The Ultimate Checklist for First-Time Buyers Assessing a Property’s Electrics

Purchasing a house is both exciting and a bit scary, especially for first-time home buyers. The electrical system of the property you’re considering is often a point of concern. Since any faults might prove expensive to repair or, worse still, become a safety hazard, it is essential to get it right from the start. But how can you properly assess a property’s electrics before making an offer? Here is a checklist that will guide you through this crucial process.

1. Get a Professional In

The easiest and safest way to get a good assessment of a property’s electrical systems is to call in a professional. Most sellers will be happy to let a professional in to carry out an inspection, and the experts will know exactly what to do and what to look for. Ideally, find someone local to the property in question, as they are likely to be familiar with the property’s style and the types of electrical configurations it may have. For example, if you’re looking at a property in Clapham, bring in Clapham electricians who are familiar with the kind of architecture and wiring that’s common to Clapham homes.

2. Inspect the Fuse Box

The fuse box is a good place to start when assessing a property’s electrics. A rudimentary wooden fuse box or a consumer unit with rewirable fuses hints at an outdated system. If you can, check that the fuse box has a residual current device (RCD). An RCD protects against electric shocks or fires caused by faulty wiring or appliances. 

3. Checking the Condition of Wiring

Old wiring systems may be unable to handle the electrical load required by modern appliances. They can also cause significant safety issues. Cable colour is a quick (although not entirely reliable) indicator of wiring age. Wiring with black rubber, lead, or fabric is a clear indicator of an outmoded electrical system. Again, for a thorough assessment of the property’s wiring, call in a professional.

4. Verifying the Number of Electrical Outlets

Evaluate the number of electrical outlets in each room. Modern lifestyles demand numerous electrical gadgets, so it’s a good idea to ensure the house can comfortably accommodate all your devices. Having too few outlets may result in the use of multi-plug adaptors, which can lead to overloading and even electrical fires. 

5. Looking for Signs of DIY Electrical Work

While some homeowners may be great at DIY tasks, electrical work is something you must never attempt without the necessary expertise. DIY wiring can lead to numerous issues, such as reversed polarity, overfusing, or under-wiring. If you see signs of amateur electrical work, treat it as a big red flag.

6. Finding Out When the Electrics Were Last Inspected

If it has been more than ten years since the property last had a professional electrical check, then it is a good idea to request a new one. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) will help identify any potential electrical risks.

7. Enquiring about the Property’s Energy Efficiency

As we progressively move towards more sustainable living practices in the UK, energy efficiency is a critical factor. Assess the property’s energy efficiency by considering the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating.

Final Thoughts 

First-time home buyers should never underestimate the importance of checking their prospective home’s electrical system. Because we rely a lot on electricity in our day-to-day lives, it’s vital to have safe and appropriately functioning electrics. Use this checklist as a guide to ensure the property’s electrics are not only fit for purpose but also safe to use. This will help you to avoid safety issues and exorbitant repair costs in the future.