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Health & Fitness

Buying a home in Lexington MA? Consider your current and future Electrical needs

In this present gadgets-laden world, having a good electrical system in your home has not only become a convenience but more like a necessity. If you’re one that loves technology or the convenience it bring into your home, then looking at Homes for sale in Lexington MA or any other township should include a review of the home’s electrical service and systems.  In this installment of the Home Buyer Education 101 series we will look at the homes electrical needs and future wants.  Because beyond the scope of convenience, having sound electrical systems means safety and security for you and your family.

How Much Power Do You Need?

One thing to consider when checking the home’s electrical system is its capacity to supply the amount of electrical power you need. You can do this by checking the electrical service panel to see if the home is already setup for a 100 to 200 amps configuration, otherwise you may need to upgrade the service.  Inside the home’s electrical panel you should see two rows of breaker (switches), the top switch or main breaker will tell you how many amps your panel supports.  Older homes may still be configured to the previous standard of 60 amps, which may not be enough if you’re planning to bring in several electrical appliances like computers, HDTVs, home theatre systems, air conditioners, refrigerators and other similar devices.

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Do you Need to Rewire?

As mentioned earlier, older homes for sale in Lexington MA may not only have an electrical service that is incompatible with electrical needs found in modern homes, but also lack the wiring needed to support the home as well.   Some older homes for sale in Lexington MA still have what is known as “knob & tube” wiring.  In this case it would be best to start thinking about the costs you will incur if you decide to upgrade appliances or renovate the home after you’ve bought the house. Upgrading the home’s service might run you a few thousand dollars but replacing the knob and tube wiring through out you’re home could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

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Electrical Points to Ponder

Before purchasing any of the homes for sale in Lexington MA, it should be imperative to have the home’s electrical system integrity and functionality inspected by a Massachusetts licensed electrician or home inspector. First and foremost is the system’s adherence to the guidelines and requirements of the Massachusetts and the National Electric Codes. This includes items like proper grounding, electrical load capacity and proper wiring installations.

Other components that should be checked include outlets, switches, receptacles and sockets inside various sections of the house including the living room, kitchens, bathrooms, garages, basements, bedrooms and any other sections of the house indoors or outdoors that will need the use of electricity. Check for obvious physical defects in these components such as cracks, broken or removed covers, and loose tension when an appliance is plugged in.

We all know that water and electricity don’t mix so it should be a consideration to take when checking outlets that are located near areas where the potential use or presence of water is a necessity, such as in kitchens, bathrooms and gardens. Such areas would require special outlets as well as water proof covers when they are not in use. Each of these outlets should ideally be tested for functionality so you won’t find any surprises once you’ve closed on that homes for sale in Lexington MA.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Roger Martin is a licensed Massachusetts Real Estate salesperson and General Contractor with over 20 years experience in residential and commercial real estate.  Serving the Ashland, Boston, Brookline, Chestnut Hill, Framingham, Lexington, Natick, Needham, Newton, Sherborn, Sudbury, Wayland, Wellesley and Weston areas.  

If you have questions, comments or suggestion for future articles please feel free to contact me by phone 1.617.365.4311 ; email roger@realestateinmassachusetts.org or visit my blog site www.realestateinmassachusetts.org

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