2 minute read
Don’t Be Shocked When Buying a Home
by Expert Contributor Andrew Martella, Owner of Martella Electric
Buying a home can be an exciting time in your life. When looking for your family’s next home, it can be easy just to select based on the feel of the house or its amenities. Although that’s important, to avoid further unknown costs, it’s just as important to have the house inspected for the major systems before you dive in.
The different major systems in the house can be large expenses to fix. Here are some things to look for on the electrical side to ensure a smooth transition into your new home.
While you walk through the house, notice the location and condition of the electrical outlets (also known as receptacles). Notice whether there's any physical cracks or rust, and whether they have a two-prong or three-prong slot. Many homes built before the 1960s still have two-prong outlets, which are not grounded and may not handle power surges safely. If an outlet looks old, it could be a sign of outdated wiring or a lack of grounding.
Grounding in electrical systems allows for a “backup,” or safety plan, for an electrical current to go into the ground in case of a circuit malfunction. It is a safety hazard if the electrical system is functioning without grounding. A professional electrician will be able to test a systems grounding and health on inspection.
It’s also important to have a professional check into your systems in the kitchen or in other areas such as the bathrooms and basement. Kitchens require specific outlets that have GFCI installed. No GFCI outlets in rooms with sinks or water pipes, is something you definitely should get checked out.
You will also want to take a good look at the circuit breaker panel. Most houses today have an electrical service of 100 - 200 Amps. If the house you're considering buying was built in the 1960s or before and hasn’t had much updating, it’s a good idea to have someone look into the electrical system to see if it needs to be updated.
Although it can be daunting, it’s important to know the value of your next home. If there are electrical problems in the property, it is going to cost you a large expense in the future. Knowing the condition of the house you’re thinking of buying can be a great negotiating tool and will save you money in the long run. You can still get the house of your dreams without any nightmares to surprise you later.
Andrew Martella, Owner of Martella Electric
Martella Electric Company is a team of courteous, professional, and highly trained electricians. Our priority is to deliver superior customer service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
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