Hidden Electrical Code Violations That Could Derail Your Collin County Home Sale in 2024
When you’re preparing to sell your home in Collin County, the last thing you want is a failed inspection due to hidden electrical code violations. About 60% of the homes I see have multiple electrical installation code violations, according to Texas home inspectors, and many homeowners are completely unaware of these issues until it’s too late. Understanding these common violations can save you thousands in last-minute repairs and prevent your home sale from falling through.
The Growing Problem of Electrical Code Violations in Texas
All types of new homes with code violations have significantly increased compared to the last survey. A considerably higher number of respondents found all types of new construction to have code violations (over 60%). This is an upward trend of over 17% from the highest respondent code violation of 2012 (44%) to the lowest respondent rating of code violation in 2018 (61%). This alarming trend means that even newer homes in Collin County may have electrical issues that weren’t properly addressed during construction.
State law adopts a minimum electrical code requirement for Texas. These laws and rules adopt the National Electrical Code from the National Fire Protection Association. The laws allow local governments to adopt later versions of the codes for their areas, which means Collin County municipalities like McKinney have adopted more recent electrical codes that your home must comply with.
The Most Common Hidden Electrical Violations
Missing GFCI Protection
One of the most frequently cited violations involves Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection. The new TREC standards specify that required locations for GFCI outlets include bathrooms, garages, outdoor areas, accessory buildings, laundry areas, kitchen countertops, crawlspaces and lights in crawlspaces, indoor damp or wet locations, basements, kitchen receptacles for dishwashers, receptacles within 6 feet of the edge of a sink, shower, or bathtub and electrically heated floors. Receptacles that don’t meet this requirement are noted as a deficiency in the TREC inspection, no matter when the home was built.
Electrical problems include grounding and bonding issues, missing or improper labeling of circuits and missing GFCI receptacles. “Many older houses do not have GFCI receptacles,” Buckley says. “It’s a requirement for current standards to install a GFCI receptacle whenever you’re within 6 feet of a water source.”
AFCI Protection Deficiencies
Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) violations are becoming increasingly common in home inspections. Under the new TREC inspection standards, it is considered a deficiency if AFCI protection is not in kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms and other living areas. Arc faults can cause electrical fires that burn down homes, making this protection critical for safety.
Improper Panel Labeling and Grounding
Dangerous conditions include potential structural failure, exposed electrical wiring, and abandoned, open structures. Many Collin County homes have electrical panels with improper circuit labeling or inadequate grounding systems that don’t meet current code requirements.
Why These Violations Matter for Your Home Sale
Electrical code violations can have serious consequences beyond just failing an inspection. Your insurance company rightfully refuses to provide any coverage because the work was not performed by a qualified, licensed electrician and the appropriate permits were not obtained. This means that undiscovered violations could leave you financially vulnerable.
For homeowners in Collin County communities like Plano, Frisco, and McKinney, these violations can delay or completely derail a home sale. Buyers often use electrical issues as negotiation points, demanding significant price reductions or requiring expensive repairs before closing.
The 2024 Code Updates You Need to Know
The 2023 National Electrical Code, published by the NFPA (adopted September 1, 2023) has brought new requirements that affect many Collin County homes. GFCI protection is now required for all receptacles installed in kitchens. Traditionally, this requirement applied only to kitchen countertop receptacles, but now any cord-and-plug connection points in the kitchen (such as refrigerator receptacles, disposal receptacles and microwave receptacles) now require GFCI protection.
Getting Professional Help
When dealing with electrical code compliance in Collin County, it’s essential to work with experienced professionals who understand local requirements. An experienced electrician Collin County, TX can identify potential violations before they become costly problems during your home inspection.
You should always hire a licensed electrician to complete any electrical work in your home or business. Even minor work such as adding an extra outlet or changing switches pose a risk. No matter how small the job you should consider paying a professional, licensed electrician to minimize the risk of electrical shock or catastrophic fire.
Taking Action Before Your Home Inspection
If you’re planning to put your home on the market sometime soon, have your home’s electrical system inspected before putting your home up for sale. Getting the electrical inspection in advance can help you identify problems that buyers may require to be fixed before the home purchase goes through. Once you’ve identified problems with your home’s electrical system, you can perform upgrades that will head off problems and help your home sale go smoothly.
A proactive approach to electrical code compliance can save you thousands of dollars and prevent your Collin County home sale from hitting unexpected roadblocks. Don’t wait until the buyer’s inspection reveals these hidden violations – address them now to ensure a smooth, successful transaction.
Remember, electrical work in Texas requires proper permits and licensed professionals. Anyone who performs electrical work in the State of Texas must be licensed, so always verify your electrician’s credentials and ensure all work meets current Collin County electrical codes.
