The Importance of Scheduling an Electrical Inspection for Your Home

Periodic electrical inspections are essential for any homeowner. They help to identify any potential electrical issues that may be present in the home and prevent existing problems from getting worse, saving money on costly repairs in the long run. 

In this blog post, we'll review the importance of scheduling an electrical inspection for your home and when you should do it. We'll also provide some tips on how to schedule and prepare for the inspection. This information will empower you to make the best decisions when it comes to keeping your home safe and up to code.

What Is an Electrical Inspection?

An electrical inspection is a comprehensive inspection of the electrical system in a home or business. It involves a visual inspection of all electrical wiring, outlets, switches, circuit breakers, and other components. A licensed electrical inspector will also check voltage levels and the integrity of the wiring and circuits to ensure that the system is safe, functional, and up to code. 

The importance of an electrical inspection is hard to overstate. It is key to identifying potential safety hazards that easily escape the notice of the average homeowner. 

What Are the Benefits of Electrical Inspections? 

The primary benefits of an electrical inspection are safety, damage mitigation, and code compliance. Let’s look at each one in greater detail.

1. Improved Safety

Electrical systems degrade over time, just like any other home component. At best, a faulty electrical system will leave your home victim to spotty power, blackouts, or surges. At worst, damaged wiring can lead to a home fire. Data from the National Fire Prevention Associated (NFPA) suggests that 10% of home structure fires are due to faulty electrical wiring. 

A qualified electrician will be able to assess the electrical wiring and systems in your home or business for any potential hazards. This can include finding frayed wires, loose connections, overloaded circuits, improper grounding, and other potential risks. An electrical inspection can also help to identify any existing code violations, which can lead to costly fines or even injury if left unaddressed. There’s no question that a thoroughly inspected home is a safer home. 

2. Prevention of Damage 

Aging components or inept wiring can also wreak havoc on your electrical appliances, even if you’re fortunate enough to avoid a fire. Inspections can help to identify wiring problems, overloaded circuits, or other issues that can fry internal circuitry or cause cascading damage through your system if not addressed in a timely manner. 

3. Assurance of Code Compliance 

All homes are subject to various building codes. These regulations ensure that all residences and other structures are safe and energy efficient. A professional electrical inspector will be familiar with the local, state, and national codes and regulations that cover electrical systems. By having an electrical inspection done, you can be sure that your electrical system is up to code and is safe to use. 

Failing to keep your home up to code has safety implications, of course, but there are also potential fines and other penalties from government authorities.

When to Schedule an Electrical Inspection

Now that we’ve covered the importance of an electrical inspection, when should you schedule one? Let’s take a look.

1. After Major Renovations 

It’s important to schedule electrical inspection appointments after major home renovations because it ensures that the electrical systems are safe and functioning properly. This includes checking all wiring, outlets, fixtures, and other components that may have been added or modified during the renovation. 

Even competent and reliable contractors and electricians can make mistakes. An inspection can ensure that everything is safe and functional.

2. When Buying or Selling a Home 

An electrical inspection should be a part of the overall home inspection that occurs when you prepare to buy or sell a home. From the seller’s perspective, the inspection will identify problems that should be disclosed to the buyer. If a problem is discovered late in the negotiation process, the sale very well may fall through. And from the buyer’s perspective, an inspection provides some reassurance that the property is sound and safely constructed.

3. Annually or Biannually 

Even if you’re not renovating or preparing to sell your home, periodic inspections are wise. Your electrical inspection schedule should involve a thorough inspection at least once every two years. This can help you nip any problems in the bud. If pests or age or corrosion start to damage your wiring, you’ll discover the problem when it’s still relatively easy to solve if you have a certified inspector take a look every year or two. To stay on top of things, you can include electrical services in your overall home inspection schedule.

How to Schedule an Electrical Inspection

Scheduling an electrical inspection is easy. To request electrical inspection services, contact a licensed electrician in your area and explain your needs and the details of your home. Make sure to ask for an estimate and agree on a date and time that works for both of you. 

It’s important to ensure that the electrician has a valid license to perform the job. Ask for references, and be wary of any electricians who balk at the request. Once the electrician arrives, give them a tour of your home so they can assess the condition of your electrical system and inspect any potential hazards. After the inspection, the electrician should provide you with a detailed report on the condition of your system and any repairs that need to be made.

When Problems Arise…

So, what happens when your inspection reveals a problem? You could pay out of pocket to have the issue resolved, or you can leverage your home warranty. A Liberty Home Guard warranty can cover the critical components of your home’s electrical system. When a problem arises, submit a claim on our website or contact our 24/7 customer support team. We’ll arrange to have a licensed technician attend to your home within 48 hours. 

Save time, save money, save effort. Join Liberty Home Guard and discover why we’re the most reliable and top-rated home warranty company in America. Call (866)-432-1283.