NAVIGATION

Why an Electrical Inspection?
Based on some current trends in the Insurance Industry, it appears that some agencies are now considering that a risk assessment (inspection) be done on your current electrical system, as part of the terms for coverage. The Broker Underwriting Guide specifically states that “Wiring – Extensively updated to meet the demands of the array of modern appliances with a modern circuit breaker system suitable for the load. Minimum 100 amp electrical service. We do not insure risks with knob and tube wiring or aluminum wiring.” This is only a guide. Real estate companies are also finding out that the client requires more of a qualified electrical assessment than a Home Inspection agency can provide. Also, the general public is looking for assessments for their own peace of mind. We at Phase One Consulting Services have developed a comprehensive checklist, and procedures, that address these requirements.

Since we are also certified Electrical Contractors, our risk assessment (inspection) is accepted by such agencies in the province of British Columbia. Some Insurance companies will only accept a check list from a company they have pre-approved. We are on the BCAA list as an approved inspection agency. We offer the client the peace of mind that they can have a safe operating electrical system assessed by qualified electrical technicians.

The common question we are asked is “Why not just use any certified electrical contractor for the safety check in the first place?” Please see the link ‘Why not an Electrical Contractor?”.

What is involved in an Electrical Inspection?
It begins when one of our qualified electrical trade’s technicians goes to your residential dwelling or commercial site. There, we conduct a very thorough inspection of your entire electrical system, or we can do a partial inspection on the area that you feel only needs attention. The entire portion is where the electrical system is checked for sufficient capacity and safety, and evaluated in terms of its current condition and suitability for future use. This includes a load calculation to assess what your current system can handle. Upgrades and repairs are recommended where appropriate. You are given a detailed written checklist, on site, with all the relevant details of your existing electrical system. Included and documented would be any areas or items that may require immediate attention, and include the pertaining Canadian Electrical Code rule. We then do an overall analysis at our office on a word document, if required, and send it to the client. This is all included in the price. We also have a team of impartial Electrical Contractors that will look after any electrical needs that are identified, or you can choose one for yourself.

Phase One Consulting Services is the missing link in a complete inspection for any Real Estate agent, Home Inspector or safety conscious person where electrical safety is taken seriously.

What are the costs for an Electrical Inspection?
 
These costs are based on the industry standards for Electrical Safety Surveys/Electrical Risk Inspections. Applicable Taxes may also apply.

Please note that payment is due upon completion of the inspection when the report is given on site. Note also that payment is by cash or cheque only.

RESIDENTIAL DWELLINGS: For locations in the Parksville/Qualicum and Nanaimo area the typical cost is $189.00 for the entire system. This is contingent on a standard residential single family dwelling (2000 sq feet or less). The time allotted would be approximately two hours, which also includes the time required to do the checklist. Larger or more complex installations would be $85.00 per hour or portion thereof after the first initial two hours. The partial inspection starts at $99.00. Dwellings outside of the Parksville/Qualicum and Nanaimo regions may have an out of territory fee applied. The customer is advised at the time of booking what that would be.

COMMERICAL INSTALLATIONS: For locations in the Parksville/Qualicum and Nanaimo area the typical cost varies on the complexity for the type of commercial installation. For 120/240 volt and 120/208 volt hydro services the rate is $250.00 for the first initial hour and $85.00 per hour or portion thereof. For service characteristics that are larger than the above, a quote would be made available at the request of the client. Providing a safe WorksafeBC environment and workplace orientation, while conducting an electrical inspection, is the responsibility of the owner or tenant of the installation. Safe access to heights of over 10 feet is to be provided by the owner or tenant. Installations outside the Parksville/Qualicum and Nanaimo region may have an out of territory fee applied. The client is advised at the time of booking what that would be.

What are our Qualifications and Responsibilities?
You need only look under the link of Team Leader. Phase One Consulting Services follows all necessary WorksafeBC standards and practices. We strive to be the best in what we do so that you can be assured you are receiving the best information and recommendations available in the electrical industry. As electricians we are better qualified than Building Inspection Services, whose electrical training and expertise gives them a certificate of completion.  This allows them to only make visual electrical determinations. Only Certified Electrical Contractors, in good standing with the B.C.Safety Authority, are qualified to make a complete assessment of your electrical system. The Home Inspector’s electrical assessment may also not qualify as being recognized in the insurance industry and liability is also of concern for the real estate industry. We at Phase One Consulting Services go one step further by providing our exclusive site report. We are also constantly upgrading our skills and have a large network in place where we can go to receive the most up to date information.