How much does an electrical inspection cost?

Most electrical home inspectors quote a flat fee for performing an inspection rather than charging per hour. Many inspectors also issue official documentation that contains their findings for home inspections required by insurance or mortgage companies.

"I provide written proof on professionally printed invoices or proposals featuring my company name, state of Florida license number and my contact number for proof of service and integrity," says Jack Harris of Harris Electrical Services Inc. in Land O’ Lakes, Florida.

Your home's (or building's) size will play a big part in cost. Building size can increase the flat rate because it takes longer to inspect a larger building, says Harris.

If you live outside the contractor's service range, there may be an additional travel fee. Some companies charge a flat rate for travel and others charge a mileage fee, such as $1 per mile of travel outside the service radius.

If you need the pro to perform additional electrical services (e.g., rewiring your home, fixing outlets, installing appliances, replacing circuit breakers, etc.), you may face higher costs. And if you want other areas inspected (e.g., your roof, heating system, air conditioning system, etc. ) your total home inspection costs will likely be higher.

An electrical home inspection involves a thorough look at the electrical connections, installations and wiring in your home. Ultimately, the home inspector's goal is to make sure everything is working correctly and that your electrical system complies with the code.

Inspectors operate under the National Electrical Code (NEC), which defines the requirements and standards that must be met in the U.S. for electrical systems. Every three years, the NEC is revised. And in 2020, updates involving service equipment supplying dwellings, GFCI protection and outdoor emergency disconnects were added.

An inspection is typically a quick and straightforward process. During the process, a pro will likely inspect the following:  

• Your meter box
• Condition of wiring and cables
• Electrical panel and circuit breaker
• Outlets, receptacles and GFCIs
• Grounding system
• Smoke detectors
• Lighting installation
• And more

Afterward, the electrician should provide a detailed list of any electrical repairs that need immediate attention, as well as suggestions for safety upgrades. If you require updates and repairs, set up an appointment with an electrician as soon as possible.

The Electrical Safety Foundation recommends getting an inspection at the following times:

• When purchasing a home
• If your home is older than 40 years
• During a major renovation or remodeling project
• You’ve added major new appliances in the last 10 years

If you're thinking about buying a home, arrange an inspection first. This can be done in conjunction with any other home inspection. If you’re selling your home, you should still set up an appointment with a pro to identify and fix any issues with your circuits, wiring, appliance installations, etc. before you put your home on the market.

Electrical components (e.g., circuits, wiring, GFCIs, etc.) can wear out or become outdated as time goes on, states the American Society of Home Inspectors. An inspector can help you identify areas in your electrical system that need to be updated.

Electrical distribution or lighting equipment (e.g., wiring, lighting, cords and plugs) was involved in an estimated average of roughly 10% of reported home structure fires per year from 2014 to 2018, reports the National Fire Protection Association. And wiring and related equipment accounted for 7% of all home fires and 9% of all home fire deaths. Therefore, getting your home's electrical system inspected is key to preventing dangerous and potentially deadly electrical fires.

For example, electrical circuit interrupters (AFCIs and GFCIs) can help prevent fires and electric shock, according to the NFP. So, you'll want to inspect your home to make sure these are installed correctly and working properly.

Make sure the electrician has access to all areas in your home (ask them which areas they'll need to access). And write down any issues you've been having with your circuits, lighting, outlets or major appliances, and let the inspector know ahead of time.

Choosing the right electrician to inspect your home’s wiring is key to ensuring you get a clear picture of what’s going on behind the wall and your electrical system is meeting the safety requirements.  

Before hiring an electrician, check out the following tips:

• Ask questions. Don’t hesitate to ask an electrician as many questions as you wish before hiring them. You can ask about rates, what’s included in the inspection and what their availability is. You can even ask for an electrical inspection checklist beforehand so you know what to expect. 
• Provide information. As you contact potential electrical contractors, be prepared to provide them with information about your house.
• Gather free estimates. Request cost estimates from at least three different pros. Gathering free price quotes can help you get the best deal for the job and avoid overpaying.
• Check credentials. Finally, make sure you check the contractor’s or electrician’s credentials and license before hiring. To learn more about hiring safely, check out Thumbtack’s safety guide, complete with information about choosing a contractor with proper credentials.