Short answer: A home electrical inspection is a licensed contractor's check of your panel, wiring, outlets, grounding and safety devices, with a written list of anything unsafe or out of date. Call 602-835-5455 and we'll connect you with an independent contractor who does inspections in Maricopa.
When an electrical inspection makes sense
- Buying a home and the general home inspection flagged electrical items
- Selling and wanting to fix problems before a buyer finds them
- The house is 15+ years old and has never had its panel checked
- Before adding an EV charger, pool, spa or addition
- After storm damage, a fire, or a flood
- Insurance has asked about your panel
What an electrician checks
- Panel condition, breaker sizing and labeling
- Grounding and bonding
- GFCI and AFCI protection where required
- Outlets and switches for heat, looseness and damage
- Visible wiring in the attic and garage
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Exterior outlets, pool and spa bonding
Electrical contractor vs home inspector
A general home inspector looks at the whole house and flags concerns. An electrical contractor can open the panel, test circuits, and quote the repairs. Many buyers use both. Note that a contractor's inspection is different from the city or county permit inspection that happens after permitted work.
Smoke detector installation
Smoke alarms wear out, and manufacturers generally recommend replacing them about every 10 years. Hardwired, interconnected alarms are standard in newer homes; replacing them with compatible units keeps the interconnect working. Add carbon monoxide alarms if you have gas appliances or an attached garage.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a home electrical inspection take?
Typically one to three hours for an average single-family home, longer for large or older properties.
Will an inspection tell me if I can add an EV charger?
Ask for a load calculation as part of it; that answers the EV question directly.
Do I need a permit for an inspection?
No. Permits are for work, not for an evaluation.