Comprehensive Electrical Inspection Checklist For New Zealand Homebuyers
- Hines Electrical
- Oct 10
- 5 min read
There’s a lot to think about when you’re house hunting. How many bedrooms? How’s the indoor-outdoor flow? Are tiles falling off the roof? Does the kitchen need a revamp? Is that extra bathroom consented?
One factor that can be forgotten is the electrics. Because wiring and electrical systems aren’t on display, it’s easy to ignore them when you’re evaluating a potential home. The risk is, skipping electrical inspections could be expensive – or dangerous – down the road.
Here’s what you need to know about electrical checks for New Zealand properties.
Why Is It Important To Perform An Electrical Inspection Before Purchasing A Property?
A pre-purchase electrical check gives you crucial information about your prospective home, so you know what you’re getting into. Even if the wiring does need work, it’s better to know ahead of time.
Faulty wiring can cause fires, shocks and damage to electronics, and repairs can be costly. It’s also important to ensure your electrical system meets current New Zealand standards – if it doesn’t, you might struggle to get insurance.
Why Should You Get A Professional Electrical Inspection?
A professional electrical inspection is carried out by a registered electrician with an inspection licence, including an in-depth look at a property’s wiring, electrical fittings, appliances and grounding. A professional has the experience and expertise to spot issues, knows what to look for and test, and has the right equipment on hand. Many electrical issues – like faulty wiring or overloaded circuits – aren’t visible at first glance, but can cause major problems down the line.
Another benefit? A professional electrician can scope out possible future work and give you a rough estimate of costs, which you can factor into your offer.
Looking for a qualified inspector? Hines can help.
6 Electrical Checks To Perform Before Purchasing A Property
Here are the key electrical checks that should be made before you make an offer – preferably by a qualified inspector.
1. Check the home’s electrical panel is up to date and in good condition
An electrical panel – also called a fuse box – is the central hub for a property’s wiring. Clues that a fuse box is out of date include visible discolouration, rust or wear, old-fashioned fuses and connections, and the lack of a modern circuit breaker.
2. Check power outlets and switches are in good working order
This is one you can do without the help of an electrician. Flick light switches on and off as you walk around the house, and check the power outlets as well. If outlets look discoloured or have a dated look – older switches tend to be thinner and have rounded edges – it could be a clue that internal wiring is outdated as well. Keep an eye out for scorch marks around outlets and buzzing or humming sounds – these are signs that wires are overheating, which could cause an electrical fire.
Need an outlet upgrade? Hines can help.
3. Check all electrical work has been certified
If a property has had recent electrical work, it’s important to check that it meets regulations. The owner should have a verified Code of Compliance for any work done, showing that a qualified electrician completed it.
For some types of electrical work, you can search the property address in the Electricity and Gas High-Risk Database.
4. Ensure all internal wiring is properly protected and in good condition
Your electrical inspector should check all wiring to ensure it’s in good condition and properly protected. This means looking for cuts, cracks or frays in the plastic outer layer, and checking that cable entry points are clean and secure. They will usually use a plug-in tester or multimeter to measure current and voltage as well.
5. Make sure all smoke detectors and other safety devices are working correctly
Does the property have built-in smoke detectors, alarms or other safety features? Check that they’re wired and working correctly, or you could face a bill for repairs or replacement after you move in.
6. Check appliances included in the home sale are in good working order
Wired-in appliances, like dishwashers, ovens and stovetops, are listed as chattels in a Sale and Purchase agreement, and stay with a property when it’s sold. You may not be able to run a load of dishes or bake a cake in the oven, but you can check that these appliances will turn on and start before you make an offer. If chattels are not working well, you may be able to ask the owner to replace or repair them before you take ownership.
What Should You Do If Electrical Faults Are Found?
If you or your electrician finds an electrical fault during the inspection, what do you do? It all depends on the scope of the issue and your personal preferences. If major electrical work is needed, it could be enough to make you pass on a property and keep searching. If minor work is needed – like new light fittings or extra outlets – you could estimate the cost and factor it into your offer.
What Should You Do If A Home Is Not Compliant With Electrical Codes?
If a potential property isn’t compliant with electrical codes, it could be difficult to get insurance or a mortgage. There are a few key steps to follow. First, negotiate with the seller to fix the issues before the sale or reduce the price, giving you the funds for remedial electrical work after purchase. You should speak to your lawyer to ensure you’re protecting yourself. In some cases, if the work can be brought up to current standards, you can apply for a Certificate of Acceptance from the council.
Need help with a non-compliant home? Talk to the Hines team.
Homebuyers’ Electrical Checklist FAQs
What electrical documents should you request when purchasing a property in New Zealand?
If you’re purchasing a property in New Zealand, you need to ask for electrical documents like a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for recent wiring. For older homes, you or your bank may need to request an Electrical Certificate of Verification (COV), which shows that wiring is safe even if it’s older. For higher-risk work, you might also need an Electrical Safety Certificate (ESC) from the electrician who did the work.
What are the benefits of getting a professional electrical inspection?
The benefits of getting a professional electrical inspection include:
Cost savings – an electrician can identify potential issues and help you avoid future costs.
Safety – a professional ensures the electrical systems in a home are safe, avoiding fires or shocks.
Peace of mind – when you’ve thoroughly checked the electrics of a home, you know what you’re getting into.
What happens if you purchase a property that is not electrically compliant?
If you buy a property that’s not compliant with current electrical standards, you could run into some serious issues. You may not be able to get a mortgage or insurance, and could face significant costs to upgrade and update. If you’re thinking of purchasing a home with non-compliant wiring, talk to a professional electrician and your lawyer before you make an offer.
Need a professional to check out a potential home? Chat to the Hines Electrical team now.