We make a lot of money, documenting the deficiencies in their work.
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This is probably the scariest part of the job. I test the cover, as mentioned. But I also have a rule that I usually won’t remove the cover if I’m entirely alone on the job, which is rare. I like having someone there to call 911. I also use magnet handles to remove the cover to reduce risk. I never grab the panel itself.
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I always remove the cover. But I am a retired electrician of 38 years.
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While you’re in there you should be looking for overloads too! : 
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If we remove the cover, then the argument of not having to move furniture or pulling up the rug
is not logical.
WHA? HUH?
4 Point insps require panel pics /cover off
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No different than having to remove a furnace cover, some of those have screws also. I also may move some furniture/boxes if I think they be hiding something.
Dominick, are you still inspecting? your web site is open to purchase
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Maybe you don’t open doors or windows either then? What a silly argument.
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Chuck, maybe he does virtual inspections?? 
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Read the InterNachi SOP.
There are many areas where we go beyond the SoP to do a best inspection. There is simply no way to do an adequate inspection of the service equipment without removing the deadfront cover. How the heck can you know what some moron did in there if you don’t look? And it is the rare week indeed, when I don’t see mischief inside a panel.
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I always do unless there is an obvious danger. I had to skip removing the panel because I was ankle deep in a flooded basement. Customer did not really care though he got scared off by flooded basement and really did not want to go any further. I just had one the last month that had no paste on incoming aluminum wires from the overhead mast to the main breaker that had melted insulation. I let sellers know they were unaware of any issues. Probably just saved someone life! That is why I love this job! You well get more confidence with time, but do not get over confident always respect the danger involved. Like mentioned before a voltage sniffer should definitely be in your tool bag helpful
in many situations.
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Quite familiar with them thank you.
If you do minimal inspections I now realize why you have no business.
good luck… … …
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Got it, lol.
Thank you Kristi 
Thanks so much to everyone who replied to my post, wow … what a response! It has been a great learning lesson for me. Hopefully I can help out a newbie like myself at some future point. Thank you again everyone!!! 
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Hi Mark,
I did not say, that I did not open the cover panel. It was just a question that I had. The business I do or not do is none of your
BUSINESS. I am sorry to think that I could open up a discussion on a topic you are the EXPERT on. I won’t bother with your
Forum again.
Dominick A. Cicale
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No problem buddy.
Please show up in another four years without getting any more state licenses revoked for life
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I missed your question. What question did you ask?
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We all remove the dead fronts at the elec. panels unless it is not safe, Martin.
You’ll get there. Just be sure to take the InterNACIHI electrical course as a refresher or newly.
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