Thinking about tackling your own electrical work? Whether you’re replacing outlets, adding circuits, or wiring a basement, you need to understand what Illinois law allows — and what could get you fined, denied insurance, or worse.
At Voltek Electric, we often get called in to fix DIY electrical jobs gone wrong. Here’s what every homeowner should know before picking up the wire strippers.
⚖️ What Illinois Law Says About DIY Electrical Work
In Illinois, electrical work laws are enforced locally, not statewide. That means each city or county sets its own rules.
🔧 Homeowners Can Usually Do Their Own Electrical Work — With a Permit
In many municipalities:
- You can perform work on your own primary residence (not a rental or flip)
- You must obtain a permit before starting
- The work must pass final inspection by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)
🚨 Without a permit, you could face fines, stop-work orders, and issues during resale or with insurance claims.
In Chicago and Nearby Suburbs:
- Chicago requires a licensed electrician for most residential and all commercial work
- In suburbs like Arlington Heights, Glenview, and Des Plaines, homeowners may be allowed to do certain work if permitted
- No Romex is allowed in Chicago — all wiring must be in conduit (EMT)
💥 The Risks of DIY Electrical Work
Even if legal, DIY electrical work is often not worth the risk:
- Shock or Fire Hazards: Mistakes can cause short circuits, electrocution, or hidden fire risks
- Code Violations: Most DIY jobs fail inspection due to improper grounding, overfusing, or conduit mistakes
- Resale & Insurance Issues: Non-permitted work can block home sales or invalidate claims
- Costly Repairs: Fixing a botched job can cost 2–3x more than doing it right the first time
What Requires a Permit in Illinois?
While laws vary, these projects almost always require a permit:
- Panel upgrades or relocations
- New circuits or subpanels
- Whole-home rewires
- Basement or garage wiring
- EV charger installation
Even basic outlet replacements may require inspection depending on your city.
🔌 Can You Pull a Permit as a Homeowner?
Yes — in most suburbs outside of Chicago, you can pull an electrical permit for your primary residence only, provided you:
- Live in the home
- Will not sell it within a set time period (usually 1 year)
- Are not hiring others to do the work
But be warned: Inspectors scrutinize homeowner-performed jobs more closely.
When You Must Hire a Licensed Electrician
You are required to hire a licensed contractor if:
- The project is in Chicago city limits
- You are wiring a multi-unit building
- You are working on rental or investment property
- You’re applying for commercial permits
Voltek Electric is licensed to perform residential and commercial work throughout the Chicago area.
✅ Better Safe Than Sorry
While DIY may seem cheaper, it rarely pays off when it comes to electrical work. Let Voltek Electric:
- Handle permitting and inspections
- Guarantee code compliance
- Deliver professional, insured results
Serving Chicago and the Suburbs
We help homeowners and property investors stay compliant across:
- Glenview
- Arlington Heights
- Mount Prospect
- Des Plaines
- And more
Considering DIY Electrical Work?
Don’t risk fines, fires, or failed inspections.
Call Voltek Electric today for a consultation or second opinion — even if you’re halfway through a project.
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