What’s a bigger hassle than getting an electrical inspection? Being ordered to tear out wiring because the work was done improperly, for starters. Losing your home to an electrical fire would the worst-case scenario.
Homeowners should get an electrical inspection about every ten years, regardless of whether any changes have been made. Beyond that, there are numerous circumstances where you are required to bring in a residential electrician or inspector.
Electrical Inspection for Selling a Home
Home buyers typically hire the inspector. At that point, it’s often demanded that the seller pays for necessary electrical repairs. Buyers have to worry about obtaining insurance and financing, and they can use a negative inspection report to drive down the price or negotiate for concessions.
To save money and hassle, home sellers should get an electrical inspection early or at least have a licensed electrician look things over. We might recommend some fairly straightforward repairs, such as breaker panel replacement or aluminum wiring retrofits, that will please inspectors and home buyers alike.
Rental Property Inspections
A routine electrical inspection between tenants can help protect a landlord from liability issues. This is especially important if you are converting something like a guest house or finished basement into a rental apartment for the first time.
Be on the lookout for signs that a tenant has made electrical upgrades or replacements without your knowledge. This could be replacing an overhead light with a chandelier or adding baby-proof electrical outlets. If your preferred licensed electrician did not perform the work, you definitely want an inspection.
Electrical Inspection After Storms or Floods
Bad weather causes power surges and physical damage to electrical wiring and breaker panels. If your street lost power during a lightning storm or a flash flood affected the property, it’s best to schedule an electrical inspection.
Your electrician will make sure the circuits and breakers are in good shape. Any part that might be sparking, overheated, or rust-damaged should be replaced.
Remodeling Inspections
The best way to take care of electrical work for remodeling is to hire an electrician for all relevant tasks. If you’re working with another contractor (for example, a plumber for a bathroom remodel), ask about bringing in an electrician or at least schedule an electrical inspection during the process.
Keep in mind that you won’t want to rip out tile or drywall right after remodeling so that an inspector can look at the electrical work. Consult your electrician at the beginning of the project!
Home Additions: Rough-In Electrical Inspection
As with remodeling, a home addition calls for an electrical inspection during the rough-in phase. In Sonoma County, the permit department specifically asks that you schedule an inspection before adding insulation or drywall, as well as a final inspection.
Get Ready for an Electrical Inspection in Sonoma
Has it been years since the last time an electrician inspected your breaker panel and wiring? Have you done some DIY electrical repairs?
If you’re in any of the situations described above or are wondering about when to get an electrical inspection, be safe and proactive by calling a local electrician in the Sonoma or Marin County area. Contact us to schedule an electrical inspection or request repairs for a code violation or failed inspection.
