Local Home Inspector points out top fire danger in the home

 In real estate, nothing is more essential than the safety and satisfaction of your client. As agents, pride is taken in helping buyers find their dream homes, but with aesthetics, location, and features top of mind, there's one more critical aspect never to be overlooked: safety. Electrical issues are among the most hazardous areas for possible safety concerns in residential property. Ensuring a property's electrical integrity is important, as over 30,000 electrical fires occur at residences throughout the U.S. each year.

 

This is where a Certified Master Inspector plays an important role. General inspections will do for superficial coverage in a property, but a Certified Master Inspector goes one step ahead to comprehensively assess things that are left ignored or unobserved. Here's how the professional electrical inspection done by a Certified Master Inspector makes the difference.

Panel Inspections:

One of the most crucial electrical inspection elements is the electrical panel, commonly referred to as the breaker or fuse box. The inspector will go to the extent of removing the dead face, which is the front cover of the panel, to carefully see what is inside. Why is this important? The inside of an electrical panel may hold hidden dangers, such as loose connections, signs of overheating, double-tapped breakers, and corrosion. Any one of these alone can result in devastating outcomes if left unchecked, including electrical fires or a system failure.

 

Checking Outlets, Switches, and Lighting

Beyond the electrical panel, a thorough inspection would also involve the checking of outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures for operating appropriately, appropriately grounded, and free from wiring defects. For example, any burn marks on outlets and switches are indicative of overheating. GFCI outlets installed in places like kitchens and bathrooms should be tested for correct operation against electric shock.

 

Older homes will, of course, require even more care. Homes built several decades ago may still have very outdated types of wiring, such as knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. While once common, such systems pose major hazards today. The expertise of a Certified Master Inspector in identifying the type of wiring, recognizing possible hazards, and suggesting remedies is invaluable.

 

Why Every Buyer Deserves a High-Level Inspection

Your clients entrust you as a real estate professional to guide them in one of the biggest purchases they make. Partnering with a Certified Master Inspector strengthens that trust, reinforcing your commitment to safety and well-being. An electrical fire can result in catastrophic loss of property or more.