Buying a Renovated Home

Buying a Renovated Home

A newly renovated home appeals to many people. You can enjoy a new space without construction chaos! But it’s important to be sure the renovation meets the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, to keep you and your family safe. Buying a home is likely the largest investment you will ever make. You don’t want any surprises – especially when it comes to the home’s electrical systems.

Before you buy, you should find out if there are any open electrical notifications on the property. These are outstanding notifications to correct any defects. By law, the buyer assumes responsibility for doing this. Have your lawyer make an Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) Search of Records a part of your purchase agreement. (Note there are fees associated with this search.)

Ask your Licensed Electrical Contractor to do an assessment of your home’s electrical system. This is different than a home inspection because it just focuses on the electrical.

After the sale

What’s behind your walls is just as important as what you put on them. Since the renovations were done before you moved in, you need to know what electrical work has already been done, and if the ESA inspected the work. If you didn’t ask for a Search of Records before the sale, get a Request for Information. This reports all the electrical work completed under an ESA notification since 2000. More on the fees associated with a Request for Information.

Doing more renovating?

Want to make more changes to your new home? One of the most important parts of a safe renovation is proper electrical work to avoid shock and fire hazards. If you hire someone to do electrical work in your home, by law, it must be a Licensed Electrical Contractor. And most electrical work requires a notification with ESA.

If you do any electrical work yourself, follow the law and do it right. Otherwise, your renovation dream could turn into a nightmare.

*Please note: ESA records date back to 2000.

Homeowner