How Much Does an Electrical Inspection Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $100 - $400
An average electrical inspection costs $150, but you could pay more depending on the inspection method and home size.
In general, electrical inspections cost around $150, though you could spend between $100 to $400, depending on the type of inspection needed and the accessibility of your home. Most people only think about electrical inspections when buying a new home, but they’re also important for maintaining the safety of your current house.
Whether you’re moving on up or ensuring that your lights stay on, it’s helpful to know about the factors that may affect your electrical safety inspection cost. Once you know more about the electrician’s process, you can plan your budget around the different electrical inspection types and cost factors before booking a pro to assess your home.
- Average
- $150
- Low end
- $75
- high end
- $500
Signs It’s Time for an Electrical Inspection
If all the lights are on and you don’t have any concerns, it’s still a good idea to have a basic safety inspection every three to five years, or every two to three years for older homes. However, here are a few signs that might make it a good idea to schedule an inspection a bit sooner:
Hot spots: Sections of a wall or ceiling that feel warm or hot
Discoloration: Yellow and brown spots on the walls (caused by advanced hot spots)
Burning smells: Caused by frayed wires and other electrical failures
Rising energy bills: If you haven’t changed your energy routine but your bills are more expensive, your wiring may be inefficient
If you find burning smells in your home, it’s important to take action right away. Burning smells often lead to electrical fires. If you smell burning, especially if you’ve just turned on a light or appliance, turn it off and call an electrician immediately.
Electrical Inspection Cost Factors
Whether you’re looking for a simple check-up or booking a full inspection for a potential new property, there are different factors that can affect the cost of your inspection. Learn more about them to keep your budget on track.
Electrical Inspection Type
Electrical inspections come in a variety of types, from a simple safety check-up to an in-depth assessment of all your home’s electrical components. Once you know more about the types of inspections available, you can find something that matches your budget and the needs of your home.
| Electrical Inspection Type | What Is Covered? | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Wiring, outlets, circuit breakers, panels | $100–$200 |
| Infrared | Detect hot spots through walls and ceilings | $150–$350 |
| Full home electrical inspection | A full inspection of all electrical elements in the home | $250–$400 |
| Code compliance | Checks that new installations or repairs are up to code | Included in cost of installation or repair |
When you’re shopping for a new house, many people choose to have a full home electrical inspection. This is the most comprehensive inspection type, and your electrician will provide you with an inspection report at the end. However, if you’re just looking for a simple home electrical inspection and you don’t have any particular concerns, a standard safety inspection can typically provide what you need.
Home Factors
Larger homes usually take longer to inspect, while older electrical systems may require specific expertise. When scheduling an inspection with an electrician, disclose factors like your home age, size, and location to help you get a more accurate cost estimate.
Labor Costs
Many electricians charge a flat rate for electrical inspections, but some charge by the hour. If you have a large home, or an older one, compare flat rates and hourly rates for a few electricians since size and age can tack on a few hours to a job.
Electricians will also charge different rates based on their certification level. For example, journeymen electricians typically begin charging at $50 per hour, while more experienced master electricians start around $100 per hour.
| Certification Level | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Journeyman | $60 |
| Master | $110 |
Location
Electrical safety inspection costs are typically higher if you live in rural areas. Some electricians may charge a travel fee based on mileage, whereas others offer a flat rate for particular counties or regions.
Inspection Add Ons
In addition to your standard electrical safety inspection, your electrician may offer inspection add-ons, like an infrared inspection. Infrared inspections use thermal imaging to detect hot spots inside your walls that could indicate the beginnings of an electrical failure. The advantage of infrared is that it can give you early warnings of trouble without opening up or damaging your walls and ceilings. Infrared inspections typically cost an additional $150 to $350.
Common Electrical Repairs
Quite often, an electrical inspection will reveal a few small problems that need to be fixed. The good news is that this will usually save you money down the line, but it can mean some additional upfront inspection costs due to maintenance, repairs, or permits for new electrical additions. This could include:
| Common Repairs | Average Cost To Repair |
|---|---|
| Outlet cover replacement | $10–$30 |
| Smoke or carbon monoxide detector installation | $90–$150 |
| Light switch replacement | $50–$250 |
| Grounding an outlet | $100–$300 |
| Basic electrical wiring | $6–$8 per foot |
| Electric panel replacement | $850–$2,500 |
| Electrical permit | $50–$350 |
How To Save on Electrical Inspection Costs
There are a few steps you can take around your home and during your research to make your electrical inspection quick, easy, and more cost effective—win, win, win.
Make the Space Accessible
Having an easy-to-reach space can speed up an inspection, which can save you money on those hourly rates. Move the furniture away from walls and clear space under major light fixtures in case your electrician needs to set up a ladder.
Locate Important Electrical Areas and Upgrades
Make a list of any problem areas you’d like the electrician to check out as well as anything you want your inspector to pay special attention to. Take a few minutes to locate your breaker box, so you can head straight there during the safety inspection.
It’s also helpful to have a list of any repairs and installations done in the home and when they occurred.
Check Lightbulbs
This one may sound simple, and that’s because it is! Check and replace any light bulbs around the house before the inspector comes. It can save you time and money during your inspection.
Plus, if you change the bulb and find a flicker is still happening, you can confidently direct your inspector to that problem area.
Shop Around for Inspectors
Don’t be afraid to talk to a few different professionals before you pick your electrical inspector. Aim to get three quotes for the type of inspection you need. Remember to provide all relevant information about the size and age of your house to get the most accurate estimates from each professional.
Finding electrical inspectors near you can also help lower your costs by minimizing their travel.
Electrical Inspection DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If you have that one switch that always flickers, you may be wondering if it’s time to take a closer look. Home electrical inspections are a good place to start.
Before you hire a professional inspector, give your home a once-over so you can direct them to any problem areas you want addressed. It can be helpful to use an electrical inspection checklist to learn more about what your electrician will look for when inspecting your property.
Electrical inspectors have the tools to catch problems you might miss like faulty wiring and hot spots that are often buried in your walls. Having someone inspect your home with the right tools and knowledge is an important way to catch small issues before they become a problem.
Inspecting your home yourself is always a good way to stay on top of your home’s condition, but there are also times when a formal inspection is required. If you’re planning on selling your home, you’re required by law to hire a licensed professional—even better if it’s someone you’ve worked with before and know you can count on.
Frequently Asked Questions
A home electrical inspection usually takes one to two hours. Full home inspections fall on the longer side, while code compliance inspections that focus on a single repair or installation may only take a few minutes. Optional add-ons like infrared inspections can add time, but these aren’t usually included in your standard inspection.
While it’s not mandatory unless you’re purchasing a home, it is important to schedule regular home electrical inspections for safety and to maintain your house’s value. Inspections can reduce fire risk and can help save money on insurance premiums. They can also catch problems before they start, saving money on repairs down the line.
Full home electrical inspections are mandatory if you’re buying a new home, but if you’re just looking for a safety checkup, you have some flexibility. If you don’t have any concerns and your property is relatively new, a basic inspection is usually sufficient. If it’s been a long time since your home was last inspected, or it’s an older home, a full home inspection can help catch any concerns that may fly under the radar.