How Do You Like Your Marshmallows Toasted?
Nashville real estate - As a responsible professional, I really try to convince buyers to get a home inspection from someone who is trained and experienced. Not just a contractor out of work. Here is an example of one of the things home inspectors should report.
There is nothing better than an open fire, friends and a bag of marshmallows. Some folks like to take their time and get them a golden brown, while others like to torch them to a crisp. Kinda fun to blow the fire out and eat the hot gooey mess... So what do rehabbed properties and marshmallows have in common? Read on...
Rehabs generally pose challenging situations for home inspectors as they are a blend of old and new constructions methodologies. I totally understand that neat stuff like granite counter tops, new hardwood floors, fresh paint and the like create an ambiance and eye candy that make the house more appealing to the buyer. This is great, and will certainly entice people to put a contract on a house, but is all this money wisely invested?
Granted, granite countertops are vogue and sexy - whereas a new electric panel is not. Get Real!!! Folks just don't oh and ah and rub their hands over a sleek new electric panel. No, we don't design our decor around the beauty of the grey cover. At best, we find a picture to cover the thing up! Both cost about the same amount of money, but a new counter top will not burn your new home down - a poorly wired and overloaded electric panel will.
Such is the case of this fused panel. Most all the circuits were overloaded. Years ago, when a fuse blew, it was replaced it with the same size fuse. If the fuse kept blowing, it was not uncommon to see folks install a size larger. If that didn't work, the size was increased until the demand on the circuit was satisfied. So what if, the wiring was glowing cherry red and you could toast your marshmallows? The fuse didn't blow!
I pointed out to the rehabber that the panel was badly overloaded and needed to be reviewed by an electrician - possibly replaced. After some discussion, his reply was that replacement would cost him about $800.00 - the same price as the granite counter top! C'est la vie, a bag of marshmallows costs about $2. Come to think of it, it has been awhile since I have toasted some...
Wishing all my fellow drips and tweeps a great day... 8-)
Follow me on Twitter...
By TwitterButtons.comYou can follow me on FaceBook too....© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. - your building consultants for life | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Comments (1)Subscribe to CommentsComment