“What defects and problems should I watch out for when I buy a home?”
Answer:
Here’s a list of common things to look for in a home that a home inspector once told me:
Watch out for:
1. Aluminum Branch Wiring (single strand) - used 1965 to 1978
2. Polybutylene Water Lines - 1982 to 1995
3. Consolidated Furnaces (horizontal furnaces mostly in attics; they go by a variety of names in addition to Consolidated) - 1983 to 1994
Ideally the home has: 1. Three-wire electrical outlets - Required Throughout - Required 1964+
2. Garage door openers - Mandatory Pressure Reverse - 1982+
3. Garage door openers- Light Beam Reverse - 1993+
4. Anchor bolts - 1933+ (state law); early 1950’s+ (Uniform Building Code)
5. Chimney liners - approx. 1936. Not required if chimney walls 8″ thick.
6. Anti-tip brackets for freestanding ranges - June 1991+
7. Smoke alarms in bedrooms - 1991+ Uniform Building Code*
Be aware that the seller is NOT required to replace or install any of these items. Many are still very common, such as having 2-prong instead of 3-prong outlets in homes built before 1964.
Daily San Diego Real Estate Market Watch
