“What defects and problems should I watch out for when I buy a home?”
Answer:
Here’s a list of common things to look for in a home that a home inspector once told me:
Watch out for:
1. Aluminum Branch Wiring (single strand) – used 1965 to 1978
2. Polybutylene Water Lines – 1982 to 1995
3. Consolidated Furnaces (horizontal furnaces mostly in attics; they go by a variety of names in addition to Consolidated) – 1983 to 1994
Ideally the home has: 1. Three-wire electrical outlets – Required Throughout – Required 1964+
2. Garage door openers – Mandatory Pressure Reverse – 1982+
3. Garage door openers- Light Beam Reverse – 1993+
4. Anchor bolts – 1933+ (state law); early 1950’s+ (Uniform Building Code)
5. Chimney liners – approx. 1936. Not required if chimney walls 8″ thick.
6. Anti-tip brackets for freestanding ranges – June 1991+
7. Smoke alarms in bedrooms – 1991+ Uniform Building Code*
Be aware that the seller is NOT required to replace or install any of these items. Many are still very common, such as having 2-prong instead of 3-prong outlets in homes built before 1964.
