Why You Should Get an Electrical Inspection Before Closing on a Home

When buying a home, you want to make sure your investment is safe, especially when it comes to electrical systems. A general home inspection is valuable, but there are critical details that only a licensed electrician can uncover. An electrical safety inspection conducted by a professional ensures that the property is up to current safety standards, keeping you and your loved ones safe from potential hazards.

A Real-Life Example: The Risks of Overlooking Electrical Inspections

Recently, a new homeowner in Joplin reached out to us for what seemed like a simple request: removing an old hardwired oven and installing an outlet for a new one in her recently purchased 1920s home. The home featured a modern electrical panel that had been installed only a few years earlier, and the owners were in the midst of a kitchen renovation.

While at the property, the homeowner mentioned a porch light that kept tripping the breaker. Our licensed electrician decided to investigate the wiring in the attic to determine the issue. What he found was alarming: original knob and tube wiring—dating back nearly 100 years—was still in use and completely hidden beneath loose-fill insulation. Worse yet, the wiring had been spliced with the new electrical panel. This type of wiring is not insulated and is extremely dangerous, as it cannot handle the electrical loads of a modern home, posing a major fire risk.

Before purchasing the home, the new owners had a general inspection performed by a home inspector, who failed to find the outdated wiring still being used in the attic. Had this critical issue been discovered during an electrical inspection, the significant cost of rewiring the entire home could have been negotiated in the buying process.

The Value of an Electrical Safety Inspection by a Licensed Electrician

General home inspectors provide a broad overview of the property, but they are not specialized electricians. A licensed electrician will conduct an in-depth and thorough inspection, ensuring that all components of the home's electrical system are properly assessed. While a home inspector will look for major, visible problems, they often lack the specialized training required to uncover hidden electrical hazards.

Home inspectors are also legally barred from providing cost estimates for repairs, which means any issues they find could leave buyers with unanswered questions. On the other hand, a licensed electrician can provide precise information about the necessary repairs and the costs involved, allowing you to make an informed decision.

At Alokin Electric, our licensed electricians conduct an extensive inspection of the entire property, including:

  • Wiring in the attic, crawlspace, or basement

  • Electrical systems in outbuildings, pools, or hot tubs

  • Verification of the panel brand, as some brands are rejected by most home insurance companies

  • Condition and age of the electrical panel

  • Thermal imaging to detect overheating in the panel, offering proof for any issues found

  • Proper voltage for electrical devices

  • Appropriate placement of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets as required by code

After the inspection, we provide a detailed report addressing every component of the home's electrical system. This report notes which parts pass inspection and which fail, referencing the National Electrical Code (NEC) established by the National Fire Protection Association. We include photos and code references for all areas of concern, along with accurate quotes for the required repairs and updates.

Empower Yourself with the Right Information

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant investments you'll make, and having the right information at the right time is key to ensuring that your new property is both safe and up to code. An electrical safety inspection by a licensed electrician provides you with that peace of mind, allowing you to make confident, informed decisions and ultimately feel safe in your new home.

If you're buying a home in Joplin, Webb City, Carthage, Neosho, Monett, Shell Knob, Branson, Nixa, Ozark, Republic, Springfield, and beyond, contact Alokin Electric today to schedule your electrical safety inspection. Let us help you protect your investment and your family.