How Much Does an Electrical Inspection Cost?

When it comes to home electrics, out of sight means out of mind for many homeowners. However, assuming all's well with your electrical system means you won't necessarily notice issues that could cause power issues — or an electrical fire.

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Scheduling an electrical inspection as part of your annual home maintenance checklist can help keep your system in perfect working order.

An electric inspection is a thorough check of your home's electrical system. During the inspection, the inspector will check your home's wiring and electrical box to ensure the components are in good condition and suitable for your system's size and amperage. They can determine whether you have the correct number of circuits to meet your household's electrical needs.

Your inspector will also check that you have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets correctly installed. You need GFCI outlets in any area where the outlet could get wet, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens.

Many homeowners schedule regular electric inspections to identify potential fire hazards and prevent power outages. You may also have an electric inspection as part of your home inspection when you buy a new house.

Who Performs an Electrical Inspection?

Electricians don't perform electrical inspections. Instead, you'll need to hire a qualified electric inspector to perform the checks. Ideally, you should choose a professional with a Certified Electrical Inspector license.

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How Much Does an Electrical Inspection Cost?

According to Forbes, a general electrical inspection costs around $190 (CAD 250), with most homeowners paying between $130 and $210 (CAD 171 and CAD 277). Electrical inspections during the home buying process are typically more expensive, at $200 to $500 (CAD 264 to CAD 659).

Various factors can affect how much an electrical inspection costs. For example, electrical inspectors usually charge more in areas with higher costs of living. You could also pay extra if parts of your electrical system are difficult to access.

You'll need to factor repairs into your budget if your inspector uncovers a problem with your system, especially if it causes a fire risk. Generally, electrical inspectors don't offer repair or upgrade services, so you'll need to hire an electrician.

HomeGuide says most electricians charge between $40 and $100 (CAD 53 and CAD 132) per hour, but you could pay up to $120 (CAD 158) per hour if you hire a master electrician. Most homeowners spend between $141 and $419 (CAD 186 and CAD 552) on electrical repairs. However, you could pay up to $2,500 (CAD 3,294) for more complex jobs, such as replacing your electrical panel.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.