Buying or Selling a House? Don’t Skip the Home Electrical Inspection!

It’s no secret that the process of buying or selling a home can be just as stressful and hectic as it is exciting and rewarding. When it feels like there are a million hoops to jump through before you can take possession of your new home, it can be tempting to bypass some steps that might be optional in most parts of the United States. In Washington DC, home inspections (especially of older houses) are highly recommended - and surprisingly, they aren’t prohibitively expensive. However, skipping the process can certainly be a costly mistake. In addition to the general inspection, it’s probably wise to take this good advice: when you are buying or selling a house, don’t skip the electrical inspection!

How Inspectors Provide Necessary Information

Home inspectors play a vital role in assessing the condition of a property, but they can’t quite see through walls. Still, an educated professional is well-equipped to evaluate visible aspects like wiring, electrical panel capacity, and the condition of the outlets. To ensure the electrical system in the house you're buying (or the one you're selling) will facilitate a seamless, hitch-free transaction, it's highly advised to hire a professional electrician to assess the electrical elements throughout the home.

What Home Inspectors Can Tell You About an Electrical System

With their highly trained eyes, home inspectors are ideal for providing a general evaluation covering various property components. Checking the electrical system is essential to this assessment, even though the home inspector can’t peer into concealed spaces. Instead, they meticulously inspect what is visible, including: 

• Wiring Condition: Inspectors assess any and all visible wiring for signs of wear, damage, or improper installation. All of this information is crucial to determining whether the electrical system is safe and functional, or if it is time to replace the wires.
• Outlet Examination: Outlets throughout the property should be examined for proper functionality and safety. Depending on how old the outlets are, you might want to consider installing new USB outlets. 
• Electrical Service Panel: The capacity of the electrical service panel should be assessed before you purchase a home. An outdated or inadequate electrical panel may require upgrades before you’ll be able to start moving into your new house.

Why Home Inspections Are a Crucial Step in Property Valuation

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, the inspection report can significantly impact the overall valuation of the property and its safety.  

For home buyers, an inspection report provides vital insights into the property’s overall condition. Any issues, electrical or beyond, identified in the report can affect your decision and negotiating power. A Whole-Home Electrical Inspection can identify much needed repairs, ensure a transparent transaction, and provide you with the details you need to move forward while making informed decisions. 

Sellers benefit from a pre-inspection report, allowing them to address issues, electrical or otherwise, proactively. For example, fixing wiring problems, upgrading outlets, and ensuring the electrical system’s capacity before listing a home provides the preemptive opportunity to enhance the property’s appeal and value. 

What to Do with Your Inspection Report

Upon receiving a home inspector’s report, partnering with a professional electrician is a great next move, if you haven't already called one in. This allows you to ensure your home’s electrical system is in peak condition. Additionally, expert electricians can:

• Provide more in-depth insights regarding electrical issues mentioned in the report. 
• Upgrade any outdated wiring or outlets to enhance functionality and safety.
• Recommend any upgrades, if necessary, to the electrical service panel. 

Investing in Safety and Value

Buying or selling a home are both significant milestones. For most Americans, an investment in a home is among one of their largest expenditures and the most important times of their life. A thorough electrical inspection is a solid investment in the electrical safety and overall value of the property, whether it's being bought or sold.

Let Wilcox Electric be your ally in ensuring your home’s electrical system is in top-notch shape. Contact us today to discuss how we can help to make your property transaction secure, transparent, and successful.