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The Listing Said, "Everything Updated." In 1980. Except The Electric.

By
Home Inspector with Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC 3380-000723

The building was constructed in 1956 and the listing said, "Everything Updated" - in 1980.  Except the electric.

And it was an old fuse box as well!

The AC unit was newer than that though - it was dated 1993.

When they replaced the AC it might have been because there had been a problem with the previous unit.

Or maybe the previous fuse for the unit.

A very serious scorch had happened somewhere a long the way!

That might be the reason for the newer AC fuse in the fuse box.

So, it was true - everything was updated, even the electric!

However, was the box compromised?  Did that scorch do damage to other components inside the box?

Evaluation is certainly needed, if not a complete upgrade to the system!

My evaluation:  this building was converted to condos in 1980.  When that happened of course some things were updated to the code then to comply with condo regulations.  But the electrical system did not need to be updated apparently.  Newer systems often are not compatible with older electrical wiring and fuses.  An upgrade in this regard is highly recommended, and was on this inspection.  But when you see a scorch it is NEVER a good sign.  Attention needed!  But when a listing says that everything is updated, a 1980 or 1993 time frame is not exactly what people understand...

 

 

Posted by

Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC  

Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia.

Office (703) 330-6388   Cell (703) 585-7560

www.jaymarinspect.com


Comments (11)

Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

Good morning Jay,

Thankfully we do not see many fuses anymore!

And have to check some of the early upgradesfrom fuses to circuit breakers.

Make yourself an astonishing day.

Sep 23, 2016 09:41 PM
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Very sad when real estate agents give in to demands from sellers to mislead potential buyers. Fortunately, you are there to help avoid major issues. The listing agent had to know better!

Sep 23, 2016 10:55 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Jay. Some more updating necessary! Enjoy your day!

Sep 23, 2016 11:23 PM
David Spencer
Keller Williams Northland - Kansas City, MO
Show Me real estate in Kansas City

The scorch may have been caused by thge penny that was stuck in to complete the circuit:)

Sep 23, 2016 11:41 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

I don' either, Raymond, and when I do it is time to recommend an upgrade.

S&N - once I did an inspection on a townhouse for which the listing information said, "Water view."  That was the reason my clients went to the house in the first place.  It turned out that the street storm sewers dumped water into a pit behind their house, which filled from time to time, but was dry when we saw it.  I thought it pathetic that an agent would put that in the listing info, but it got the house seen and sold.

For sure Wayne!  And with a new kitchen and AC unit to boot!

I have heard about that, David, and remember a video in my shop class in junior high school telling us not to do it, and why.  But I confess to never taking fuses out to check behind them!

Sep 24, 2016 10:08 PM
Robert Bob Gilbert
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties - Katy, TX
Your Katy TX ( West of Houston) Real Estate Expert

Jay, Everything updated noted by listing agent is so misleding. Electrical equipment problems of any nature should not be messed with and fixed immediately. 

Sep 25, 2016 05:14 AM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

That's the conclusion my client came to at the inspection, Bob.  There is no real reason to do that.

Do unto others...

Sep 25, 2016 05:23 AM
Stephen Weakley
Nationwide Mortgage Services - Rockville, MD

Never a good sign when they let the magic smoke out.

Sep 28, 2016 03:08 AM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

I don't know what they were smoking either, Stephen, but they tried to sell it that way!

Says he, with a grin...

Sep 28, 2016 05:36 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Another very good reason for home buyers to always opt for a professional home inspection.

Sep 28, 2016 09:06 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

There are a million good reasons, Roy.

Sep 29, 2016 03:43 AM