll Guide You

If you’re unsure whether your project needs a permit, or you want an estimate that includes permitting from the start, our team is here to help. Whether it’s a simple circuit addition or a full-service upgrade, we ensure every job is done safely, legally, and to the highest professional standards.