Okay, Tim, this sounds like a real mess, and potentially dangerous. Here's a breakdown of what you should do, and in what order, to protect yourself and your property

IMMEDIATE ACTIONS (Safety First!)

1. Document EVERYTHING

Take detailed photos and videos of everything you've described: the loose wires, the undersized panel, the sticking-out ground rods, the oversized breaker, everything. The more visual evidence you have, the better.2.

Do Not Touch Anything

Resist the urge to fix anything yourself (except maybe temporary immediate safety issues like obvious exposed wires). Document everything before you touch it. Any work you do yourself could complicate the situation and potentially absolve the electrician of some responsibility.3.

Turn OFF the 125A Breaker

If you feel comfortable and know how to safely do so, turn off the 125A breaker that's feeding the panel in your building. This will de-energize the interior panel and significantly reduce the risk of electrical shock. If you're not comfortable doing this, call another qualified electrician immediately for temporary help (see below).

NEXT STEPS (Taking Control)4. Consult a Different Licensed and Qualified Electrician IMMEDIATELY

This is the most important step. You need a different electrician to:

Assess the Hazard

They can tell you exactly how dangerous the current installation is and what immediate steps need to be taken to make it safe (e.g., safely disconnecting power, temporary grounding).

Provide a Written Evaluation

Get a detailed, written evaluation of all the code violations, safety hazards, and incorrect work. This needs to be thorough and clearly describe what's wrong, why it's wrong, and what needs to be done to correct it. This electrician will be acting as your expert witness in case you need to take further action.

Provide an Estimate for Corrective Work

Get a firm estimate for correcting all the deficiencies and bringing the installation up to code, including pulling the necessary permits.5.

Contact Your Local Permitting Authority (City/County)

Report the unpermitted work. Explain the situation and provide the name and contact information of the original electrician. They will likely send an inspector to evaluate the work. Be honest and upfront with the inspector. Your cooperation is key. They might issue a "red tag" (stop work order) and require the electrician to correct the issues before power can be turned on permanently. Even if you're worried about potential fines for unpermitted work, the fines are far less important than ensuring your safety and the safety of your home.You are not responsible for the actions of the contractor. The contractor pulled the permit and/or performed the work. You are not liable.6.

Contact the Original Electrician (Document Everything)

In writing only (email or certified letter is best), clearly and concisely explain the problems you found, including: The undersized panel (100A maximum branch) The oversized breaker (125A) feeding the undersized panel The loose connections The incorrectly wired 50A circuit The grounding issues (wires not buried, rods sticking out, loose clamps) The missing main breaker and disconnecting means The lack of a permit That the work is unsafe and not up to code. State clearly that you expect him to correct all the deficiencies immediately at his own expense, and to obtain all necessary permits. Give him a reasonable but firm deadline (e.g., 7-10 business days) to respond with a plan and timeline for correction. Tell him you have already consulted with another electrician and will be obtaining estimates for corrective work if he fails to respond or take action promptly.

Do not threaten legal action at this stage, but make it clear you're prepared to take whatever steps are necessary to protect your interests.IF THE ORIGINAL ELECTRICIAN DOES NOT RESPOND OR CORRECT THE PROBLEMS

7.

Legal Consultation

Consult with an attorney specializing in construction or contract law. Provide them with all the documentation you've gathered: the original contract, photos, the second electrician's evaluation, your communication with the original electrician, and the permit authority's findings. The attorney can advise you on your legal options, which may include:

Demand Letter

The attorney can send a formal demand letter to the electrician, outlining your claims and demanding corrective action or compensation.

Filing a Complaint with the State Licensing Board

Most states have a licensing board that regulates electricians. You can file a complaint against the electrician for unprofessional conduct, code violations, and failure to obtain permits. This can lead to disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of the electrician's license.

Small Claims Court (if applicable)

If the amount of damages (the cost to correct the work) is within the limits of your state's small claims court, this may be a relatively simple and inexpensive way to recover your money.

Lawsuit

If the damages are significant, you may need to file a lawsuit against the electrician.8.

Have the Corrective Work Done

Once you've exhausted your efforts to get the original electrician to fix the problems, hire the second electrician (or another qualified electrician) to perform the corrective work and obtain all necessary permits. Keep detailed records of all expenses.

Important Considerations



Homeowner's Insurance

Contact your homeowner's insurance company. They may be able to offer guidance or even cover some of the corrective costs, especially if the faulty wiring poses a safety hazard.

Documentation is Key

The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be. Keep everything organized and readily accessible.

Don't Delay

The longer you wait to address this, the worse the situation could become (both in terms of safety and potential legal remedies).

In summary: This situation is serious and requires immediate action. Your safety is paramount. Get a qualified electrician to assess the hazard, document everything, and pursue all available legal and administrative remedies to get the work corrected and protect your rights. Good luck! Flag for review