Some people are fans of surprises, others, not so much. But, even surprise lovers may not enjoy the unexpected if it has the potential to cost them a lot of money. For this reason, home inspections are incredibly important. Let’s take a look at why you should have an electrical inspection conducted before selling your home.
When to get an electrical inspection
Apart from inspecting before selling, there are a myriad of times when you, as a homeowner, should consider getting an electrical inspection done.
Significant renovations are an ideal time to have your electrical wiring looked at, especially when they involve rewiring. The same can be said if you live in an older house or are not the original owner of your home. Older electrical work can degrade over time, posing fire and other safety hazards. And if the previous owner decided to do their electrical work, an inspection can let you know if the wiring is safe, in addition to being up to code.
Inspections can save you money
You might be surprised to learn that investing in an electrical inspection can save money in the long run. It’s true.
Electrical inspections cost, on average, between $150 and $200. The most apparent savings are from making sure that your wiring is safe and poses no hazards. An electrical fire can be deadly and has the potential to obliterate your house, or at the very least, cause minor damage to your home. But, did you know that electrical wiring can be inefficient? An electrical inspection can tell you whether you’re needlessly spending money on energy each month.
What to expect
When your inspector comes in, they may head directly to your breaker box and begin there. They’ll be checking to make sure that the main breaker is the correct size, in addition to looking for any loose wires. And speaking of wires, your inspector will be checking the type of wiring that is present throughout your home, and whether or not there are any loose wires.
The most labor-intensive part of the inspection pertains to electrical outlets and fixtures. Each outlet in your home will be inspected with a multi-meter, which checks the voltage and ground wire. If any issues arise during the inspection, the cost to fix varies, depending on the extent of the problem. For example, replacing a circuit breaker costs around $100, while adding an appliance outlet (240-volt circuit) can cost up to $500.
What you’re required to fix
What sellers can expect from an electrical inspection is a status report on their electrical wiring, outlets, and fixtures, noting safety hazards and areas for upgrades. Whether you’re having the examination conducted as a periodic safety check, or are preparing your home for sale, certain items will need to be taken care of before selling.
More than likely, your buyer will want any electrical issues addressed before they sign on the dotted line. Or, a buyer might ask you to lower the price of your home to cover the cost of repair. When in doubt, consult your real estate agent. An experienced agent will be able to direct you in proceeding with a fix or deciding to negotiate on price.
With more than half of the nation’s home structure fires caused by an electrical component of some kind, electrical inspections are essential for your peace of mind. Whether or not you’re selling your house anytime soon, having your electrical wiring and outlets checked for safety can not only save you money in the long run, but it can save your life.
If you’re planning on selling your current home, it’s important to get it inspected before you sell. Contact us to schedule an appointment for a residential inspection!
