An electrical inspection should answer the transaction's real questions
Buyers often need to know whether the service, panel and visible wiring support planned use and whether observed defects justify immediate correction or longer-term budgeting. Sellers often need clear documentation of known conditions before choosing whether to repair them.
Landmark defines the accessible areas, representative devices, report format and requested concerns before presenting the visit as a complete inspection. That scope prevents a broad label from implying that every concealed conductor or connection received testing.
Key distinctions
These terms and functions often appear together, but treating them as interchangeable can lead to the wrong repair or project plan.
- Electrical contractor evaluation: focused technical review within a written scope
- General home inspection: broader property review by the appropriate inspector
- Municipal inspection: review of permitted work within the authority's jurisdiction
- Insurance inspection: information requested by a carrier for its underwriting decision
- Code certification: not implied by an ordinary transaction inspection
Warning signs and safety limits
Stop using equipment that shows heat, smoke, arcing or severe damage. Leave the area and call 911 for active fire, heavy smoke, electrical injury or immediate danger.
- Obsolete, damaged, corroded or full panels
- Knob-and-tube, aluminum or visibly altered wiring
- Ungrounded receptacles or missing protective devices
- Water entry, overheating, arcing or repeated trip history
- Additions, basements or equipment with uncertain permit history
Plan the next step
A useful evaluation begins with the property, equipment and decision the customer needs to make. Gather the information below before service when it is safe and readily available.
- Buyer, seller and agent questions
- Occupied or vacant access
- Panel, attic, basement, garage and representative-device availability
- Need for photographs, written priorities or insurer forms
- Timeline for repair estimates before closing
How Landmark applies this guide
Landmark turns general guidance into a property-specific electrical scope through inspection, testing and written options.
- Define the inspection purpose and deliverable
- Review accessible service, panels, visible wiring and representative devices
- Document observed conditions and testing limits
- Prioritize urgent hazards, required corrections and planning items
- Deliver the promised report
- Prepare separate repair options when requested
What this guide cannot determine
General education improves the first conversation, but it cannot replace field access, measurements, equipment instructions or an authority's project-specific decision.
- No visual inspection can certify every concealed condition
- The inspection does not guarantee future performance
- The municipality and insurer make their own decisions
- Repairs, permits and destructive access require separate authorization
Codes and standards that apply
These references explain the framework for this work. The adopted code, Michigan amendments, local authority, utility rules, equipment listings and manufacturer instructions must be considered together for the actual installation.
Technical content last reviewed August 9, 2026. Requirements may change; project-specific determinations are made from the adopted rules and field conditions.Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a whole-home inspection?
No. Landmark performs a defined electrical inspection. A general home inspection covers broader property systems and requires the appropriate inspector.
Will I receive a written report?
Yes when the selected inspection scope includes one. The proposal identifies the areas, testing, photographs and report format promised for the visit.
Can Landmark price the repairs?
Yes. Landmark can prepare separate repair options after documenting the conditions. The inspection fee and corrective work remain distinct unless the written scope combines them.
Does the inspection prove that every circuit meets current code?
No. Current requirements depend on installation history and project scope, and concealed conditions may not be visible. The report states observed conditions and limits.
Technical review
Reviewed by Landmark Electric
This service information was reviewed for scope, safety context and accuracy by Landmark Electric, Inc., Michigan Electrical Contractor License #6114673. It provides general planning information; the adopted rules, local authority, utility requirements, equipment instructions and actual field conditions control each project.