How Much Does an Electrical Inspection Cost? [2026 Data]

Electrical inspections cost $150, though you could spend as little as $75 or up to $500 depending on the type of inspection you need and the accessibility of your home. Most people only think about electrical inspections when buying a new home, but they’re also important for maintaining the safety of your current house.  Whether you’re moving on up or ensuring that your lights stay on, it’s helpful to know about the factors that may affect your electrical safety inspection cost. Once you know more about the electrician’s process, you can plan your budget around the different electrical inspection types and cost factors before booking a pro to assess your home.

Electrical Inspection Cost Factors

Whether you’re looking for a simple check-up or booking a full inspection for a potential new property, there are different factors that can affect the cost of your inspection. Learn more about them to keep your budget on track. 

Electrical Inspection Type

Electrical inspections come in a variety of types, from a simple safety check-up to an in-depth assessment of all your home’s electrical components. Once you know more about the types of inspections available, you can find something that matches your budget and the needs of your home.

When you’re shopping for a new house, many people choose to have a full home electrical inspection. This is the most comprehensive inspection type, and your electrician will provide you with an inspection report at the end.

However, if you’re just looking for a simple home electrical inspection and you don’t have any particular concerns, a standard safety inspection can typically provide what you need.

Home Factors 

Larger homes usually take longer to inspect, while older electrical systems may require specific expertise. When scheduling an inspection with an electrician, disclose factors like your home age, size, and location to help you get a more accurate cost estimate.

Labor Costs

Many electricians charge a flat rate for electrical inspections, but some charge by the hour. If you have a large home, or an older one, compare flat rates and hourly rates for a few electricians since size and age can tack on a few hours to a job. 

Electricians will also charge different rates based on their certification level. For example, journeymen electricians typically begin charging at $50 per hour, while more experienced master electricians start around $100 per hour.

Location

Electrical safety inspection costs are typically higher if you live in rural areas. Some electricians may charge a travel fee based on mileage, whereas others offer a flat rate for particular counties or regions. 

Inspection Add Ons

In addition to your standard electrical safety inspection, your electrician may offer inspection add-ons, like an infrared inspection. Infrared inspections use thermal imaging to detect hot spots inside your walls that could indicate the beginnings of an electrical failure. The advantage of infrared is that it can give you early warnings of trouble without opening up or damaging your walls and ceilings. Infrared inspections typically cost an additional $150 to $350.

Cost of Common Electrical Repairs

Quite often, an electrical inspection will reveal a few small problems that need to be fixed. The good news is that this will usually save you money down the line, but it can mean some additional upfront inspection costs due to maintenance, repairs, or permits for new electrical additions. This could include:

How to Save on Electrical Inspection Costs

There are a few steps you can take around your home and during your research to make your electrical inspection quick, easy, and more cost effective—win, win, win.

• Make the space easy to work in. Remove furniture and clear items away from the work area before your pro arrives. 

• Make sure you know where your breaker box is. Also, take note of the exact location of all the problem areas you want the pro to work on. This will cut down on labor time. 

• Check (and replace, if needed) lightbulbs around your house. This is a simple job that can save you and your pro time. 

• Get several quotes from electrical inspectors near you. Compare quotes to see who offers the best deals for their experience and available services.

Why You Should Hire an Electrical Inspection Pro

A DIY electrical inspection can help you spot obvious issues, but it’s not a replacement for a licensed electrician near you, especially if you’re selling your home, dealing with electrical problems, or planning upgrades. A professional inspection ensures your system is safe, code-compliant, and functioning properly.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire an electrical inspection pro

Electrical inspections ensure your home is safe, and here’s why you should hire a pro for the task:

• Electricians have the tools and expertise to detect hidden issues you might miss, such as damaged wiring, overloaded circuits, and hot spots behind walls.

• A pro will ensure compliance with current building and safety codes.

• Licensed electricians carry liability insurance and offer warranties on their work.

• Professionals can complete inspections safely, thoroughly, and efficiently.

• Documentation from a licensed electrician might be required for home sales, renovations, and insurance claims.

If you want to DIY an electrical inspection

Unless you’re a certified electrician, it’s best to leave electrical inspections to the pros, but you can attempt the following tasks yourself:

• Use an electrical inspection checklist to find potential problems to bring to the electrician

• Look for visible warning signs such as scorch marks, loose outlets, or frequently tripped breakers

• Clear space around your electrical panel, outlets, and appliances so the electrician can work efficiently

• Make a list of questions or concerns to share during the inspection

Signs You Need an Electrical Inspection

If all the lights are on and you don’t have any concerns, it’s still a good idea to have a basic safety inspection every three to five years, or every two to three years for older homes. However, here are a few signs that might make it a good idea to schedule an inspection a bit sooner:

• Hot spots: Sections of a wall or ceiling that feel warm or hot

• Discoloration: Yellow and brown spots on the walls (caused by advanced hot spots)

• Burning smells: Caused by frayed wires and other electrical failures 

• Rising energy bills: If you haven’t changed your energy routine but your bills are more expensive, your wiring may be inefficient

If you find burning smells in your home, it’s important to take action right away. Burning smells often lead to electrical fires. If you smell burning, especially if you’ve just turned on a light or appliance, turn it off and call an electrician immediately. 

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.