Testing the electrics on a new home is essential
Buying a new home is an exciting time, full of new challenges and unexpected surprises. Once you’ve got the viewings out of the way and selected a property, you’ll need to organise your survey and mortgage offer. During this stage, it’s your job to make sure that the house you have chosen is safe and suitable for occupation.
For most buyers, the survey is the most critical point in the pre-purchase stage. For the first time, you’ll understand what jobs need doing around the home, and you’ll get an independent verdict on its value. In terms of electrics, what should your surveyor be looking for?
Electrical Testing and Surveys
In most cases, surveyors are not electricians. They are there to look at every aspect of the property to see if the price you’ve offered is appropriate. If they spot something unusual with the electrics in the property, they will ask you to organise a separate electrical inspection.
It’s another cost to bear, but there are three key reasons why it’s worthwhile:
- You have a detailed report of exactly what needs doing. The surveyor isn’t qualified to carry out full electrical tests, and may not spot the severity of a problem during a general survey appointment.
- An electrician can tell you if the house is safe. The day you move in, you probably won’t think about the state of the wiring, yet a property that has not been maintained could pose a serious risk to life.
- You get a clear picture of the cost involved in putting problems right. This could put you in a better negotiating position for the purchase, so you could negotiate the price of the house down or ask the seller to contribute towards the work
What’s Involved?
During an electrical test, our NICEIC registered electrician will thoroughly inspect every part of the electrical wiring at the property. Typically, we will look at sockets and switches, electrical cables and the consumer unit. We will also look at the electrics in any outbuildings, including detached garages.
Inspections typically result in a report that will tell you about electrical problems. In older properties, we sometimes find connections that are not terminated, or sockets that are showing signs of wear and tear. Old fuses, burn marks and braided cables are clear signs of a problem, but an experienced electrician will also spot problems with bonding and the age of the equipment.
At the end of an inspection, we will give you a report that includes full details of faults and an estimated cost for resolution. You aren’t committed to anything else at this stage.
Arranging Your Inspection
Whether your surveyor’s spotted an electrical problem, or you’re simply looking to protect your investment, MD Bespoke Solution would be pleased to provide a fixed fee for your electrical survey. We can then look at carrying out the works for you, once your purchase is completed.
For friendly advice, and a prompt appointment, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
