Electrical Home Inspection to Detect Electrical Problems
Electrical Home Inspection
If your in the market to buy a new home it is imperative that you also get an electrical home inspection to detect any electrical problems or issues before you buy. Most people are focused on factors such as how many bedrooms, size, and location. Rarely do electrical checks come to mind as an important factor in the buying process as people tend to trust that all is in working order.
Buyer beware, there are countless stories of home buyers deeply regretting their purchase due to improper wiring and safety hazards. Take the right precautionary steps by ordering an Electrical Home Inspection from KVA. Let KVA, operating across the GTA perform an Electrical Inspection prior to signing any contract or putting down any deposit with your hard-earned money.
Generally, new homes don’t have any cause for concern, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. On the other hand, older homes are an issue – and could cost you thousands in electrical repairs if you don’t take the proper course of action. Let’s delve into some common issues found in these different scenarios.
New Home Electrical Inspections
A newly constructed home may come with a new set of electrical issues. Some of the most common are:
- Lack of Circuits
- Lack of Power Outlets
- Not Enough Switches
- Odd Switch Placement
- Insufficient Receptacles on Kitchen Counters
- Insufficient Receptacles in Living Areas
- None or Not Enough Receptacles in Unfinished Basements
- Faulty or Defective GFI Receptacles
- Doubled Up Circuits on Breakers
- Mixed-Up Breaker Manufacturers in Electrical Panels
- Broken/Damaged Ground Wires & Connections
These are the most common issues we’ve witnessed in newly constructed homes. We highly recommend getting an Electrical Home Inspection before you purchase a new build! Save yourself the headache!
Older Home Electrical Inspections
Buying an older home requires a thorough Electrical Inspection. Older houses and townhouses can be deemed unsafe and are often not up to code. Here’s a list of the most common issues we’ve found while providing inspections in Toronto and the GTA:
- Hidden Wiring
- Hidden Junction Boxes
- Joints & Splices in Walls & Ceilings
- Knob & Tube Wiring
- Aluminum Wires
- Open Connections/Wires/Switches
- Knife Blade Switches in Ceilings & Joint Spaces
- Reverse Polarity on Wiring
- Termination to Switches, Receptacles, & Light Fixtures
- Termination to Electrical Panels
- Missing/Broken/Damaged Ground Wires
Side Note: Knob & Tube Wires are close to 100 years old, and do not meet current code standards.
In some cases, we’ve had potential homeowners turn away from their dream house due to electrical issues we found in the process of an inspection. One particular couple was walking into a potential death trap had it not been for their decision to get the space inspected beforehand. Our experienced electricians know exactly what to look for and make sure they brief you on all potential risks and costs associated with your purchase. Stay safe and get an Electrical Home Inspection done across Toronto by our licensed team of experts.
Here’s our most Frequently Asked Question regarding inspections:
- A General Home Inspector greenlit my home, so why do I need an Electrical Home Inspection?
General Home Inspectors are not Licensed Electricians – they do not have the qualifications or expertise to determine lurking Electrical Hazards. We can provide you sound of mind knowing your new residence is up to code and safe to live in. Don’t trust your family’s safety to anyone, get a professional electrical home inspection by KVA Electricians who are Certified & Licensed to give you peace of mind.