Electrical safety inspection

Yes. A licensed electrician goes deeper into the panel and circuits than a general home inspection.

Typically the panel and breakers, grounding and bonding, a sample of outlets and switches tested for polarity and ground, GFCI and AFCI protection, visible wiring in the attic and basement, and smoke and CO alarms.

A home inspector notes visible concerns across the whole house. A licensed electrician opens the panel, tests circuits and can explain what fixing each issue involves.

Before buying an older home, after a flood, fire or major storm, before adding major loads such as an EV charger or heat pump, when an insurer asks, and when a home is 40 or more years old and has never been checked.

Often one to a few hours for a single-family home, depending on its size and how many panels and circuits it has.

No. A permit inspection is done by the building department to approve specific permitted work. A safety inspection is an evaluation you request from an electrician.

Ask for one before booking. A written report with photos is useful for negotiations, insurance and planning repairs.

Double-tapped breakers, missing GFCI protection, ungrounded outlets, open junction boxes, amateur splices, outdated panels and smoke alarms past their 10-year life.