Home Electrical Inspection Checklist for Wisconsin: Complete 2026 Guide
Buying or selling a home? Electrical issues can kill deals or create costly surprises. Here's what Wisconsin electrical inspections cover and what commonly fails.
Inspection Cost Summary
- • Dedicated electrical inspection: $200-$400
- • Permit inspection (included in permit): $75-$150
- • Pre-purchase inspection (detailed): $300-$500
What Inspectors Check
Electrical Panel:
- Panel brand and condition (FPE and Zinsco are red flags)
- Proper breaker sizing for wire gauge
- No double-tapped breakers (two wires per breaker)
- Adequate working clearance (30" wide, 36" deep, 78" high)
- Not in bathroom or clothes closet
Throughout the Home:
- GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchen, garage, outdoor
- AFCI protection in bedrooms (for post-2002 homes)
- Grounded 3-prong outlets (or proper 2-prong for older homes)
- Smoke detectors in required locations
- No exposed wiring or open junction boxes
Common Failures in Wisconsin Homes
- Federal Pacific/Zinsco panels: Known fire hazard, often requires replacement
- Ungrounded 3-prong outlets: Deceptive—looks modern but lacks safety ground
- Missing GFCI: Required in wet areas since 1971 (bathrooms), expanded since
- Knob-and-tube wiring: Pre-1940 wiring, often uninsurable
- Aluminum branch wiring: 1965-1973, requires special terminations
- Undersized service: 60A panels can't handle modern loads
Why We Can't Quote Inspection Repairs Remotely
Inspection reports identify problems but don't always show the full scope:
- • "Ungrounded outlets" could be 3 outlets or 30
- • Panel issues may require replacement or just repairs
- • Wiring access varies dramatically by home
- • Some issues are cosmetic, others are safety-critical
Bring us the inspection report and we'll assess the actual scope on-site.
Related Resources
Got an Inspection Report?
We'll review the electrical findings, assess the actual scope, and provide accurate repair estimates for negotiations.
Schedule ReviewNeed an Electrical Inspection?
Whether you are buying, selling, or just want peace of mind, a thorough electrical inspection identifies hidden hazards before they become costly problems. Couillard Electric serves Sheboygan County, Ozaukee County, Washington County, and surrounding SE Wisconsin communities.