Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
GFCI Outlet Installation
GFCI Outlet Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about GFCI Outlet Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for GFCI Outlet Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for GFCI Outlet Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will GFCI Outlet Installation labor cost? What are the important GFCI Outlet Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
GFCI Outlet Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for GFCI Outlet Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical GFCI Outlet Installation expect to pay between $26.63 to $39.94 per outlet. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for GFCI Outlet Installation work? | Design approval and permits from your local building authority are usually not required for GFCI Outlet Installation. If your home is subject to homeowner association covenants, you should verify that the GFCI Outlet Installation complies with association guidelines. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform GFCI Outlet Installation work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the GFCI receptacle may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
| Is GFCI Outlet Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical GFCI Outlet Installation project can be completed by a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer; as with any project, high quality GFCI Outlet Installation requires attention to detail and careful planning. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the GFCI Outlet Installation work? | Normally, this work can be completed in 1 day. |
GFCI Outlet Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for GFCI Outlet Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any GFCI Outlet Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- The layout, location, style and finish appearance of ALL materials used in GFCI Outlet Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- All wiring will be sized and configured to provide reliable, safe operation and full design performance of the GFCI receptacle
- A detailed GFCI receptacle layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- Locate and secure wiring in straight, clean runs along framing, so that wiring is protected from damage
- All connections will be made with a single continuous length of wiring; there will be no splice along any connection
- Ceiling and wall cutouts will be neat, uniform and no larger than necessary; any air gaps around the cutout(s) will be insulated and sealed; the cutout(s) will not be visible when cover plates are installed
- The GFCI receptacle will operate without noise, excessive heat generation or degradation of other circuit components
- Install GFCI receptacle with horizontal edges level and vertical edges plumb to within 1/32 inch
- All GFCI receptacle operating methods and options work properly, at manufacturer's rated capacity
- The GFCI receptacle will deliver power at rated voltage with proper polarity and grounding
- All work must meet or exceed local code requirements
GFCI Outlet Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during GFCI Outlet Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the GFCI receptacle work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Verify that planned GFCI Outlet Installation will comply with home owner association requirements
- Determine if permit is required for GFCI Outlet Installation by local building authority, before any work begins
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of GFCI receptacle, before any work begins
- Review quantity calculations for GFCI receptacle and any associated construction materials; overage /waste should be less than 7.5% of calculated quantities
- Obtain a permit for GFCI Outlet Installation from local building authority; post permit on the jobsite as required
- Correct any permit issues; schedule and confirm final permit inspection signoff
- Connect GFCI receptacle to electrical power using grounded receptacle or hardwired connection in closed junction box, as per manufacturer's instructions
- Inspect GFCI Outlet Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Patch holes, gaps and openings left by the GFCI Outlet Installation work; patch must be secure and match shape, texture and color of surrounding surfaces
- Install trim plates or pieces
- Clearly label all circuits at the service panel with area (e.g. kitchen) and circuit type (lighting, appliance, etc.)
- Submit final payment in exchange for signed lien release; final payment amount should be adjusted for excess material to be returned and tasks not performed; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes
