Most Homebuyers Focus on Kitchens and Bathrooms, But Electrical Problems Cost the Most
If you’re buying a home in Wilmington, Reading, Billerica, or any of the surrounding Massachusetts towns, you’ve probably been told to “always get a home inspection.” That’s good advice, but here’s the truth most inspectors won’t tell you clearly enough.
Electrical issues are some of the most expensive, dangerous, and disruptive problems you can inherit in a new home. And many of them hide behind the walls where a general inspector won’t catch them.
As a licensed electrician in Wilmington MA, I’ve walked into newly purchased homes where the buyer had no idea they were taking on thousands of dollars in repairs, unsafe wiring, or code violations. This guide will help you spot the biggest red flags before you sign anything.
Outdated Electrical Panels That Can’t Handle Modern Living
One of the first things to look at during a walkthrough is the main electrical panel. Homes built in the 1950s through the 1990s often still rely on panels that are too small for today’s appliances, HVAC systems, and electronics.
Red flags include
A panel rated at 60 or 100 amps
Burn marks or rust
Double tapped breakers
Fuse boxes
Old brands with known safety issues
If you see any of these, you may be looking at a necessary panel upgrade in Woburn or the surrounding towns. A modern home should have at least 200 amps, especially if you plan to add central AC, a workshop, or an EV charger install in Lexington MA.
Ungrounded or Outdated Wiring Hidden Behind Walls
Even if a home looks beautifully updated on the surface, the wiring behind the walls may be decades old. We see this constantly during home rewiring in North Reading and Wilmington.
Pay attention to
Two prong outlets
Flickering or dimming lights
Warm outlets or switches
Mixed outlet styles throughout the home
Cloth insulated wiring
Aluminum wiring from the 1970s
These signs indicate unsafe or outdated wiring that may not meet modern Massachusetts electrical code. Fixing it can require partial or full rewiring, depending on the age of the home and your future plans.
Lack of GFCI and AFCI Protection
Massachusetts electrical code requires GFCI protection in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, garages, and outdoor areas. But many older homes still lack these lifesaving devices.
You should also check whether the home has AFCI protection, which helps prevent electrical fires caused by arcing. This is increasingly required for most living spaces.
If these protections are missing, the electrical system likely predates modern code and should be evaluated before closing.
Insufficient Power for Modern Appliances and Future Plans
Many buyers forget to think ahead. If you plan to add anything that draws significant power, like
A heat pump
A workshop
An addition
A hot tub
An EV charger
Your system needs to have the capacity for it. A home that barely supports current load will not support future upgrades without significant electrical work.
This is where a pre-purchase inspection from a licensed electrician makes all the difference.
What Buyers Should Do Before Making an Offer
If a home is more than 30 years old, schedule an electrical evaluation from a licensed electrician. A general home inspector simply cannot see what an electrical professional sees.
A proper electrical inspection includes
Panel assessment
Outlet and wiring checks
Load evaluation for future appliances
Grounding and bonding verification
Identification of any outdated or unsafe wiring
This small investment can save you thousands of dollars and give you peace of mind.
The Bottom Line
Buying a home is stressful enough. You should not have to worry about hidden electrical problems waiting to surprise you after closing. A little knowledge goes a long way in protecting your investment.
At Modern Electric, we help homebuyers across Wilmington, Reading, Billerica, and Woburn make informed decisions. Whether you need a pre purchase inspection, a panel upgrade in Woburn, or a clear plan for future renovations, we deliver honest, expert guidance every step of the way.
Call Modern Electric today to schedule a professional electrical evaluation before you buy.
