Do you need an Electrician?

As part of a home inspection, I am looking for issues that need attention. Many times I do recommend a specialist such as an electrician, because of safety, installation or operational issues that I report as defects. However, if you find something is not working doing these steps often fixes the problem immediately and saves you $150–$300 just for a “trip charge.”

Vince. www.austinpropertydoctors.com

1. Identify exactly what’s wrong

- One outlet dead? Half the kitchen lights? Whole room dark? Flickering? Breaker tripping?

- Write it down — this info makes the electrician 10x faster when you do call.

2. The 60-second “Is it really broken?” test

1. Go to the breaker panel.

2. Look for any breaker that is “in the middle” or “toward the OFF side” (not fully ON).

3. Flip it HARD to OFF, then HARD back to ON.

4. Test again.

→ 40% of “electrician calls” are fixed right here.

3. Check GFCIs (the outlets with TEST/RESET buttons)

- Modern codes put GFCIs in kitchens, baths, garages, outdoor, basements.

- A tripped GFCI can kill power to 6 other outlets downstream and you’d never know.

- Press the RESET button firmly on EVERY GFCI in the house (yes, even the one in the guest bathroom).

- Fixed 25% of the remaining calls.

4. Check for “switched” outlets

- Some outlets are controlled by a wall switch. Flip every switch in the room (especially the one you never use).

5. Test with something you KNOW works

- Plug a lamp you just used in the living room into the dead outlet.

- Rules out a dead appliance or blown bulb.

6. Look for new-extension-cord or space-heater culprits

- Unplug everything that was added in the last 24 hours (phone chargers, space heaters, Christmas lights, etc.).

- Reset breaker/GFCI again.

7. Check bulbs (yes, really)

- LED bulbs can fail in weird ways — try a known-good incandescent or LED in the fixture.

- In 3-way lamps, make sure you’re not on the “off” click.

8. Use a non-contact voltage tester ($10 at Home Depot)

- If you’re comfortable, buy one and see if the outlet is actually hot.

- If it lights up but nothing works → bad outlet (still need electrician).

- If no voltage → keep looking upstream (GFCI or breaker).

9. Quick outdoor checks (if applicable)

- Exterior GFCI tripped from rain?

- Landscape lighting transformer unplugged or tripped?

What you should NEVER do yourself

- Open the main panel cover and poke around.

- Replace breakers yourself (unless you’re 100% sure you know what you’re doing).

- Touch any wires that are exposed.

- Ignore burning smells, sparks, or buzzing — call immediately, then get everyone out.

On something like a Garbage disposal find the reset button, it may have tripped or the disposal is stuck.  Some disposals have exterior access to turn blades. (do not reach in but you can pour in some vinegar and let sit, retry.)

Refrigerator icing or not cooling.  Mak sure the temperature is set right and vents are no blocked. Are the air leaks around drawer or door?

Pro tip: Take a photo

When you do call, text the electrician:

1. Photo of your breaker panel (door open, labels visible).

2. Photo of the dead outlet/fixture.

3. Short video of the symptom.

→ They’ll quote you over the phone and may even tell you it’s a 2-minute fix.

Real-world stats from electricians

- ~65% of service calls are fixed by resetting a breaker or GFCI.

- ~20% are loose plug/connection an electrician tightens in 10 minutes.

- Only ~15% are actual broken wire or bad breaker.

Do the steps above in order — you’ll either fix it for free or have all the info the electrician needs to make the visit fast and cheap. Got a specific symptom? Tell me what’s happening and I’ll walk you through the exact next step.