1. Looking at the panel is always a good start. If it looks messy it doesn’t mean it isn’t functioning the way it should be but it does give you a sense of what has taken place in the house. If a lot of has been added or changed over the years the panel will reflect this.
2. Hard wired smoke detectors are always a good sign that the wiring is up to code. Older homes that are being re-wired are required to have hard wired smoke detectors during this process, and newer homes will at least have a hard wired smoke detector on each floor. Current code is to have a smoke detector in each bedroom and 1 smoke/co detector per floor; despite the fact that people often think code requirements take things too far, it’s hard to argue that smoke detectors may save your life and the more you have the more likely it is to pick up danger in a timely manner.
3. Aluminum and knob and tube are two forms of wiring that are very prevalent in homes in Manitoba. They are frowned upon by insurance and often can be a daunting, scary thing to find in a home. It also makes it more difficult to sell a home with these types of wiring. Don’t get scared, but rather find out what it may take to remedy the issue. Either talking to an electrician and/or your insurance agent to find out both what is required and what is safe. Check out our previous blog posts on what to look for and what knob and tube rewiring entails.
4. Permit searches are important. The City of Winnipeg is really cracking down on open permits or work done without permits. Anyone can look up any address within the city limits. This allows you to see if there are any open permits on the premises or the work that has been done and completed with permits. You still will need to use your discretion on any work that may look new that may have been done without permits. Finding a home with work done without a permit or trying to close out an open permit can lead to a lot of headaches, a lengthy process and could be associated with fees. It’s always good to know what you’re getting into.