How to Prep for an Electrical Inspection: Homeowner’s Guide

Whether you're selling your home, finishing a renovation, or just want to ensure safety, an electrical inspection is a key step. Being prepared can help you avoid delays, reduce surprises, and even save money. Here’s a simple guide to help you get inspection-ready.

🏠 What Is an Electrical Inspection?

An electrical inspection is a professional assessment of your home’s electrical system to ensure it’s safe, up to code, and functioning correctly. This could be required:

• After a renovation or upgrade
• When buying or selling a home
• Before installing major appliances or systems (like solar)
• To comply with town or utility regulations

⚡ What Inspectors Will Check:

• Electrical panel and breakers
• Wiring and connections
• Outlets and switches
• Smoke and CO detectors
• GFCI & AFCI protection
• Grounding and bonding
• Overall system load and capacity

🧰 How to Prepare (Checklist):

1. Clear Access to All Electrical Components
   Make sure the panel, outlets, attic, basement, and crawl spaces are accessible.
2. Label the Electrical Panel
   Breakers should be labeled clearly to avoid confusion during the inspection.
3. Test Outlets and Switches
   Check for loose, discolored, or warm outlets. Replace or repair them before the inspection.
4. Install GFCI Outlets Where Needed
   Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, basements, and outdoor areas should have GFCIs.
5. Replace Missing or Damaged Faceplates
   Even a missing outlet cover is a code violation.
6. Ensure Smoke and CO Detectors Are Working
   Replace batteries and make sure they’re in required locations (hallways, near bedrooms).
7. Tidy Up Wiring
   Neat, secure wiring shows professionalism and prevents red flags.
8. Verify Grounding
   Especially in older homes, ensure your system is grounded properly.

🛑 Common Issues That Can Cause Inspection Failure:

• Overloaded circuits
• Outdated or unsafe wiring (e.g., aluminum or knob & tube)
• DIY wiring not to code
• Improperly installed or missing GFCIs
• Open junction boxes or exposed splices

🧑‍🔧 Final Tip: Hire an Electrician to Do a Pre-Check

Before the official inspection, consider hiring a licensed electrician (like us!) to walk through your home. We can spot issues early, fix what’s needed, and give you peace of mind when the inspector arrives.