What if your electrician's license expired mid-job?

Work it through

You're the contractor. Pick what you'd do, then see how each choice plays out.

Mike Delgado

Electrician who sometimes cuts corners but charges less

Listen

1. AStop Mike's work immediately. Hire a currently licensed electrician to inspect and complete the work. Report Mike's lapsed license to the appropriate licensing board
   Correct

   As the prime contractor, you're responsible for ensuring subcontractors are properly licensed. Electrical work in Maryland requires a separate license from the State Board of Master Electricians. Allowing unlicensed electrical work exposes you to code violations, inspection failures, and liability. All of Mike's work must be inspected by a licensed electrician before proceeding. Yes, it costs more. Fire code doesn't negotiate.

2. BLet Mike finish — his license was valid when he started and the work is good
   Wrong

   An expired license means unlicensed work from the expiration date forward. 'The work is good' doesn't matter if it was performed by an unlicensed individual. The building inspector will check the electrician's license during inspection. If it's expired, the inspection fails and the work must be redone by a licensed electrician anyway. You pay twice.

3. CHave Mike work under your MHIC license — you're the prime contractor so it's covered
   Wrong

   Your MHIC license does NOT cover specialized trades. MHIC contractors must use separately licensed professionals for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work. Your MHIC license authorizes general home improvement work, not specialized trade work. Attempting to cover an unlicensed electrician under your general contractor license is a violation of both MHIC regulations and electrical licensing law.