Purchasing a home is a momentous decision for any potential buyer—with various factors to consider, it’s an overwhelming feat. This is why it’s crucial to have professional inspections, especially before you make the big decision.
Unless you’re buying a home in “as is” condition, you’re allowed to have a contingency/option period, which will enable you to schedule as many inspections as you want (at your own expense). Having a professional check for any issues or defects ahead of time could save you from potential fires, electrocution, or expensive repair bills.
The Arnold Electrical Services team highly recommends having a professional home electrical inspection. Here are the top 3 reasons why you should consider an assessment before purchasing a new home!
Electrical Inspection
Electrical inspections include a licensed professional looking for unprotected wires within the residence or frayed wires outside. They’ll also see if the breaker can maintain safe levels and determine if there’s any water damage, corrosion, or other mechanical or structural problems that may result in a fire. Generally, an electrical inspection will cost between $125-$200 dollars.
Other Things Inspectors Look For:
- Proper surge protection
- Exterior and interior electrical systems
- Hazards that involve fires or shock
- Issues with electrical panel
- If arc fault circuit interrupters are functioning
- Placement and testing of carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
Price Negotiation
If you’re purchasing a new home, you want to stay within your allocated budget and get your buck’s worth. Having an inspection may open up the possibility of negotiation for a lower price, especially if the electrical system in the house is poor. Once you know the defects, you can request the seller to either lower the cost of the property or make the repairs accordingly.
Identify Faulty Wiring
Electrical wiring is complicated, to say the least. A thorough inspection by a qualified electrician may reveal any faulty wiring that isn’t picked up by the untrained eye. Any cracked, loose, overheated or frayed wires must be pointed out since they cannot properly conduct electricity.
On top of being inconvenient, faulty wiring could pose a severe safety hazard, resulting in a fire or other serious injuries. Professional electricians also have the ability to find any DIY attempts or mistakes made by previous contractors/homeowners.
Compliance With Electrical Codes
Without a professional electrical inspection, it’s difficult for a potential homeowner to understand the state of the electrical system in the home. The wiring also has to comply with strict local and national standards, which only a professional electrician could determine.
Suppose the home you’re interested in has an outdated electrical system. In that case, you may not be able to get coverage from insurance, especially if you have knob tubes or aluminum wiring. This is because these types present a higher chance of fires, making your homeowners’ insurance shoot up. A professional would be able to tell if this were the case, allowing you to consider other homes with a better electrical system.
Chicagoland’s Electrical Experts
Arnold Electrical Services has any of your electrical needs covered. We’re a family-owned, community-based team looking to put you first. If you have any questions or are interested in our services, give us a call today to see what a residential electrician can do for you!
