Buying a House? Get an Electrical Inspection
Purchasing a new home is an exciting and busy time. With so many plans to make, papers to sign, new furnishings to buy and moving to arrange for, it’s tempting to put other things off. But when it comes to the safety of you and your loved ones and protecting your huge, brand–new investment, don’t skip having an electrician inspect your home.
Why Have Your Home Inspected?
If you have an electrical inspection done before you’ve signed the final contracts, your realtor may be able to arrange for the prior owners to cover the costs of any needed home repairs. This could save you thousands of dollars and provide you with a safer place to live.
Electrical inspections are important for purchasing any home, but especially if the home you’ve purchased is more than 40 years old. How homes are wired for electricity has changed significantly in recent decades, and outdated wiring creates a fire risk. Even if you’ve purchased a newer home, have the electricity inspected to ensure everything is in proper working order and that your home is safe.
What an Electrician Will Look For
Besides checking your wiring, a professional electrician will check the quality of your circuit breaker. They'll also verify that switches and outlets in your home are working and can withstand modern electric requirements. Other things a professional electrician will look for during a home inspection include:
- Adequate grounding systems
- Working carbon monoxide detectors
- Appropriate surge protection
- Working Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)
- The correct number of smoke detectors and working smoke detectors
Besides ensuring your home is safe, your electrician can help you identify opportunities to increase your home's energy efficiency so you can save on your electric bill.
After the Inspection
After the inspection, your electrician should provide you with a thorough report of the safety of your home, any recommended repairs, and suggestions as to how immediate those repairs should be. This information plays a vital role in your ability to negotiate for the sellers to cover part or all of the costs of repairs.
Whether you are purchasing an older home or a newer property, an electrical inspection is a vital part of the home–buying process. For professional electricians you can trust, contact Custom Electrical Services to schedule an appointment for your home inspection.
