An electrical inspection costs between $69 to $94, with a national average cost of $82, based on our analysis of 595 quotes from licensed inspectors.
However, fees for this type of inspection vary widely based on factors like the size and condition of your home, your local market, the type of inspection you need, and even the relationship between your inspector and the contractor who did your electrical work.
What is an electrical inspection?
A professional electrical inspection ensures all your home's wiring, outlets, and other electrical components are functional and safe — and can prevent serious problems like power failures or electrical fires.
An electrical inspection is a comprehensive look at your home’s electrical system by a professional electrician. During an electrical inspection, the inspector will examine components like outlets, switches, wiring, and appliances.
Like with other specialized inspections (foundation, asbestos, etc.), the inspector will issue a report that notes any problems and may suggest fixes.
New construction homes
In the case of new construction, the inspector will be looking to see if the electrical system is up to code. On the other hand, if you’re getting an electrical inspection done on your existing home, the inspection will be primarily safety-oriented.
For new construction, you’ll be looking at two separate electrical inspections.
The rough-in inspection is performed after you’ve installed the basic electrical system, but before you’ve installed insulation and closed the walls. The inspector will inspect the wiring, boxes, cables, and other basic components to ensure they’re installed properly.
The final inspection occurs after the walls have been closed, and all the circuits and light fixtures have been installed. During this inspection, the inspector will make sure everything is installed professionally, works properly, and is up to code.
Pre-owned homes
For existing homes, a different kind of inspection will focus more on the safety of the existing components.
In a safety inspection, the inspector will ensure that the components of your home’s electrical system aren’t frayed, corroded, or worn. Damaged electrical components can be a serious fire hazard, especially in older homes.
Experts suggest getting a safety electrical inspection every 3–5 years in newer homes and every 2–3 years in homes older than 25 years.
Signs you might need an electrical inspection
You have an older home
If your home is over 25 years old, experts suggest getting an electrical inspection every two to three years. Wiring that’s deteriorated, outdated, or damaged by exposure to water or other substances can be seriously dangerous.
You’re experiencing power problems
Keep an eye out for signs like:
- Undependable or erratic service
- Unexplained spikes in power usage
- Flickering or dimming lights
- A persistent burning smell
- Hot, stained, or scorched areas of the wall
You’ve recently renovated
If you’ve recently had work done on your home, you’ll need an electrical inspection to ensure everything functions properly, safely, and is up to code.
Plus: You’re selling or buying
This one’s a no-brainer. A home’s electrical system is vital, and buyers will want assurance that it’s safe and in working condition. If you’re selling, a pre-sale electrical inspection gives you a chance to fix any problems before they have a chance to derail a deal.
Orefice also notes that you shouldn’t forget that you’ve recently repaired your electrical system. On the contrary, you should tell them up front: “These kinds of repairs are great selling points.”
What happens during an electrical inspection?
During the electrical inspection, your inspector will carefully check each component of your electrical system to ensure it functions properly. You can expect them to look at:
- Your electrical meter. Is it water damaged, rusted, or have pests chewed cables?
- Electrical cables and wires. Are the right cables and wires in place, and properly clamped and labeled? Are cables properly stapled, plated, and anchored?
- Electrical boxes. Is your electrical box the right size to accommodate all wiring, and is it properly installed?
- Surge protectors. Do you have sufficient surge protection in place?
- All circuits. Are they grounded and properly wired? Are dedicated circuits for high-power appliances in place?
- Appliances. Are they safely hooked up and operating properly?
- Outlets and switches. Are they at the proper height and correctly installed?
During the inspection, you can expect your electrical inspector to deploy equipment including voltage indicators and various electrical testers. They may remove outlet covers and expose wiring during their inspection.
Most electrical inspections can be completed in 2 to 4 hours, though it’ll ultimately depend on the size of the home.
After the inspection, your electrical inspector will produce a detailed report on their findings. This usually takes 1 to 3 days to complete. The inspection report will list any flaws the inspector found and may recommend necessary repairs. If you opt for repairs, you must hire an electrician separately.
How much do electrical inspections cost?
An electrical inspection costs around $82, on average.
A basic electrical inspection can cost as little as $69, while a more comprehensive inspection can run as much as $94. Pricey add-ons could potentially doubling that.
Factors impacting electrical inspection costs
Generally, more in-depth or labor-intensive electrical inspections will be more expensive than the standard inspection. The price can also increase if you have a large or old house, the inspector has to travel long distances, or you live in a very competitive market.
The tiers of electrical inspections are:
- A standard inspection ($100–$200) primarily examines outlets, wiring, electrical panels, and circuit breakers.
- A full home electrical inspection ($250–$400) takes an in-depth look at all electrical components.
