Problems For Homebuyers to Watch For

“What defects and problems should I watch out for when I buy a home?”

Here’s a list of common things to look for in a home that a home inspector once told me to watch out for:

1. Aluminum Branch Wiring (single strand) - used 1965 to 1978 (esp. In Mobile/Manufactured Homes)

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.

"Making Real Estate Simple!"

Barbara Ann Wibe, e-PRO, REALTOR
Cell: 619.850.4174 e-Fax: 619.512.5156

www.MyRealtorBarbie.com
Barbarainc@gmail.com

Coldwell Banker Nautilus
9535 Mission Gorge Rd #E
Santee, Ca 92071