Why a Whole-Home Electrical Inspection is Important for New Homeowners

New homeowners typically feel a heady mix of excitement, pride, and anxiety; there’s just so much to do! While knowing where to start isn’t always easy, some things are more important than others. Before you move in, whether or not you’re planning major renovations, as a first-time buyer one of the most important things in which you can invest is a whole-home electrical inspection. This can help you to ensure everything is up to code, identify potential hazards, and know what work must be done to make sure your electrical system is compliant and safe. These reasons, and more, are why a whole-home electrical inspection is important for new homeowners.

An electrical inspection will typically cover the following: 

• The condition of the electrical wiring
• The amperage of electrical circuits
• The presence of any electrical hazards, like overloaded circuits or faulty wiring
• The compliance of the electrical system with local electrical codes

The results of the electrical inspection will help you determine if any repairs or upgrades are necessary, enabling you to address any significant problems an inspection could uncover before you move in.

Feeling Safe in Your New Home

The general home inspection that you are required to obtain during the process of purchasing your home is an essential first step, but it doesn’t cover all the bases. There are several good reasons why you’ll want to obtain a more in-depth inspection of your electrical system:

• Peace of mind: Knowing your electrical system is up to code and in good condition gives you peace of mind. It’s one less thing to worry about as you get accustomed to home ownership.
• Resale value: While the last thing you’re likely thinking about after buying your first home is the day you’ll sell it, it’s still important to keep the value of your property in mind. For most people, a home is their single most significant investment. Protecting that investment with inspections and preventative maintenance is crucial to not just your day-to-day quality of life but also your overall financial health.
• Safety: You want to feel that you and your family are 100% safe in your new space. A whole-home electrical inspection makes it easy to identify any potential hazards long before they present an issue. The best way to get the updates and repairs done expeditiously and safely is to hire a local expert electrician, especially if your ‘new’ house is actually an ‘old’ house.

Things You Should Know About Your New Home’s Electrical System

Whether you’re purchasing a brand-new building or a vintage charmer, there are some things you should know and some guidelines it’s wise to follow when it comes to electrical home safety. 

In addition to having a whole-home electrical inspection performed by a qualified electrician, here’s a common-sense checklist of everyday items of which to be aware.

• Make sure all electrical outlets and switches are properly grounded
• Use surge protectors on all electronic devices
• Avoid overloading circuits and extension cords
• Be aware of signs of potential trouble, such as flickering lights, the smell of something burning, or outlets that feel hot to the touch
  
  

  At Wilcox Electric, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality electrical services. With over thirty years spent serving the Washington DC area, our team of experienced, licensed, and highly qualified electricians is dedicated to your safety and satisfaction.

  If you’re a first-time homeowner, we encourage you to request a whole-home electrical inspection from one of our expert professionals. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive electrical inspection as an important part of your exciting first-time home-ownership journey!