When it comes to buying your new home, or even your first home, electrical testing is probably way down on your list of priorities. However, many insurance or mortgage companies will need you to complete a homebuyer report, at least. This is essential as you need to know the quality of the structure and electrics that are contained within the new property. This includes lighting. Here at K and M Maintenance, we are Preston’s leading electrical experts. As a result, we have produced this guide to electrical testing for homebuyers.
Why have your electricals tested?
Before you sign on the dotted line, and before your home purchase is finalised, make sure you have the electricals tested. This is because a home that needs rewiring, or electrical work completed, can cost you thousands of pounds to put right. If this electrical work is shown on your homebuyers report, or your survey, you can save this cost by negotiating with the seller over the cost of the house. This means that although you are taking on a home that needs electrical work, you are aware of this and have saved the cost.
In addition to the added cost, not knowing about the state of your home electricals can be a huge health and safety risk. After all, anything you plug in or switch on could lead to an electrical fire from bad or faulty wiring. Surely this would be better to know about before you buy the house?
What is an electrical home buyer report?
Electrics can be such a problematic area that some people focus on surveying the electrics before anything else. This survey that only focuses on electrics is called the electrical homebuyer report. This will involve a professional and qualified electrician testing light fittings, sockets, cabling, and the fuse box, to name just a few areas.
The final report will include details regarding:
- The Technical NAPIT (Periodic Inspection Report on an Existing Electrical Installation)
- Photographic evidence and notes to explain the findings and areas of concern
- Recommendations for the buyers next steps
- Estimated costs for any work that needs to be carried out.