Some points to consider :
Electrical wiring is an oft-neglected part of the property selection process, but the implications may surprise you. You may find that your top choice winds up being a risky, or outright dangerous, investment.
With today’s property market, buyers typically find themselves priced out of prime locations off the bat. There are still some great finds out there for properties off the beaten path, but those do also come with their own share of concerns.
Okay, so what’s the catch here? You’re paying considerably less than you would for property, and a slightly longer commute doesn’t really sound like the end of the world. But what the paper specs don’t show you is just how much work is needed to get a lot of these properties up to snuff.
Wiring for an electric future
Things like structural repairs, insulation, and building code compliance add up quick, but the up-front financial cost is just the tip of the iceberg. Faulty wiring places both property owners and the general public at risk of electrical fire among other things, but this is something you could easily avoid if you know what to look for.
Electrical wiring standards have been around since the late 1800s, but have incremental changes have been made to improve safety since then. Older buildings tend to have either bare or cloth-covered conductors, which don’t exactly help with shielding or fire hazards. Mid-century cabling might be made of relatively safer materials like rubber, but lacks the ground wires present in modern structures.
Since building materials and insulation for earlier buildings tend to be on the toxic or flammable side, it’d also be in your interest to ensure that wiring is up to modern spec. By factoring the cost of upgrades and restoration, you find the difference between repurposed retro charm and a potential investment in firewood.
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Gen Y Electrical is based in Perth and has over 20 years of experience in the electrical industry. Our goal is to make your life easier by providing professional, licensed electrical services, backed by a customer satisfaction guarantee. Got questions or concerns regarding your property’s electrical outfit? We’re just an email or phone call away.
