Richmond’s mix of Victorian terraces, renovated townhouses and warehouse-style apartments often means older wiring meets modern renovations—visual checks help spot switchboard and safety switch issues before they become a hazard.
Answer a few quick questions to receive your personalised quote for Richmond
Complete this step to continue
Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We visually assess the switchboard for signs of ageing components, poor labelling, missing covers/blanks, heat discolouration and untidy terminations. In Richmond homes with mixed old and new circuits, clear circuit identification and a safe, enclosed board reduce the risk of unsafe DIY work and confusion during emergencies.
We check whether safety switches appear to be installed and note what they seem to protect based on visible labelling and configuration (visual only). If RCD coverage looks incomplete—common in older properties or partially renovated homes—we highlight it because it directly affects shock protection in wet areas and general power circuits.
We look for exposed, damaged or poorly secured wiring where it’s visible (such as near the switchboard, under accessible subfloor/garage areas where sight lines permit, and around recent renovations). We also note obvious non-professional joins or unsupported cabling that can indicate a need for an electrician to inspect further.
We visually inspect accessible outlets, switches and light fittings for cracking, scorching, loose plates, mismatched fittings, or signs of overheating. In high-use areas like kitchens, living rooms and home offices, these signs can indicate overloading or worn components that should be addressed promptly.
We note the presence of smoke alarms and whether placement appears sensible for the layout (for example, near bedrooms and along likely egress paths), without claiming certification. In Richmond’s multi-level townhouses and apartment layouts, alarm coverage across levels is crucial, so we flag gaps for follow-up.
We record visible issues such as missing switchboard covers, access hazards, non-weatherproof exterior fittings where exposure is likely, and DIY-looking modifications. These items matter because they often trigger additional electrical costs after settlement and can affect insurability and rental readiness.
Discover why thousands of property buyers trust us with their most important investment.
Professional inspections with attention to every detail. Here's a glimpse of our work.
Inspection photo 1
Inspection photo 2
Inspection photo 3
Get Electrical Visual Inspection as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
An electrical visual inspection in Richmond focuses on what can be safely seen and assessed without invasive testing. We check the switchboard condition, visible wiring presentation, obvious defects at power points and switches, and the presence and apparent arrangement of safety switches. We also note smoke alarm presence and obvious placement gaps. If we see red flags, we recommend follow-up by a licensed electrician for testing and compliance.
No—visual inspection isn’t the same as electrical compliance testing. We can identify visible indicators of potential non-compliance or safety concerns (such as missing switchboard covers, aged components, or fittings showing heat damage), but we can’t certify the installation. If you need confirmation of compliance or circuit testing, we’ll recommend engaging a licensed electrician to perform the appropriate tests and provide certification where applicable.
This service is a visual-only assessment. We observe whether safety switches and smoke alarms appear to be present and note their visible condition and positioning. Functional testing can require controlled procedures and, in some cases, specialist equipment or an electrician. If you want operational testing, we can point out what to request from a licensed electrician so the right checks are completed for the specific property.
They can be. Many Richmond terraces have been renovated in stages, and it’s not unusual to see a modern kitchen at the back with older electrical components still in place elsewhere. That mix can lead to switchboards that look dated, have unclear labelling, or appear to lack full safety switch coverage. A visual inspection helps you spot obvious red flags so you can plan for an electrician to investigate and quote accurately.
In Richmond apartments and newer townhouses, we pay close attention to switchboard access, labelling, and the apparent presence of RCD protection. We also look for visible heat stress or damage at outlets in kitchens and laundry areas, and note smoke alarm presence for the layout. Because some services can be shared or managed by owners corporations, we clearly describe what’s visible within the lot versus what may sit in common areas.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchCall ACE Building and Pest Inspections on 0413 163 187 for a practical visual check of switchboards, safety switches and smoke alarms—ideal for Richmond homes with a mix of old wiring and modern upgrades.