If you’re looking for a new home then it’s crucial you do your research, as there are a few mishaps that you could inherit once the contracts have been exchanged.
When looking for a new home, of course you want somewhere with good transport links, maybe a nice pub in the area and some character features, but you also want safety.
While estate agents will tell you about the good aspects of the neighbourhood, there are certain dangers they do not have to disclose.
This is why it’s important to know what to keep an eye out for when it comes to electrical faults.
Charanjit Mannu, Director at Elec Training, says there are three key things to check that could potentially be lethal.
He said the first danger buyers should be aware of is outdated fuse boxes.
“Many homes built before the 1980s have outdated consumer units that don’t offer adequate protection against electrical faults,” said Mannu.
“These older units lack the safety features that have become standard in modern installations.”
The second danger is damaged or deteriorated wiring, which is one of the leading causes of house fires. These damaged wires can be hidden in floors, walls or ceilings so can be very hard to spot.
He said: “Without proper inspection, buyers have no way of knowing if the property they’re purchasing has wiring that’s past its safe lifespan or has been damaged over time.”
The third and final thing that prospective buyers should look out for is DIY wiring.
Mannu said: “Improperly installed electrical outlets, light fixtures, or extensions to the electrical system can pose serious risks.
“Unlike rental properties where landlords must ensure installations meet safety standards, there’s no such protection for home buyers.”
If you are looking to buy a home that is more than 40 years old, it’s a very good idea to get an electrical inspection done before purchase.
He said: “Unlike gas safety, there’s no legal requirement for home sellers to provide an Electrical Installation Condition Report.
“This means three potentially deadly electrical dangers can remain hidden during the buying process.”