There's actually a good reason for it: code compliance. Replacing a dishwasher requires both electrical and plumbing work. Granted, it's pretty trivial electrical and plumbing work but, nonetheless, building departments and, more importantly, your homeowner's insurance carrier, want to be sure that the job wasn't performed by Moe, Larry, and Curly and that they are not likely to have to settle a claim because a leak destroyed your hardwood floor or a ground fault electrocuted your cat (or worse). Thus, building codes.
In our new-age economy (in Massachusetts) , this generally means that you will have to have the work performed by a licensed electrician and plumber (usually two people). You will also need two separate permits. In towns on the Cape, the permit cost varies from town to town, but figure on $30 each and you'll be close.
At Sears, we charge $229 to deliver and install a dishwasher, including disconnect and haul-away of the old one, which I believe is pretty competitive. Add around $60 for permits and you're approaching $300. There's another potential wrinkle, which I will explore in more detail after some additional research that involves changes to the electrical code requiring a dishwasher disconnect within reach of the dishwasher. There is some ambiguity in the language regarding direct replacement an I am trying to get a definitive answer for a future post. This can cost $100 - $150 depending. I used the switch and the circuit from my old garbage disposal, which I had to remove when my shiny new $28,000 Title V septic system was installed. (Subject of a future post).
There is a possible workaround, however. If you are a homeowner (and why are you replacing the dishwasher if you aren't?) there is a loophole called the homeowner's exemption. I'm not sure all towns have it, but Barnstable does. It allows a homeowner to act as a contractor on his or her own property and building and shifts all the responsibility for code compliance to the owner. The Massachusetts building code states:
“Any homeowner performing work for which a building permit is required shall be exempt from the provisions of this section (Section 109.1.1 - Licensing of construction Supervisors); provided that if the homeowner engages a person(s) for hire to do such work, that such Homeowner shall act as supervisor.”
The Barnstable Exemption application goes on to state:
Many homeowners who use this exemption are unaware that they are assuming the responsibilities of a supervisor (see Appendix Q, Rules & Regulations for Licensing Construction Supervisors, Section 2.15) This lack of awareness often results in serious problems, particularly when the homeowner hires unlicensed persons. In this case, our Board cannot proceed against the unlicensed person as it would with a licensed Supervisor. The homeowner acting as Supervisor is ultimately responsible.
To ensure that the homeowner is fully aware of his/her responsibilities, many communities require, as part of the permit application, that the homeowner certify that he/she understands the responsibilities of a Supervisor. On the last page of this issue is a form currently used by several towns. You may care t amend and adopt such a form/certification for use in your community.
This does not eliminate the need to obtain permits. Remember, you are certifying that you are familiar with the codes and will comply with them. If you do this, you need to get the work inspected and signed off on. Check with your town. This is not a place for "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" home improvement. If you are unsure whether you can wire or plumb to code, you probably can't.
More tips for the appliance DIY crowd in future posts.
Be careful out there...
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