As a potential or current homeowner in Cincinnati, you may find yourself in situations where you need to have an electrical inspection. Electrical inspections can feel overwhelming and perhaps unnecessary if this is your first inspection, but we are here to simplify the process. Wingate Heating, Cooling & Plumbing specializes in the installation, troubleshooting, repairs, and maintenance of residential electrical systems. Here is what you should know about electrical inspections.
Situations That Require an Electrical Inspection
When do you need an electrical inspection? The most common time that Cincinnati homeowner looks for an electrical inspector is when they are purchasing a home. You want to make sure that everything is working and safe for your family. The results of the inspection may affect if you make an offer on the house, as well as how much you offer. Issues found during an electrical inspection can be used as a tool for negotiation. You may also need an electrical inspection if you have regular problems with the supply of electricity in your home, such as outages or power surges that are not related to weather patterns. The experts at Wingate Heating, Cooling & Plumbing also recommend electrical inspections when you are selling a home and planning to remodel. Not having an inspection in these situations may result in citations from the city or state.
Safety for Your Family
There are not only practical reasons to have an electrical inspection for your Cincinnati home. At Wingate Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we want to do our part to keep your family safe. Electrical issues cause hundreds of fires every year, and many families lose their belongings and loves ones. Electrical inspections can be used as preventive measures to make sure that your home is safe, and we can also check your other systems.
Types of Electrical Inspections
Wingate Heating, Cooling & Plumbing offers three types of electrical inspections. We will recommend the type of inspection that fits your goals.
1. Rough-In Inspection
In the field of construction, rough-in refers to the phase when the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical components are installed in the structure. A rough-in electrical inspection involves checking the areas that are inside the walls and ceilings. Our technician checks electrical panels, circuit breakers, conduits, and wiring. We also look for any fire hazards. Rough-in electrical inspections are typically performed during construction, but we can arrange one if you suspect issues with your electrical system.
2. Service Inspection
Most Cincinnati homeowners believe that a service inspection is performed for power outages, but it can be done at any time. We focus on the electrical panel to make sure that it has been mounted properly and is working. The service inspection also includes checking how the panel is grounded, as this is a common reason for power surges inside the home.
3. Final Inspection
A final inspection is performed when the entire electrical system has been installed. The goal is to check the circuit breakers to make sure that electricity is flowing properly and that the breakers will trip properly when there is a surge. We check the circuit breakers by running a series of tests, including overloading the electrical system, to ensure that everything is safe for your family.
Are Electrical Inspections Expensive?
Electrical inspections are an investment into your home and peace of mind. We caution homeowners in Cincinnati about “budget shopping” for electrical system inspectors. As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for,” and you do not want someone who is inexperienced, unlicensed, or willing to cut corners. We offer safety checks for your entire electrical system, as well as troubleshooting, installation, repairs, and other services. Our technicians are licensed as required by the city of Cincinnati and the state. If we find a problem, we can fix it. Other electrical system inspectors cannot offer this level of support for your budget. When you are considering the cost of an electrical inspection, factor in the cost of fines from the city, lost profit on the sale of your home, and cost of repairs after you buy a home with electrical issues.
Professional Electrical Services
For more than 50 years, Wingate Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has provided expert, professional HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services to homeowners in the Cincinnati area. We can help with all your electrical inspection and service needs. We also help keep your family cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Call us today for more information, and be sure to ask about our plumbing services!