- An infrared electrical inspection ($150–$350) is an add-on service that can help find “hot spots” through walls and ceilings.[1]
With these prices, a barebones standard inspection could be as little as $100, while a full home inspection plus infrared add-on could run as much as $750 total.
Electrical inspection costs vs. other inspections
| Type of inspection | Cost |
|---|---|
| Electrical | $82 |
| Septic tank | $103 |
| Termite | $139 |
| Roof | $157 |
| Home inspection | $298 |
| Foundation | $309 |
| Asbestos | $535 |
| Mold | $727 |
Post–electrical inspection steps
If the electrical inspection report lists necessary repairs, you have two options: negotiate with the seller to have them do the repairs, or negotiate a repair credit and do them yourself.
Pro tip
“My number one tip: always negotiate repairs for anything that could be a deal killer as far as the value of the home or safety to the buyer. If your roof or electrical system needs to be replaced, then that's where most of your money should go.”
Abid also notes that you should use the inspection report at the negotiating table.
“With these major concerns, it’s imperative to come to the seller with an educated offer backed by the inspection report.”
While it can be convenient to have the seller take care of the repairs, many home buyers prefer to take a credit and oversee the repairs themselves. Sellers will usually do repairs the fastest, cheapest way possible, which doesn’t always lead to ideal outcomes.
Still, even if the seller refuses to negotiate, you still have options.
If you opt to oversee the repairs, you’ll have to hire an electrician to do the work. On average, a journeyman electrician’s rates start at around $50 per hour, while a master electrician’s rates start at around $100 per hour.[1]
Tips for homeowners
If you’re a homeowner, there are several steps you can take to prevent future issues and prolong the useful life of your electrical systems.
Unplug
Unplugging appliances when you’re not using them not only saves power, it also extends the life of the appliance.
Dust
Many electrical problems stem from excess dust and the subsequent clogs, so regular dusting will prevent costly, potentially dangerous issues.
Switch to energy-efficient devices and appliances
Switching to appliances and light bulbs that use less power will reduce the load on your electrical system and extend its lifespan.
Monitor wires, outlets, and switches
Catch small problems like hot switches, dead outlets, or frayed wires before they become major problems.
Consider a whole home surge protector
Electrical surges like those caused by lightning strikes can devastate a home’s electrical system and any appliances or other items plugged in during the surge. A whole house surge protector will protect you from power outages and even electrical fires.
How to find a electrical inspector
Your first step when you’re looking for a dependable electrical inspector should be to ask friends and family if they’ve worked with someone they trust. You can also ask your real estate agent, as agents are often plugged into the local real estate services network.
Once you’ve found a potential inspector, always ask about their experience, and their licensing and certifications. And don’t overlook your basic due diligence: check their online reviews and references, if they furnish them.
Finally, if you’re concerned about cost, get estimates from at least three electrical inspectors to get a sense of your local market.
Key questions to ask your electrical inspector
Your electrical inspector should have a good grasp of what he needs to do, but it never hurts to ask questions to ensure he covers all the necessary points. Some good starting points are:
Is everything in compliance with the local code?
While an electrical inspector's primary concern is arguably making sure everything is up to code, it never hurts to double-check. You may also need to get this in writing for insurance purposes.
How much will this inspection cost, and what is included?
Asking this before the inspection commences can clarify the price and help you plan for any needed add-ons.
Are there any dangerous hazards that must be repaired immediately?
Issues like exposed wiring are a serious safety issue that needs to be fixed right away, whereas something like a dead outlet can wait.
Are any components or appliances aging out?
Old wiring or electrical components can be a serious safety hazard, and aging appliances can fail abruptly. Knowing how old they are can help you plan for replacement.
Do you suggest any upgrades that would save me money or make me safer?
Energy-efficient appliances or fixtures can save a lot of money on your utility bills, and measures like whole home surge protection can protect you against fires and catastrophic outages.
The bottom line
An electrical inspection is necessary if you’re renovating or building a new home from the ground up, and a wise move if your existing home hasn’t been inspected for a few years.
Your home’s electrical system isn’t just a vital part of your home— it can also lead to safety issues like electrical fires if it’s neglected. Regular electrical inspections can detect problems before they get out of control and threaten your home and family.
📊 About our data
Our team collected data from thousands of publicly available home inspector quotes and estimates from reputable websites such as Thumbtack and HomeAdvisor. This comprehensive dataset allowed us to calculate the low, average, and high-end costs for various types of home inspections.
For example, for electrical inspections, we gathered data from 595 responses nationwide through Thumbtack.
We verified the data to calculate reliable averages. Our goal is to provide clear and accurate information, helping you make informed decisions about your home inspection needs.