Sylvie,

I guess this is another example of why a home should have an inspection. The many saleperson(s) who just want the money and run. Heard many stories similar to yours.

Keep up the good work and 'good for you' if you recommend a home inspections.

Thanks, Michael,

I have paid for home inspections many times out of my pocket, when the client thought it was too much to pay and wanted to 'take a chance... how bad can it be?'

I just would not be able to sleep at night; and as was proven one more time, you can't assume you're being told the truth, unfortunately, even if it is by a fellow realtor, who should be disclosing the home has faulty, wiring, and in this case, the house was not grounded, and it had a tenant in it.  You just can put people's lives at risk like that.  I am still furious, but trying to calm down. :)  (I'm not very popular in the listing agent's office at the moment, but c'est la vie.)

Home inspections should be mandatory.

Sylvie

Sylvie  - Some times in the past Electricians would update all the wiring in a house except the lights especially where push button switches were found and the owners were trying to retain the old look as much as possible. It is something to watch out for for

Thanks, Kathy,

I actually ran into those switches you're talking about, yesterday... looks like I'm finding all the knob and tube houses ... with some luck, I can get the seller to pitch in to help replace the wiring, if the buyer wants to go forward.  It is a huge expense, but worse than that, it is a great mess afterwards, trying to patch up all the holes (just got a quote of $25,000 to replace all the wiring and fixing the plaster afterwards). OUCH!!

Thanks again,
Sylvie

Advertising 200 amp service just refers to the main electrical service panel.  That said, the Electrical Safety Authority permits existing knob and tube as long as it's in good condition, no additional outlets have been added to an an existing circuit, and the fuse/circuit breaker does not exceed 15 amps.  You can also request a general inspection by the ESA (for a single family dwelling, this starts at $115/hr).

This lack of disclosure is one of the reasons some advocate for the SPIS.  Since home inspections are non-invasive, it can be difficult for an inspector to locate concealed knob and tube in a home that has undergone remodelling/renovation and electrical upgrades.

Thanks for the info, Anthon,

Unfortunately, the 200 amp service was not the only thing that was advertised.  The new service had been connected to old knob and tube wires; there was a tenant living there, using a new electric stove, and NONE of the plugs were grounded. In fact, nothing had a ground wire in the house; it was a fire waiting to happen; and this was not news to the agent.   As soon as we discovered this, and we informed the agent that this was dangerous; to the tenant and the house; we were laughed at.  It's that attitude, more than anything else, that upsets me.  If you know, it's your duty to disclose. If you don't know, and you are told, you should ACT concerned, to say the least, and inform the seller that this is dangerous.  I know that some renovations hide things really well, and fortunately, this one didn't, and we were able to find it; but I guess it still takes an ethical real estate agent to do the right thing.  (I was basically asked not to panic the buyer, that it wasn't as bad as I thought! Right!)
Sylvie

Sylvie...

I have no idea what tube and knob/200 amp service is. I wish I could add more to the discussion but Geesh...I'm out of my league here :)

We all know the Salesperson should have disclosed it.

TLW...ROAR!

TLW; I'm glad you don't know what it is.  At least you are not getting yourself into trouble. :)

It was an early method of electrical wiring, used from about 1880 to the 1930's. It consisted of singled insulated copper conductors that were run within the wall or ceiling cavities, or through joists, through porcelain insulated tubes.  The problem with this wiring is that it never included a grounding conductor.  WIth today's modern appliances, it can become dangerous (too hot, and it can cause shorts in the walls - or small fires) (I know all about this, unfortunately).

Insurance companies don't like insuring homes with such old wiring, and often will insure and give the client 45 days to get it updated or removed/replaced.  It's a huge expense (just got a quote for a client for over $20,000, to have it removed). 

Thanks for stopping by.  I enjoy reading you. :)

Hi Sylvie,

In my market we have many homes with old fuse boxes.  Insurance companies won't give a homeowners policy on them anymore.  Most sellers replace the boxes and wiring at their cost.  In today's buyers market they don't have much choice -- if they want to sell their home.   

I  think I ran  into the knob and tube just once .... only a few old farmhouses were built before about 1920 here.

I thought I'd pop by and get to know you ... Thanks for stopping by my blog yesterday.

Hi April, thank you for stopping by. :)
Here, at the moment, we have more buyers buying with knob and tube, than we have sellers willing to fix it first and sell after.  It is expensive and it is a pain, but sometimes, if you want to get into a certain neighbourhood, as the buyer, you have to go for it.  We do have insurance companies that will insure, but they expect the problem to be fixed within 45 days (not necessarily the wiring replaced, but updated so that it is safe).  (One of these days, I'll have to remove/update the rest of the knob and tube at my house too ... I don't know what's worse; the expense for the electrician or the holes in the walls everywhere, that must be fixed after as well) (not to mention the expense that goes with that as well...)

Of course my biggest problem is finding a trustworthy contractor who will start and finish the work and actually do it properly, at a decent rate.  But I'll find one soon ... hopefully. :)