During a home inspection, there are a number of elements that demand detailed assessment. One of these elements is the home’s electrical systems. A reliable electrical system in essential to modern living. It is also one of the primary concerns in electrical safety. There are a number of electrical problems that are discovered during a home inspection. Electrical problems can equal major hazards such as electrocution and fire. For this reason, JMark Inspections would like to share some of the common electrical problems we have discovered during a home inspection, and why home inspections are so essential.
What Electrical Problems Do Home Inspectors Look for During a Home Inspection?
Improperly Wired Switches: During a home inspection the inspector will check all of the electrical switches inside and outside of the home. Often the switches are not working or they have been poorly connected with the inner wiring exposed. Improperly or poorly wired electrical switches can be consider a major fire hazard and the switch will not perform its designated function.
Faulty GFCI Outlets: GFCI outlets are special types of outlets that are designed to protect the home electrical system from water exposure. These outlets are essential to the electrical security of the home. These outlets are found or should be found outside and near water sources such as sink, drains and faucets. Each GFCI outlet is tested to ensure it is working properly. If they are not, they can be considered a major fire or electrocution hazard.
Improperly Buried Wiring: A number of electrical wires are under the ground. It is important that these wires and cables are buried deep enough not to be damaged or pose as an electrical hazard. At times, during a home inspection, these electrical lines that are designed to run underground are exposed and were not buried deep enough. The wiring in some areas may have surfaced. This is a major problem that requires correcting.
Electrical Service Panel Problems: The heart of a home’s electrical system is the electrical panel. Inside the panel is the circuit breakers which provide power to each of the circuits that run throughout the home. At times a breaker may have physical signs of damage, including burns and melting. Breakers can also become loose or be of the wrong size. The panel itself may be old and need to be upgraded. During a home inspection the electrical panel gets a lot of attention to ensure the home electrical system is properly working and safe.
Know the Conditions of an Electrical System
A home’s electrical system is a major element that needs to be flawless. When maintaining, selling, or buying a home you will want to know the condition of the home’s electrical system. If there is a problem detected during a home inspection, you will want to seek the proper repair to ensure the home’s safety and reliability. If a problem was included in a home inspectors report and you want it updated, once the problem has been corrected the inspector can come back and revamp their report.
Home & Commercial Property Inspector Services in Pasadena, Pearland, League City, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Conroe, Friendswood & Greater Houston, Texas
The three most common electrical issues found during home inspections are circuit breaker problems; electricity surges, sags or dips; or home has scarce or dead outlets. Whether you are buying or selling a home and even if you want to better care your home and need a preventive maintenance home inspection, contact JMark Inspections today.