Electrical Safety Home Inspections

Electrical Safety

We use electricity in almost all areas of our day-to-day life and it is very easy to forget that electricity is dangerous! What brings us modern conveniences that light the darkness, powers our air conditioning and cooks our dinner also has the capability to electrocute us and catch our house on fire. Over 400 Americans are electrocuted each year using common consumer products (appliances) and over 170,000 house fires are caused by electrical causes.

A few recommendations for electrical safety:

1. Extension cords are for temporary use! That means 60 days or less! If an electrical appliance (lights, space heaters, fans, etc.) is being used for longer than 60 days, consider adding an electrical receptacle or rearranging the appliance closer to the nearest outlet , thus eliminating the need for an extension cord.
2. Replace any cracked electrical cords or cords that are frayed or stiff. Cord insulation (outer covering) becomes brittle over time and, once cracked or frayed, can expose the electrical wires. Exposed wiring, especially when small children are present, is a recipe for disaster. Children play on the floor close to electrical cords and are more prone to receive a shock from these wires.
3. Don’t bury electrical cords under rugs or carpets! Any casual foot traffic over carpet where cords are buried can damage the cord, creating a dead short, spark or a fire.
4. Immediately unplug ANY electrical appliance that shocks you. Have a professional inspect and repair the item before using. This is especially true if there are metal parts on the appliance. In a “worst-case” scenario, a “hot” wire can use you to complete the electrical circuit, resulting in a bad shock or even death!
5. If you smell an acrid “burning electrical “smell, check for warm or hot-to-the-touch switches or receptacles. If you find hot or warm outlets, hire a qualified electrician to inspect and repair the faulty wiring. This is a job for a qualified professional, not an amateur or weekend warrior.

About Steve Zivolich and Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.

Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.

Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.

Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.
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Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.