When daydreaming about purchasing a home, electrical repair is probably the last thing on your mind. Don’t sign closing paperwork and move in only to find the house needs rewiring, lighting installations, or other fixes. If these issues arise, they don’t have to be dealbreakers — work them into your offer. Look for the following electrical problems when purchasing real estate.

Check Potential Homes for These Problems Before Moving In

1. Outdated Wiring

Many homes feature obsolete electrical wiring that can pose a fire hazard or won’t pair well with modern appliances because they can’t carry enough electricity. Get an electrical inspection to have a professional look for scorch marks, fraying, tripped circuit breakers, loose connections, and buzzing coming from the outlets. All of these may be signs it’s time to update the wiring. This endeavor can cost thousands of dollars, so factor that into your offer price.

2. No Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters

Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) shut down power if an electrical current returns too much energy to a circuit by triggering the breaker. These devices prevent injuries from electrical outlets and devices by providing a grounding force. Place them in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor locations where water may come into contact with the outlet.

3. Lack of Dedicated Circuits

Appliances that use a lot of electricity — like washers, dryers, and dishwashers — should have dedicated circuits. This way, if you plug something else in, you won’t accidentally trip the circuit and shut off the power. Look at the service panel for labels for these high-energy appliances and assess whether there are dedicated outlets.

4. Too Few Outlets

Many people move into a new home and suddenly realize that there aren’t enough outlets in convenient places. Check each room for sockets where you’d want to plug in a computer, charge your phone, or install a lamp. That way, you won’t need an electrical repair team to install new outlets.

Homeowners interested in electrical repairs should contact H & N Plumbing, Heating & Electrical in Grant County, WI. The talented team has been offering plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services — including appliance installations, maintenance, and repairs — since 1958. Call the Fennimore-area company at (888) 822-3258 for a free estimate, or visit the website for information on their residential and commercial services.