Have you ever felt a small shock when turning off a switch or seen a spark in your plugs? If the answer is yes, your house may need to be checked for faulty wiring or other electrical hazards that could become a danger to you and your family.
This is why an electrical inspection is crucial to keep you, your family, and your house safe from fires and electrocution. Electrical inspection ensures safety, compliance, and energy efficiency in any property.
However, understanding the costs behind an inspection can be tricky and challenging due to a number of factors. Let’s take a closer look at the factors and what the inspection is really about.
What is an Electrical Inspection?
If you think an electrical inspection is something that you can do by going around your house and property looking for signs of electrical issues by yourself – it’s not!
You need a professional electrician or an inspector who follows a certain code of compliance to ensure your house has the best protection against electrical hazards.
The inspector or electrician will look at your wiring around your house for signs of electrical trouble, potential damage issues, and anything that needs to be taken a closer look at.
Average Cost Of An Electrical Inspection
Typically, the cost of an electrical inspection depends on the type of inspection to be done, the size of your house, location, and complexity of the electrical damage.
On average, the costs may range from $50 to $400 or may be even more. A basic inspection of a small house or an apartment may start around $75, while the big, commercial spaces with large and more complex electrical systems, may lead to higher costs.
Basic Residential Inspection: $70 – $200
Large Residential/Complex systems: $200 – $400
Commercial Properties: $300 – $600+
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Factors That Affect Electrical Inspection Costs
Here are some factors that will affect inspection costs.
1. House or Apartment Size
Larger properties with more extensive electrical systems naturally take more time and labor to inspect, which increases costs. A single-family home might be quicker to inspect than a multi-story building with intricate wiring, fixtures, and electrical panels.
2. Property Age
Older buildings often have outdated wiring or infrastructure that may not meet current standards. Inspectors need to pay close attention to these areas, which can increase time and inspection fees. An inspection for older homes can cost up to 20-30% more than that of newer ones.
3. Types of Inspection
Different types of inspections come with different costs. When you know more about the types of inspections, you can select something that matches your electrical problem and also your budget. Some types of inspection are:
Standard Routine Maintenance: Typically costs less as it focuses on general safety checks. The inspection covers wiring, outlets, circuit breakers, and panels and can cost $100 to $200.
Infrared Inspection: This inspection uses high-tech thermal imaging to look for “hot spots” behind walls or through ceilings to indicate defective equipment, overheated circuits or loose connections. This inspection would cost around $150 to $350.
Full Home Inspection: Requires a more detailed inspection, including a full inspection of all electrical components at home. The cost will range from $250 to $400.
Code Compliance: Thorough and may involve additional tests or documentation. The inspection also includes new installation checks and repairs according to the code, raising the price to $500 or more.
4. Inspector’s Experience
Inspectors with specialized certifications or extensive experience may charge higher rates. However, this can be worth the investment, as these professionals are likely more familiar with complex systems or local regulations.
5. Additional Testing Requirements
If additional tests are necessary (such as voltage testing, load testing, or thermographic scans), they may add anywhere from $50 to $200 or more to the overall inspection cost. Some inspectors may recommend these tests based on the initial findings, but they are generally optional.
6. Location
Prices for electrical inspections can vary widely depending on the region. Urban areas, especially those with high costs of living, often have higher inspection rates compared to rural or suburban locations.
7. Urgency or Timing of Service
Many inspectors offer same-day or weekend services, which may come at a premium. Expect to pay an additional 10-20% for urgent inspections scheduled outside of normal business hours.
Breakdown of Typical Inspection Costs
To better understand what you’re paying for, here’s a look at what usually makes up the total inspection cost:
Service Call Fee: $50–$100
Inspection Time: Typically $75–$150 per hour
Additional Testing: $50–$200 per test (if needed)
Documentation and Report Preparation: $25–$75
Signs You Need An Electrical Inspection
There will not be any obvious signs to trigger the need for an inspection. However, you should still be alert if the following issues pop up:
- Burning Odor
- Sparks from outlets or appliances
- Flickering lights
- Buzzing or crackling sounds
- High electric bills
Even without these signs, it’s a good idea to have your house inspected every three years or so to ensure safety. You can also try saving energy at home so your electrical systems aren’t overheated or damaged.
Conclusion
Understanding the costs involved in an electrical inspection can help you budget effectively and ensure you get the service you need.
While prices may vary based on factors like property size, inspection type, and location, prioritizing regular inspections is essential for safety and compliance. Hiring a certified and experienced inspector can make the inspection go smoothly. You can also request a detailed breakdown of costs so you can make informed decisions.
