What To Look For When Buying A New Home

Buying a new home is an exciting milestone. Whether it’s your first property or your next dream home, it’s a commitment to your family’s future, comfort, and safety. But amid the whirlwind of mortgage approvals, home tours, and negotiations, it’s crucial to remember one fundamental question: What To Look For When Buying A New Home to guarantee it’s safe for your loved ones?

While location, layout, and aesthetics are often top of mind, the electrical system is the unsung hero keeping your home running safely. At Expert Electric, we believe a thorough home electrical inspection should be on every buyer’s checklist to avoid hidden hazards and unexpected repair costs down the line.

Why a Home Electrical Inspection is Non-Negotiable

When considering What To Look For When Buying A New Home, it’s essential to combine your electrical inspection checklist with broader home buying tips such as those shared by the Government of Canada on Buying and Maintaining Your Home to ensure your investment remains safe and financially sound long-term.. An outdated or poorly maintained electrical system can lead to:

• Electrical fires

• Appliance damage

• Power outages

• Increased insurance premiums

• Safety code violations

By partnering with licensed electricians like those at Expert Electric, you gain peace of mind knowing your home is not just beautiful, but safe.

Key Electrical Areas to Inspect When Buying a New Home

1. The Service Panel

The service panel is your home’s electrical command centre. An inspection will reveal:

• Loose wires or connections that can cause flickering lights or sparking.

• Overcrowded circuits, indicating unsafe modifications or future overload risk.

• Outdated panels that cannot handle modern electrical loads, increasing fire hazards.

An Expert Electrician will ensure all connections are tight, circuits are not overloaded, and the panel is up to code.

2. Existing Wiring

Another crucial factor in What To Look For When Buying A New Home is the type and condition of the wiring:

• Aluminum wiring, common in homes built between the 1960s-70s, can loosen over time, posing a fire risk.

• Knob-and-tube wiring, often found in homes built before the 1950s, deteriorates with age and lacks grounding, making it unsafe by modern standards.

• DIY wiring modifications that aren’t code-compliant, leading to hidden hazards.

An expert electrician can assess whether your home’s wiring needs partial or full upgrades for safety and compliance.

3. Outlet Testing

Testing every outlet ensures:

• They are properly grounded to prevent electrical shocks.

• There are no burn marks or looseness, which indicate dangerous overheating.

• GFCI outlets are installed in required locations such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas.

Using outlet testers, our team will check functionality and recommend repairs or replacements to keep your family safe.

4. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

GFCIs are lifesavers in moisture-prone areas. They cut off power when they detect faults, preventing shocks. When considering What To Look For When Buying A New Home, check that GFCIs are:

• Installed in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, garages, and outdoor outlets.

• Functioning properly, with no wiring issues or installation errors.

5. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

These detectors are vital for early warnings in emergencies. An electrical inspection will confirm:

• Correct placement throughout the home.

• Functionality of alarms and backup batteries.

• Compliance with local safety codes.

6. Lighting and Fixtures

Inspect indoor and outdoor lighting to ensure:

• Fixtures are securely installed and wired safely.

• Outdoor lights have weatherproof fittings.

• No visible flickering, sparking, or buzzing from fixtures.

Benefits of a Professional Electrical Inspection Before Buying

When assessing What To Look For When Buying A New Home, an inspection offers:

✔ Safety Assurance – Identify potential hazards before moving in.
✔ Cost Savings – Avoid unexpected electrical repairs.
✔ Code Compliance – Ensures your home meets legal standards, preventing insurance issues.
✔ Peace of Mind – Sleep easy knowing your family is safe.