If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens during a home electrical inspection, you’re not alone. Whether you’re buying a new house, planning a renovation, or just want to make sure your wiring is safe, an electrical inspection is a smart (and often necessary) move.
At A&S Pro Electrical, we’ve walked hundreds of Virginia homeowners through the process, and today, we’re breaking it down so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
What Is a Residential Electrical Inspection?
A residential electrical inspection is a comprehensive review of your home’s electrical system to ensure it’s safe, up to code, and functioning properly. It’s usually required during:
- New home builds
- Major renovations or remodels
- Home sales or purchases
- Insurance assessments
- Adding large appliances or electrical upgrades
The goal? To catch problems before they become hazards, and to make sure your system is up to today’s safety standards.
Who Performs the Inspection?
A licensed master electrician or a certified local electrical inspector (sometimes both) typically performs the inspection. In Virginia, your contractor must follow both the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC).
At A&S Pro, we not only perform internal pre-inspections for our customers but also work directly with city and county inspectors to make sure everything passes the first time.
What Gets Checked During the Inspection?
Here’s a breakdown of the major areas your electrician or inspector will review:
1. Electrical Panel and Circuit Breakers
- Is the panel properly labeled?
- Is it the correct size (amperage) for your home?
- Are breakers functioning and correctly rated?
- Is the grounding system properly installed?
2. Wiring and Conductors
- Is the wiring safe and free of damage?
- Are wire sizes appropriate for the load they carry?
- Is aluminum wiring present? (This often needs replacement or modification.)
- Are there any loose, exposed, or overheated connections?
3. GFCI and AFCI Protection
- Are Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters installed in required locations like bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas?
- Are Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters installed in bedrooms and living areas (as required by modern code)?
4. Outlets, Switches, and Fixtures
- Are outlets properly grounded and securely installed?
- Are switch and outlet covers in place and not cracked?
- Are light fixtures correctly mounted with compatible bulbs?
- Are there enough outlets to meet code (no over-reliance on extension cords)?
5. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Are smoke detectors present in bedrooms and hallways?
- Are CO detectors installed on each level if you have gas appliances?
6. Exterior and Garage Wiring
- Are outdoor outlets weatherproof and GFCI-protected?
- Is outdoor lighting safely wired and properly grounded?
- Is garage wiring code-compliant, especially for door openers and lighting?
Common Issues That Might Fail an Inspection
Even newer homes can run into problems, especially if shortcuts were taken during installation. Some red flags include:
- Overloaded circuits or double-tapped breakers
- Ungrounded outlets
- Missing or damaged GFCI protection
- Improper wire splicing
- Incomplete permits or missing inspection documentation
- DIY electrical work not done by a licensed electrician
Tip: If you’re buying a home, ask for a copy of the electrical inspection report, it can save you from costly surprises later.
What You Can Do to Prepare
If you’re a homeowner getting ready for an inspection, here are a few things you can do to get ready:
- Clear access to the electrical panel, attic, and outlets
- Replace missing switch or outlet covers
- Test your smoke detectors and replace batteries
- Document past upgrades or repairs (especially permits)
A good electrician will also offer a pre-inspection walkthrough, which can help you fix issues before the official review.
Final Thoughts
A residential electrical inspection isn’t just a box to check, it’s an important step in protecting your home, your family, and your investment. Whether you’re building, buying, or upgrading, having a trusted professional on your side makes all the difference.
At A&S Pro Electrical, we provide thorough inspections, code-compliant installations, and expert guidance every step of the way. Serving Richmond, Williamsburg, Chesterfield, and across Virginia, we’re here to keep your home powered and protected.
Need an inspection or second opinion? Call us today at 804-665-4092 or email asofficial297@gmail.com to schedule a visit.
