Electrical Issues

electrical issues

There are four widely known electrical issues that all homeowners should be fully aware of...

POTENTIAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

Overloaded outlets or outlet multipliers: Too many appliances plugged into a single outlet could indicate your house may not have the required number of outlets. The National Electrical Code requires that outlets be spaced every 12 feet of running wall space, or one on each wall of the average 10-foot-by-12-foot room. Kitchens typically require outlets spaced every four feet along the counter top.

Flickering or dimming lights: This could indicate loose connections, overloaded circuits, improper wiring, or arcing and sparking inside the walls.

Hot, discolored receptacles, switch plates, cords or plugs: If you can't keep your hand on these for more than five seconds, you may have an overload or product malfunction.

TV screen or computer monitor shrinks or wavers when a large appliance is turned on: This could mean that you have too many appliances plugged into one circuit or that your house needs additional electrical capacity.

Unusual smells: Burning metal or plastic smells may indicate a loose connection, malfunctioning switch, light fixture, broken connection, and overheating components, arcing or sparking inside the walls, damaged wire, or other potential hazards. Have a licensed Electrician inspect this situation immediately.

If you hear buzzing or cracking, or smell burning plastic around or inside the electrical panel, have a licensed Electrician check the panel immediately.

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Buying a home is arguably the most important, exciting and nerve-wracking purchase a person will ever make. This is the reason you need a great home inspector, and Dave Valley is just that. He is empathetic – he understands and appreciates the various emotions a potential home-buyer goes through. Most importantly, Dave provides you with objective information so you can make the most informed decision possible.

It was a pleasure working with Dave – he contains all the qualities that make a great home inspector – he is the consummate professional, prompt, courteous, meticulous in his detail and honest. Dave was reasonably priced – in fact Dave charged me the same amount I spent 10 years earlier on a smaller house and provided a far better work product.

Prompt

I arrived at the house at the agreed upon time on a cold and nasty day, and found Dave outside inspecting the exterior of the home. He was already a half hour into his inspection – I think this exemplifies and is symbolic of the fact that Dave is respectful of his client’s time.

Courteous

Dave was pleasant to deal with, personable and thoughtful not only to his client but also to the buyer’s real estate agent.

Detail-oriented

Dave spent almost four hours in his investigation of a 2,000 square foot house. He answered all my questions and reviewed every observation he had with me. David provided a detailed report, and encouraged me to call and email him to discuss the report and to ask questions.

Conclusion

The highest compliment I can give Dave is to say that I would use him again and will encourage and recommend him to others.

Michael S. Giaimo