When I get a phone call that includes this statement, I begin itching in odd places to find out why - the voice on the phone says, "The GFI never trips in our new basement bathroom." I know, the title said Northern Virginia, but they didn't actually say that on the phone...
Let's just say that a circuit breaker GFCI has special wiring. And it has to be done properly for it to control everything in a bathroom that needs to be protected by it. In this case there were two receptacles.
Both receptacles were hot, but neither tripped the breaker when tested with my GFI device. Pushing the test button on the breaker did not turn it off either.
Look at the photo and tell me what the problem is here.
Notice how the GFCI breaker is the only one with two screws that are to be connected.
Notice what is happening to the white cable -
it is merely hanging there, connected to the breaker but from there to nothing else.
Without knowing anything about wiring or breakers or GFI circuits, does that impress you as correct?
Do you think this was wired up by an electrician?
Or do you think this was wired up by a "contractor" who thinks he knows everything and did not pull a permit for the job?
Think carefully.
I can just hear him thinking, "That pesky white wire. It'll work fine just hanging here..."
Yes, there's lack a black double tap just below. That is where two wires are connected together under a single screw (called a lug). It is just as incorrect. And wired by the same guy, no doubt.
My recommendation: don't get talked out of pulling a permit that is closed by the local jurisdictional authority. Closed means that the local inspector came by and approved everything, issuing you a copy of the closed permit! Don't let a general contractor tell you that he can do everything, or claim he has just the right guys working with him to do all the work. Make sure that each industry discipline needed for your remodeling is worked on by someone licensed in THAT discipline! The general contractor is just that - he is responsible for the whole until completion. They sometimes have very high opinions of themselves - opinions that may be just a tad higher than completely true.
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC 
Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia.
Office (703) 330-6388 Cell (703) 585-7560
Hi Jay,
Never a dull day. No permit pulled means the job is probably in correct.
But what else is new in our line of work.
Good find. Did you correct the situation or call a REAL electrician to do it?
Have a great day in Bristow my friend.
Best, Clint McKie
Good morning Jay,
But it goes out into oblivion!!!!!!
Make yourself a great day.
Jay, it does probably seem counterintuitive to connect white wires to breakers---to the novice
I too have a high opinion of myself Jay, but I'm concerned about you being itchy in odd places. :)
Clint - I showed them what is wrong and suggested they call a licensed electrician. And charge the bill back to the "contractor!"
It is a really long connection Raymond!
White bad, black good - right Charlie? Those pesky white wires. Probably no need.
When that itching starts my antenna go up and I get started Tom! It's like a Spidey sense!
I was going to mention the double tap too. I don't know how these guys can thing too highly of themselves... they (he/she) was confused to say the least. They walked away from that panel thinking "I am the man"? Or, they just don't give a damn! I'm thinking the latter!
He thought that double was okay, Fred, because he tapped into the original light circuit to add more lights!
Jay, I'm not sure I understand what you guys are talking about, but I know I better have an electrician do electrical work!
I was concentrated on the white wire and not paying attention until you mentioned the double tap, then I saw it.
Wires like that need to be connected Tom!
James - the white wire is the GFI problem - the double tap is another different problem!
Jay, Even reading the direction would save you on this one. Guess thats out, we are guys ;)
Duntneed no direkshuns der Donny! Me man!