Q: I have completely turned my garage into a workshop area. On one side, I have my tools, workbench and all my projects going on; on the other side, my wife has her projects. I have built a temporary, freestanding wall down the middle that is not attached to the other walls in any way. I use it for shelves to store my tools. I didn’t run new electricity into the work areas; I power my tools using extension cords connected to existing outlets. Have I done anything illegal? Would I need a building permit for this area? Now I’m planning to rent out the house. Do I have to make any changes first?
A: Certainly, it goes against code to use extension cords to power up those tools on a semi-permanent basis. You need to have new permanent outlets installed with wiring that runs to your electric panel and that is protected by approved circuit breakers. Installing new electrical circuits requires a permit from the city. If you’re planning to rent the house, you might need to make more changes, like turning the garage back into a garage again.
For more do-it-yourself tips, go to rosieonthehouse.com. An Arizona home building and remodeling industry expert for 25 years, Rosie Romero is the host of the syndicated Saturday morning “Rosie on the House” radio program, heard locally from 8-11 a.m. on KNST-AM (790) in Tucson and KGVY-AM (1080) and -FM (100.7) in Green Valley. Call 888-767-4348.
