A contractor discovers that the electrical service entrance was installed without proper permits during a residential renovation. According to Michigan law, what is the most appropriate course of action?
Correct Answer
A) Stop work immediately and contact the local building department
Michigan law requires that unpermitted electrical work be reported to authorities and properly permitted before continuing construction.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Michigan law requires contractors to stop work and notify the local building department when they discover unpermitted work — especially for life-safety systems like electrical service entrances. Continuing work over an unpermitted electrical installation exposes the contractor to liability, license penalties, and safety risks. The building department must inspect and authorize the work before the project can proceed.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: Complete the project and advise the homeowner to get permits later
Option B ('Complete the project and advise the homeowner to get permits later') is incorrect and dangerous. Covering or building over unpermitted electrical work without disclosure is a code violation and exposes the contractor to disciplinary action. 'Permits later' is not an acceptable approach under Michigan law.
Option C: Continue work and note the violation in project documentation
Option C ('Continue work and note the violation in project documentation') is incorrect. Documenting a violation while continuing to build over it does not satisfy Michigan's legal requirements. Documentation alone does not substitute for stopping work and contacting the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
Option D: Install a new service entrance without permits to match existing work
Option D ('Install a new service entrance without permits to match existing work') compounds the problem. Adding more unpermitted electrical work to cover for earlier unpermitted work creates additional violations and further endangers the occupants. This option is never correct.
Memory Technique
Unpermitted work = Stop + Call. Think of a fire alarm: when you detect a problem (unpermitted work), you pull the alarm (stop work) and call the fire department (building department). You never try to quietly deal with a fire alarm yourself.
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