Quote:
Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn
The panel is breaker type but older. I think 1940's is post knob and tube but that will get a thorough going over on Sunday.
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I was looking at a house with knob & tube the other day, built in 1952. That's as late as I've seen for the stuff.
I always assume the worst with an older home, expecially if it's been through several hands and had additions/renovations. Never know what you'll find.
3 deal breakers I typically look for:
WIRING
1) Is it grounded? Check all the outlets with an outlet tester. Many ungrounded homes have 3 prong outlets.
If it's not grounded, it's going to be:
- 40's/50's/early 60's ungrounded romex wiring - insurance co's are usually OK with it except in kitchens & baths
- knob & tube: deal breaker for most insurance co's
If it's ungrounded but you can't see whether it's k&t or romex, see if you can get a good look at a switch or outlet. A LOT of the k&t copper wire was nickel plated. It'll look like aluminum (many inspectors mistake it for AL) but if you look closely at nicks, or where it was cut, you'll see the copper. Anyway, if that's what it looks like, there's a pretty strong chance you have k&t... although some early rubber insulated, cloth sheathed romex was plated too.
2) Is it aluminum? Not necessarily a deal breaker, but it does require special attention and most insurance co's are going to want a letter from an electrician stating that it is up to code.
Mold/rot
I use a moisture meter to check under all the windows, corners of the house, and in the corners of the ceiling on the top floor. If there is a finished basement (scary in an old home) I check all around.
In the attic, check for mold/mildew on the inside of the roof sheathing, especially near the eaves. Many old homes were insulated through state/provincial/federal rebate programs, and lots of the "contractors" were the *worst* fly by night schysters around. Their MO (around here anyway) was to jam the attic full, stuffing the soffits tight. I often see mold right around there. Needs to be pulled away and vented.
Asbestos/uffi
I check for asbestos wrap around hot water pipes, and asbestos tape on hot air ductwork. Also, check for asbestos vermiculite insulation in the attic... and don't count yourself as lucky if you see fiberglass or cellulose... check underneath it! Twice this year, I've found 6" of vermiculite underneath fiberglass batts in an attic.
Asbestos siding: doesn't bother me but it's a consideration for resale
The attic is also a good place to check for uffi, might be the only place you'll see it exposed. You might find dust from it if you take an outlet or switch cover off. It can be tough to spot. Uffi isn't really considered a health issue anymore... but if it's a disclosure issue, it's a resale issue