These “Red Flags” are immediately visible to your Realtor®.
GFCI Protection
Prior to 1975, GFCI receptacles were only required around pools. Starting in 1975 they were required to be installed to protect receptacles in bathrooms and exterior receptacles. It wasn’t until 1987 that the electrical code for where GFCI’s were to be installed expanded to include receptacles in garages and any receptacle within 6 feet of a sink (kitchens, bars, utility). For a detailed list of requirements, please visit HERE.
Electric Panels
Note that it is not the seller’s responsibility to upgrade the electrical system in any way. Your home inspector may (and should) recommend upgrades for your safety. Electric Panels
The minimum capacity for an electric panel installed in the 1970’s is 100 AMP’s which is adequate for most homes. It will accommodate multiple computers, TV’s, ceiling fans, air conditioning, and many other modern items. In some cases you may be limited if you want to add a hot tub, additional receptacles in the garage (for shop equipment), or a pool.
Some houses built in the 1970’s have electrical panels that are no longer considered safe. The four brands of panels that should be replaced were manufactured by Federal Pacific Electric identified by distinctive orange-tipped breakers, and Zinsco panels which are typically horizontal, and have multi-colored breakers. Also uninsurable are Sylvania and ITE/Bulldog Pushmatic.
These brands of panels have a poor reputation and have been suspected of causing house fires by over-heating, or breakers that fail to trip when over-loaded. If you have either of these panels your inspector will likely recommend further evaluation by a licensed electrician to provide you either with piece of mind or an estimate for replacement.
Dedicated Circuits
Many of the 100 AMP panels also have limited space for breakers. As building codes evolved, more dedicated circuits were required. A new house will have many more dedicated circuits; such as one for the microwave, one for the refrigerator, one for the dishwasher, etc. In the 1970’s many kitchen appliances were still sharing one circuit – often with the countertop circuit.
Check the ceilings through out the home for patches, paint overs and cover ups.
Other visible problems
Wood rot at the base and corner of exterior doors.
Signs of bug, rodent and or termite infestation.
Mold smell and staining along baseboards.
Old windows.
Age of roof.
Age of Air Conditioning.
Landscaping and draining issues.
Proximity of a fire hydrant.
Fencing encroachment.
Too much scent, masking odors.
Poor tiling…DIY job.
Sticking doors or windows, visible cracks…foundation issues.
Deferred property maintenance..burned out light bulbs, long grass, leaky faucets, faded paint.
Nearby water which may mean flooding.
Damaged flooring.
Condensation on windows. Improper ventilation.
Lack of Seller Disclosures, which makes all the above red flags VERY important.