An electrical inspection is when a qualified professional conducts a complete review of your home's electrical system. The inspector checks your wiring, outlets, and service panel to verify they meet safety codes. This is a common step when buying a home or after major electrical work to prevent fires and other dangers.

The inspection typically takes one to two hours, depending on your home's size. Afterward, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining any issues, code violations, or recommended repairs to help ensure your system is safe and up to date.

When looking for an electrical inspector, make sure you complete the following steps:

• Verify their license and insurance: An electrician should have a journeyman or master electrician license and carry both general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Requirements vary by region.

• Get several bids: A proper estimate should detail the scope of the inspection, including the service panel, wiring, outlets, grounding, and how any needed repairs would be quoted separately. It's a good idea to compare quotes from a few pros who specialize in electrical work.

• Read their reviews: Look for reviews that mention thoroughness, clear communication, and professionalism. Red flags include comments about missed safety issues, aggressive upselling, or a lack of punctuality.

• Look at their portfolios: For an inspection, a portfolio is more about experience than photos. Check if they have a history of working on properties similar to yours, whether it’s an older home, a new build, or a commercial space.

• Find out if they have warranties: Warranties typically apply to repair work, not the inspection itself. Ask if they guarantee their findings or offer a warranty on any repairs they might perform as a result of the inspection.

• Ask important questions: Before hiring, ask questions like: What does your inspection cover and what will the final report look like? How long have you been performing electrical inspections? What are your rates for potential repairs?

There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:

• The size of your home: Larger properties with more circuits, outlets, and square footage will typically require a more extensive, costly inspection.

• The age of the electrical system: Older homes may have outdated or complex wiring that requires extra time and expertise to evaluate safely and thoroughly.

• The scope of the inspection: A basic visual checkup will cost less than a comprehensive inspection for a real estate transaction or to diagnose a specific problem.

• Accessibility: If an inspector has to move furniture, navigate crawl spaces, or deal with other obstacles to access panels and outlets, it can add labor time.

• Special features: The inspection cost may increase if your property includes additional systems like a swimming pool, hot tub, solar panels, or a generator.

Yes, it's usually worth it to hire an electrician instead of doing the work yourself.

Electrical work can be very dangerous. The pros spend many years working and studying before they become licensed and certified. That knowledge and training can help them work safely and perform the job without harming themselves or your home. 

Even a small wiring repair job can be unsafe if not done correctly. Hiring someone that has specialized training on how to do each specific job is the safest choice.

Get free estimates from the best electricians near you today.

It’s a good ideas to get an electrical inspection every three to five years — and more frequently for older homes. This helps ensure all your wiring, outlets, and panels are up to code and working safely. Regular checks can also catch potential fire hazards from outdated or damaged components before they become serious problems.

You should also keep an eye out for these signs:

• Flickering or dimming lights. This can suggest a loose connection or an overloaded circuit somewhere in your home.

• Frequently tripping breakers. If you’re constantly resetting your circuit breakers or replacing fuses, it’s a clear sign that your system is drawing too much power.

• Warm or discolored outlets. Any outlet or switch that feels warm, looks scorched, or makes buzzing sounds needs immediate attention.

• An older home. If your house is more than 40 years old and hasn't had a recent wiring update, an inspection can identify outdated or unsafe components.

• Major home changes. When buying or selling a home or planning a big renovation, an inspection ensures all electrical systems are safe and up to code.

Some of the most common problems inspectors find include:

• Outdated or damaged wiring: This can include old knob-and-tube systems, aluminum wiring, or wires with frayed insulation, which are all potential fire hazards.

• Improper grounding: Many older homes lack properly grounded outlets and electrical systems, which is a serious safety risk for both your family and your electronics.

• Overloaded panel or circuits: An outdated panel that can’t handle modern power demands often requires a professiona electrical upgrade to prevent frequent tripping.

• Missing GFCI protection: Safety codes require ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets in areas near water, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors, to prevent electric shock.

• Improper DIY wiring: Unprofessional wiring jobs, from reversed polarity in an outlet to improperly installed fixtures, often fall short of safety codes and create hidden dangers.