New home buyers are busy looking at kitchen cabinet space and the number of bedrooms, but a safe electrical system should also be on their list of must-haves. Craftsman Electric is a residential electrician in Cincinnati, OH, that offers reliable home electrical repairs and maintenance.

If you’re buying an older home, there’s always the risk of investing in an electrical system that’s not up to par. Here are three things to look for before making the purchase official:

  • Check the Outlets: Every electrical outlet in the home should be installed securely in the wall. When you’re touring the property, it’s a good idea to keep a small electrical device with you to test the wall outlets. If the outlet is loose, doesn’t work, or sends sparks flying when you plug something in, that’s a clear sign something isn’t right. You should also ensure all outlets in the kitchen and bathrooms are GFCI receptacles.
  • Inspect the Electrical Panel: A home’s electrical panel is like the heart that keeps everything operating smoothly. It should be clean, easy to get to, and the breakers should be clearly labeled. You can also check to make sure there is no wire slack. Many older homes don’t have main disconnect switches; while this isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, it’s important to know ahead of time.
  • Know the Type of Wiring: Your home’s age will often determine what kind of electrical wiring it has. Aluminum was used in the 1960s and 1970s, and knob-and-tube wiring is still found in homes built before 1930. Ideally, you want your home to have copper conductors. If you’re not sure how to determine the type of wiring, it’s always best to ask a residential electrician.

Don’t fall in love with a home until you’ve had it inspected by a professional electrical contractor. You rely on electricity every day, and it’s impossible to tell what secrets a property is hiding without insight from a residential electrician. Call Craftsman Electric at (513) 891-4426 to schedule a home electrical inspection. You’ll also learn more about what they do on Facebook.