Electrical Inspection Cost in the USA

Growth Pro
Nov 10
5 min read

An electrical inspection helps you know if your home’s wiring, outlets, and electrical systems are safe. In the USA, the average cost for an electrical inspection ranges from $100 to $200, with a national average of around $150.

The final cost depends on your home’s size, age, and the type of inspection you need. More advanced checks, such as infrared thermal inspections, can cost between $150 and $350, while full home inspections that include electrical systems may reach $400.

What Is an Electrical Inspection?

An electrical inspection is a detailed check of your home’s electrical system. During this process, a licensed electrician looks at your wiring, circuit breakers, outlets, switches, and panels to make sure everything works safely and meets code standards.

Inspectors use different tools to test circuits and find hidden problems such as faulty wiring or overloaded systems. The goal is to spot risks before they cause fires, power outages, or other electrical hazards.

Most inspections take about one to two hours for standard homes. Afterward, you’ll get a report listing any issues found and the repairs needed. This report can also be useful when selling or remodeling your home.

Why Are Electrical Inspections Important?

Electrical inspections are key to keeping your home safe. Over time, wires can wear out or become loose, which increases the risk of fire. Regular inspections catch small issues before they grow into costly problems.

If you’re planning renovations or installing new appliances, an inspection makes sure your system can handle the extra power load. They also help keep your home compliant with local codes, which is important if you plan to sell or insure your property. In short, inspections save money, protect your family, and help your electrical system run more efficiently.

Types of Electrical Inspections

There are several kinds of electrical inspections, and each one serves a specific purpose. Understanding these types helps you choose the right one for your needs and budget.

Type of Inspection	What It Covers	Average Cost Range
Standard	Checks wiring, outlets, breakers, and panels	$100–$200
Infrared (Thermal)	Detects hot spots behind walls using thermal imaging	$150–$350
Full Home	Complete inspection of all electrical elements	$250–$400
Code Compliance	Ensures installations meet local codes	Included in repair/installation cost

A standard inspection is the most common choice. It focuses on safety basics like breakers and outlets.

An infrared inspection uses heat imaging to find hidden electrical issues without cutting into walls or ceilings. This type helps detect potential fire risks before they grow.

A full home inspection covers every electrical component in the property. It’s often done during home sales or major renovations.

Code compliance inspections confirm new installations or repairs meet state and local building standards. These are usually part of the overall service cost when work is done.

Electrical Inspection Cost Factors

Several factors can influence how much your electrical inspection will cost. Knowing these helps you plan your budget and understand what’s included.

Home Size

Larger homes take more time to inspect, which means higher costs. A small apartment might only need a quick one-hour visit, while a multi-story home with many outlets and panels could take several hours.

In general, expect a standard home to fall in the $100 to $200 range. Bigger properties can go up to $300 or more, especially if multiple electrical systems need checking.

Labor Costs

Electricians may charge a flat fee or an hourly rate. Journeyman electricians typically charge around $50–$60 per hour, while master electricians may charge $100–$110 per hour due to their higher certification and experience.

Some inspectors offer fixed pricing for standard safety checks. However, complex inspections requiring thermal cameras or code compliance testing may add extra fees.

It’s best to ask for quotes from at least three local electricians to compare both hourly and flat rates.

Accessibility

If the electrical panel, wiring, or outlets are hard to reach, expect higher costs. Electricians spend more time moving furniture, checking crawl spaces, or accessing attics.

Easy access helps the job go faster and can save you money. Before your appointment, clear the area around your breaker box and main electrical lines to help your inspector work efficiently.

Electrical Inspection Type

The type of inspection you choose affects the final price. A simple safety check focuses on visible components, while advanced inspections use infrared imaging to detect problems behind walls.

A basic safety inspection usually costs $100 to $200.

Infrared inspections, which use special cameras to detect hot spots, can range from $150 to $350.

If you’re booking a full home inspection, including electrical checks, expect to pay $250 to $400.

Thermal inspections are valuable for older homes or properties that have had frequent electrical repairs. Though more expensive, they can help prevent serious issues like electrical fires by catching overheating circuits early.

Home Condition

Older homes often have outdated wiring systems that need extra attention. Inspections in these homes usually cost more because the electrician must identify non-compliant or unsafe wiring.

If your property still uses knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, expect additional labor time. In some cases, inspectors may recommend upgrading the system altogether.

Homes with modern wiring or recent renovations usually cost less to inspect since fewer issues are expected.

Electrical Repairs

Sometimes, an inspection reveals repairs that need to be done right away. While this adds to your total cost, it can prevent more expensive problems later.

Here are some common repairs and their average prices:

Outlet cover replacement: $10–$30
Smoke or carbon monoxide detector installation: $90–$150
Light switch replacement: $50–$250
Grounding an outlet: $100–$300
Basic electrical wiring: $6–$8 per foot
Electric panel replacement: $850–$2,500
Electrical permit: $50–$350

If your inspection uncovers small fixes like replacing outlets or switches, taking care of them right away ensures long-term safety and reduces future repair bills.

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Get Murray Electrical Inspection Service Today

At Murray Electrical, we believe every home deserves a safe and reliable power system. Your home’s electrical system should never be left unchecked. At Murray Electrical, we provide trusted and affordable inspection services. Our licensed electricians provide detailed, professional inspections to help you identify issues early and keep your property up to code.

Whether you need a standard safety check, a thermal infrared scan, or a full electrical inspection, we offer transparent pricing and dependable service

Get in touch with Murray Electrical today for a free quote and expert advice. Protect your home, save on repairs, and keep your family safe with professionals you can trust.

Conclusion

Electrical inspections are a smart investment for any homeowner. They confirm your wiring, outlets, and panels are safe, efficient, and up to code.

In the USA, the average electrical inspection cost ranges between $100 and $400, depending on your home’s size, condition, and inspection type. While prices can vary, what you gain in safety and peace of mind is priceless.

Regular inspections not only protect your property but also help you avoid costly emergencies. Whether you live in a new house or an older one, schedule your electrical inspection every few years to keep your home’s power system strong, safe, and ready for the future.