Home Buyer Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to do when buying a home to make sure the electrical system is safe?

Homes, especially older homes, can have serious, electrical hazards that need to be inspected and repaired by trained, professional electrical experts, such as a qualified electrician. Electrical fires that start behind your walls can be among the most serious and deadly. Your family and the smoke alarms in your home may not detect an electrical fire until it is fully engulfed, giving you less time and fewer options for escape. A qualified electrician can carefully evaluate your home’s entire electrical system while following well-established safety provisions. A thorough review of the electrical system, such as that described in the NFPA 73, Electrical Inspection Code for Existing Dwellings, is particularly important when purchasing an older home, especially if a previous inspection has identified problems with the home’s electrical system.

Who would be considered a “qualified electrician?”

A qualified electrician is a trained professional who has skills, knowledge, and experience related to the installation and repair of electrical wiring and equipment. These electricians should be familiar with the electrical building code requirements in the localities in which they work, and should also be familiar with the latest requirements of the National Electrical Code® (NEC®). If you have an older home and want it inspected, you also might want to consider finding an electrician who is familiar with the NFPA 73, Electrical Inspection Code for Existing Dwellings.

My electrical outlets look new. How do I know if there is a problem in my home?

A recent first-of-its-kind study from the Fire Protection Research Foundation shows that real electrical system dangers can remain hidden — often behind the walls — in older homes. The best way to assess and improve the electrical safety of your home, for most people their largest single investment they will ever make, is to have your home thoroughly inspected by a trained electrical professional, such as a qualified electrician.

Do I pay for the electrical inspection or does the seller?

Because a thorough electrical inspection is different from a basic home inspection, and is not required, the seller usually does not cover the cost. However, many people buying a home may add such a provision into the contract. Consult with your real estate agent and a local qualified electrician. In any event, having a thorough review of the electrical system in a home you are considering moving your family into makes a great deal of sense.

If a problem is found, what kind of options do I have during the home buying process?

You should certainly consult with a real estate professional. If you pay for an electrical inspection and a problem is found, you can use that information to make important decisions during the buying process. Consult your real estate agent to see if the repairs and/or replacements can be included in your contract or an agreement with the seller.

If my house does not meet some of the rules and regulations, what should I do?

If you are planning on buying a home, first contact your local building department about the licensing, permitting, and inspection requirements that may apply in your community. Before doing electrical work, we recommend that you have your home’s electrical system inspected by a qualified electrician. And, make certain that any work done in your home meets the current electrical safety requirements.