For additions and doing new work, rec rooms etc, ESA for sure but there are a lot of items that used to be classed under the like for like catagory. Changing a simple light switch etc (Not a breaker panel)
Re insurance, is it a law that was passed or did the insurance industry just change the policy requirements? My life insurance for example doesn't cover me for flight other than a regular scheduled airline. Ultra light or private plane I die at my own expense.
Re who can do what may also be covered under the Ministry of Labour regulations. No person other than a licenced electrician or a registered apprentice can connect or disconnect an electrical device with the except by means of an approved plug and receptacle. MOL probably doesn't apply to ones own house.
The biggest problem is that a little knowledge is a dangerous weapon. If an electrician shows a klutz how to change a receptacle in a living room the klutz will think he knows how to change one in the kitchen. The klutz may not know that if the 40 year old receptacle on the patio needs changing it should be GFI protected. All pot lights are not created equal etc.
