The real estate market in Waldorf, MD is so hot that you might feel tempted to put in an offer and skip the inspection process. An inspection allows you to find out about potential problems you might miss and ensure that you know how much it will cost to fix those issues. Circuit Doctor can inspect one or more properties for you before you buy. Check out some of the top things to look for in a home’s electrical system.
Circuits vs. Fuses
One thing you might not consider when buying a home is whether it uses fuses or circuits. Fuse boxes were common in homes around Maryland for many years. When a fuse burns out, you need to safely remove it and install a new one. Most systems that use fuse boxes aren’t as strong as those that use circuit breakers. Circuit breakers have built-in features that turn the whole system or a series of fuses off to protect your home. They can usually accommodate a larger electrical load, too.
Outlets
You need outlets in your home to power all of your devices and appliances. Not all homes have as many outlets as others do. Many people need at least four outlets in their bedrooms and a similar number of outlets in their kitchens. If you don’t have enough outlets, you need to rely on power strips and extension cords. Find out if the house has grounded outlets, too. Grounded outlets allow you to plug in three-prong items without using an adapter. You may also want to check for GFCI outlets and specialty outlets for your washer and dryer or other appliances.
Previous Permits
While you might spend hours checking out every outlet and looking over the breaker box, you should keep your eyes peeled for previous repairs. Always take the time to ask the owners about who did the work and the permits they pulled. If they did not obtain permits before doing that work, you might face some costly fines from Waldorf code enforcement later. Homeowners who did electrical work on their own and didn’t get the right permits likely made repairs that do not follow local codes. You will need to spend quite a bit on electrical services to bring the system up to date.
Pay for an Inspection
The best way to make sure you get a new home with a good electrical system is with a professional inspection. This process can take a few hours or less and tell you everything you need to know about the home’s electrical system. Call Circuit Doctor today to schedule inspections of the electrical systems in every Waldorf, MD home that appeals to you.
