Buying a Home? Call an Electrician for an Inspection

1. Buying a Home? Call an Electrician for an Inspection Buying a home is an exciting time in anyone’s life, whether you’re buying your first home or your absolute dream home. No matter its size or value – and regardless of whether you plan to live in it, rent it, or flip it – it is important to have it inspected by a licensed electrician before you make your move. Here’s why. Electrical Safety Statistics According to data collected for years by the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA, electrical issues are the number one cause of property damage due to house fires across the nation. On top of this, the number one cause of accidental electrocution is inadequate or proper wiring inside homes according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC. These two things alone make it very clear that homeowners – and even potential buyers – need to take electrical seriously before making a big purchase. What Happens During an Inspection? On the day of the inspection, a licensed electrician will arrive to thoroughly investigate and examine the electrical system inside the home. This includes everything from the wires, outlets, and switches to various other systems and components. He or she will ensure that each part of the system is up to code and that it meets legal standards. At the conclusion of the inspection, the electrician will go over his or her findings with you to help you understand where you should focus your immediate attention and even where you could improve or upgrade your electrical system later, if you so choose. Why Should You Have an Inspection? Aside from the statistics listed above, there are plenty of other reasons why you should always ensure that your electrical system is in good working order. During an inspection, the electrician can ensure everything inside the home is operating safely and that previous electricians or even do-it-yourselfers did not make any of the common mistakes they see most frequently. They can also find things like oversized or undersized fuses and breakers and help you make corrections to any fire or safety hazards that exist without your previous knowledge before you buy the home. Are There Other Times to Have an Electrical Inspection? Electrical inspections should always be conducted when you are considering buying a home, but this is not the only time to call an electrician for an inspection. In fact, you should also schedule a thorough electrical safety inspection when: Your home is more than 40 years old, as wires can degrade in this time; You are adding a major appliance where one didn’t exist before, such as an electric dryer or furnace; You are switching from a gas or oil appliance to an electric one; and Any time your home is undergoing a renovation. Many homeowners also call for inspections when their homes have flooded or been otherwise damaged by severe weather and/or fire. These can take a toll on electrical systems and create serious fire hazards. A home is a wonderful investment, but only when that home is in good condition. Aside from having the roof inspected and calling an HVAC technician, it’s always a great idea to schedule an electrical inspection with a licensed professional electrician, as well.