Most homeowners have never watched an electrician work through a full inspection. The process is more thorough than many people expect — and understanding what’s involved helps you know what you’re getting, what to prepare, and what the findings actually mean.
Here’s a straightforward walkthrough of what happens from start to finish.
Before the Electrician Arrives
A little preparation goes a long way. Make sure the electrician has clear access to your electrical panel, attic hatch, crawl space entry, and garage. If you’ve had any recent electrical work done — a renovation, a panel upgrade, an EV charger installed — have that paperwork handy. It gives the electrician useful context and saves time.
The Electrical Panel
This is where the inspection typically begins. The electrician will open the panel cover and work through a detailed assessment:
- The age and manufacturer of the panel — certain older brands like Federal Pacific and Zinsco have well-documented failure issues and are flagged immediately
- Whether the panel’s amperage is adequate for the home’s current load
- Signs of overheating, corrosion, burn marks, or moisture intrusion
- Double-tapped breakers — two wires sharing a single breaker terminal, which is a common and often overlooked fire hazard
- Breakers that are mismatched to the wire gauge they protect
- Compliance with current Georgia electrical code, including the 2026 amendments
Wiring
The electrician will inspect visible wiring throughout the home — attic, basement, crawl space, and garage. Key things they’re looking for:
- Exposed or unprotected wiring runs
- Aluminum branch-circuit wiring, which was common in homes built between 1965 and 1975 and carries elevated fire risk
- Knob-and-tube wiring in older homes
- Amateur splices or junction boxes without proper covers
- Insulation that is cracked, brittle, or showing signs of heat damage
Wiring inside finished walls can’t be inspected visually, but an experienced electrician knows what symptoms at outlets, panels, and junction points tend to indicate problems behind the drywall.
Outlets, Switches, and Fixtures
The electrician will spot-check outlets throughout the home rather than testing every single one. They’re looking for:
- Ungrounded two-prong outlets in locations where grounded outlets are expected
- Missing GFCI protection in required areas — bathrooms, kitchen countertops, garage, exterior, and basement
- Missing AFCI protection on bedroom circuits, required under current code for new work and renovations
- Loose outlets or switches, which can indicate loose wiring connections behind the wall
- Scorch marks or discoloration around faceplates
Grounding and Bonding
Grounding is what allows fault current to safely dissipate rather than passing through a person or igniting nearby materials. The electrician will verify the grounding electrode system is properly connected at the panel, that grounding conductors are intact, and that any metallic systems (gas piping, water lines) are properly bonded.
Exterior and Service Entry
The inspection wraps up outside. The electrician checks the weatherhead where utility lines enter the home, the meter base, and any exterior outlets or disconnect equipment — looking at weatherproofing, clearances, and condition of the service entrance conductors.
How Long It Takes
For a typical single-family home, plan on 1.5 to 3 hours. Larger homes, homes with multiple sub-panels, or properties where attic and crawl space access is difficult will take longer. It’s worth being home for at least the beginning and end — the walkthrough at the end, where the electrician explains their findings in person, is often the most useful part of the whole visit.
The Report
After the inspection you’ll receive a written summary. A thorough report will include:
- Every issue found, with the specific location noted
- A priority ranking — what needs immediate attention, what should be addressed within the next year, and what’s worth monitoring over time
- A clear distinction between code violations and safety concerns (these often overlap, but not always)
- Recommended next steps and estimated costs for any repairs
Not every finding is urgent. An aging but functional panel, or circuits that lack AFCI protection that would be required in new construction but not mandated in your existing home, may appear in the report as recommendations rather than immediate action items. A good electrician will be straightforward about the difference.
After the Inspection
If issues are found, your electrician will walk you through the options — what can be addressed in a single visit, what requires a larger project, and what the timeline and costs look like. If the inspection comes back clean, you’ll have documented confirmation that your system is in good shape, which is useful for your own records and for any future home sale.