Electrical Inspectors / Permit

[I-Hate-Hulse]

So what was a simple reno is turning into a quite an epic beating.

My contractor's electrician is saying that he can't add an additional 240v line to the service panel as the panel is full. It's not that there's no room for more modules, but apparently, the stickers on the panel (where you'd write what breaker does what) don't extend the length of the panel, which means that he can't add any more modules by code. This seems a little wacky, can anyone shed some light on this? (for the record, he does seem to be a decent, knowledgable guy)
[EDIT] There's actually no more room for modules. Seems like the last homeowner decided to do his own "upgrades"....[/EDIT]

As such he's installing a sub panel. Which to me means time for a permit and inspection. Does the permit have to get pulled before he does the work, or can he go straight to work, than get it inspected?

Finally, I'm a bit worried about what an inspector might find. The house was built in 81 and rolling in an inspector in 2006 is bound to find a few flaws.... anyone have experiences they might share?

sigh.... my poor, poor wallet.....

Thanks!

[kermitology]

Well from what I remember from my highschool electronics course, anything in the electrical panel that is coming in from the outside.. you can't just work on. I think you likely need a permit. If the box is full then likely he'd have to add another one and yes, he couldn't do that without any form of permission.

Remember, this is like... 7 or 8 year old information that might be corrupted by alcohol intake. He does sound on the level though.

[Kybosh]

The electrician should do all the permit work required. On the other hand, if you were to do the work yourself then you would need to get a permit.