When looking for a home to purchase, an electrical home inspection may not be something you immediately think about. However, this is an essential part of the home-buying process that could save you from future headaches and expenses. Any home will have some level of electrical inspection before it can be sold, but you can increase the scope of your inspection to make sure there are no issues that could become a problem in the future.
If you’re considering purchasing a home with an electrical inspection as part of the deal, here is what you need to know before making that decision. An electrical inspection measures the safety and functionality of all electric components in the home. You should hire a professional inspector if the property has any unique wiring or appliances, or if there’s any cause for concern based on your own research and evaluation.
Who Can Do the Electrical Home Inspection?
There are state and local requirements for who can perform an home electrical inspection, but in general, any state-licensed contractor can inspect your electrical systems. A qualified inspector knows how to access and test all of your electrical systems to identify any issues, and will report their findings to you in writing. Ask to see their state contractor’s license and make sure it’s current.
You may also want to consider hiring a general residential contractor who can provide a more thorough evaluation of your home, including the electrical system. A general contractor will be able to recommend reliable electricians to repair any issues they find with your electrical systems.
Why Is an Electrical Home Inspection Necessary?
A home inspection is the best way to ensure the health and safety of your investment, and the electrical system is often the most overlooked aspect of a home. An inspection will ensure that there are no immediate safety issues and that any issues will be resolved before you move in. A home inspection will also help you understand if anything needs to be replaced or repaired in the future so that you can budget for those costs.
With the help of a home inspector, you can feel confident that you’re purchasing a safe, functional home that will meet your needs for many years to come. There are any number of problems that may arise with the electrical system in a home. Wiring, breakers, and outlets may all need to be replaced over time, and an inspection will help you identify these issues so they can be corrected before they become serious hazards.
What Does an Electrical Home Inspection Involve?
The exact process will depend on the inspector and the type of inspection you choose, but a typical inspection will include the following: –
Visual inspection: The inspector will visually inspect the home’s electrical system for any issues that may be obvious. Any issues will be noted, and any concerns will be explained.
Electrical load test: The inspector will test the system’s ability to handle all the appliances and lighting in the house, and may discover that the electrical panel will need to be upgraded.
Electrical system evaluation: The inspector will look at the type of wiring, breakers, and other important aspects of your electrical system.
Grounding and safety issues: The inspector will look at your grounding system, any safety issues, and any unsafe wiring. Make sure they test the smoke and CO detectors.
Review the home’s electrical history: The inspector will check the home’s past electrical code violations, permits, and inspections to get a full picture of the system.
Review your electrical plan: If you’ve had an electrical plan created for your home, the inspector will review it to make sure it meets your needs.
What to Look for During Your Electrical Home Inspection
Wiring: All wires should be securely fastened, and there should be minimal wear and tear on the insulation. Cables running through joists or studs should have protective sheathing. There should be a minimum number of 60-minute circuit breakers in the panel, and they should all be the correct type for the panel.
Breaker panel: This is typically located in the basement, garage, or utility room. The electrical panel upgrades should be securely mounted, and the circuit breakers should be in good condition. The panel should have space to handle the electrical load of your home.
Outlets: The wiring running to each outlet should be securely fastened and in good condition. The outlet should have the correct grounding prongs. – Cover plates: Every outlet, switch, and junction box should have a cover plate.
Main service panel: This is typically located in the garage or utility room. The panel should be securely mounted and have the correct breakers. The panel should have enough space for your home.
Grounding: The ground wire should be securely fastened and in good condition. The grounding electrode should be in good condition and properly connected to a ground rod or other grounding device.
Lighting: The wiring for all light fixtures should be securely fastened and in good condition. The fixtures should have the correct bulbs, and wall switches and fixtures should be functioning correctly.
Additional Items to Include in Your Electrical Home Inspection
Breaker panel: This is typically located in the basement, garage, or utility room. The panel should be securely mounted, and the circuit breakers should be in good condition. The panel should have space to handle the electrical load of your home.
Main service panel: This is typically located in the garage or utility room. The panel should be securely mounted and have the correct breakers. The panel should have enough space for your home.
Grounding: The ground wire should be securely fastened and in good condition. The grounding electrode should be in good condition and properly connected to a ground rod or other grounding device.
Lighting: The wiring for all light fixtures should be securely fastened and in good condition. The fixtures should have the correct bulbs, and wall switches and fixtures should be functioning correctly.
Final Words
You’ll never regret spending the money to hire a professional for an electrical inspection. As long as you choose a reputable company, you can rest easy knowing that your home is safe, functional, and ready to be lived in. An electrical inspection is especially important if you’re buying a pre-existing home.
You can’t always see the electrical system, and it can often be difficult to discern the state of the wiring based on the visible systems. An electrical inspection will help you determine if any repairs or replacements are needed, and will ensure that the system is up to code.
