Buying a House? Don’t Forget Your Electrical Inspection
Buying a house is a major milestone and a dream come true for many people. However, there’s a lot that goes into ensuring you’re buying a safe home, and an electrical inspection is an integral part of that process. It gives you a clear understanding of the home's electrical system, its condition, and any necessary repairs or upgrades. This allows you to make an informed decision about your purchase.
Electrical Inspection Checklist
An electrician will inspect the electrical panel to determine its amperage rating, breaker condition, the reliability of wiring connections, and age. The electrical panel is the heart of a house’s electrical system, and you want to ensure it’s in peak condition.
Being the lifeblood of a house’s electrical system, an electrician will check the wiring type, wiring condition, and connections. If the house has aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring, they will recommend rewiring the entire house to improve safety.
An electrician will test all the lighting fixtures in the home, including chandeliers, ceiling lamps, pendants, ceiling fans, semi-flush mount lighting, and more. If they notice any damage or loose fixtures, they will make the necessary repairs or upgrades. If you have traditional and inefficient lighting fixtures, they may recommend upgrading to LED lighting.
This is always the first line of defense when it comes to electrical safety. Grounding provides a safe path for excess current to flow to the earth in case of a fault. This prevents electrical shocks, protects electrical equipment from damage, and prevents fires. Electricians use two common methods to test grounding systems in a circuit: the fall-of-potential method and the clamp-on method. Older homes built before the 1960s often lack proper grounding or have inadequate grounding systems. If you’re buying an older home, ensure the electrician checks the grounding system.
Outdoor electrical components are often forgotten and overlooked until there’s a problem. A comprehensive electrical inspection in Houston, TX involves checking the reliability of GFCI outlets and lighting fixtures in outdoor structures. The weatherproof covers on outdoor outlets and fixtures may have become worn out, leaving the components vulnerable to moisture and corrosion. Let an electrician inspect every component to ensure safety and functionality.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
A modern home should have properly functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area. Before you finalize the purchase, confirm the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the house. Smoke detectors can mean the difference between life and death when a fire occurs in a home. You don’t want to take chances with your family’s safety. Test each detector to ensure it’s working, and check the expiration dates.
High-power appliances such as water heaters, dryers, electric ovens, and refrigerators require dedicated circuits to prevent overloading and circuit breaker tripping.
Why an Electrical Inspection Is Important When Buying a House
- Safety: Electrical inspections reveal hidden hazards like faulty wiring, outdated panels, or improper grounding. This allows you to schedule electrical repair and guarantee your family's safety.
- Cost Savings: Having a licensed electrician perform an inspection not only guarantees safety, but it will also save you money in the long run.
- Peace of Mind: An electrical inspection offers you peace of mind. Knowing the electrical system is safe and compliant reduces stress.
Contact Mr. Electric for an Electrical Inspection
If you’re looking for licensed electricians to carry out an electrical inspection in your home or perform electrical repair, get in touch with Mr. Electric. We are a reputable electrical contractor with over 30 years of experience in the industry. You can count on us to keep your electrical system in good working condition.
