How Much Does an Electrical Inspection Cost?

Worried about the electrical inspection cost? Well, you are not alone, and the good news is that it is no more than a couple of hundred dollars. It is also the smartest way to dodge a $10,000 rewiring job or insurance claim denials.

In today’s post, we are going to decode electrical inspection costs and factors, how this process differs from typical inspections, and why it is important to conduct them regularly.

What is an electrical inspection?

An electrical inspection is a detailed examination of a building’s electrical systems and components. This careful evaluation ensures that all systems are functional, safe, and up to code.

Reasons to Get an Electrical Safety Inspection

Electrical safety inspections are essential to ensure compliance, identify malfunctions, increase efficiency, and reduce fire risks. While these are the main reasons for conducting an electrical inspection, it offers additional benefits such as:

• A Certificate of Acceptance from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is an important document for insurance purposes.
• Provides peace of mind for you and your family, knowing the electrical system is safe and up to code.
• Having a certified electrical system can be beneficial when selling your home.
• Identifying and fixing issues early helps with significant savings on energy bills and prevents costly repairs.

This might surprise you but electrical issues are one of the common home inspection findings, and not paying for electrical inspection costs could cause major risks, for instance:

• The likelihood of electrical fires due to faulty wiring, outdated materials, or other issues increases.
• Unidentified hazards can worsen over time, lead to more serious problems, and put residents at risk of injury (especially in older buildings)
• Inefficient electrical systems can result in higher energy bills and increased utility costs.
• DIY electrical work without proper permits can lead to code violations and potential fines.
• If a home insurance company discovers that the electrical work was done by an unlicensed electrician, it could void the homeowner's policy.

When should I get a home electrical safety inspection done?

Immediate inspections are necessary when you want to sell, buy, or rent a home (some even include short-term rentals like Airbnb), after major renovations, or when you notice flickering lights, burning smells, sparks, warm outlets, or unexpected jumps in energy bills.

Electrical safety inspections should be regular (every 3-5 years). For homes over 40 years old or those with outdated components like aluminum wiring, more frequent inspections (every 1-3 years) are recommended.

How is an electrical home inspection different from a general home inspection?

An electrical inspection is a thorough assessment of a home's electrical system. This includes wiring, electrical panels, electrical boxes, etc.

On the other hand, a general home inspection (or a home maintenance inspection) is limited to visual evaluation of readily accessible areas. It is not invasive, identifies significant defects and safety concerns, and flags areas that might call for an in-depth investigation by an electrical inspector.

How much does an electrical safety inspection cost?

There is a detailed guide on Homeguide.com, that says electrical inspection cost is $100 to $200 on average. The actual range, however, is between $50 to $250 or more for high-tech inspections with act as add-on services.

The electrical inspection cost varies based on several factors, including the size and age of the building, type of inspection (standard, infrared), whether it is an emergency or after-hours inspection, and who performs the inspection since master electricians typically charge more.

And how much does an ESA inspection cost? According to their website, ESA fees depend on the type of work done and start at $88 for residential inspections.

How to choose the right service?

To find reliable inspectors, you can simply search in Google and go through unending pages of companies or online directories.

You can also use platforms like Houmse, where you have direct access to a detailed list of inspectors along with their experience, years of experience, added values, clients’ ratings, reviews, etc. allowing you to verify their qualifications before hiring the best service provider.

Conclusion

Regular electrical inspections are crucial for maintaining a safe home and addressing potential issues promptly. Don’t let a small spark ignite a big bill and contact a professional today.