Flipping Great Electrical: How We Support House Flips

Flipping houses has become increasingly popular thanks to reality TV shows. But, flipping houses isn’t always as glamorous or as easy as it appears to be on TV. When you’re flipping a home and trying to save a buck, be prepared to add to your to-do list: the electrical.  

During a home renovation, electrical nearly always needs to be redone in some capacity. This could be because the home is older and the wiring is outdated or unsafe, or because you’re adding an addition to the home. But, electrical is not something you’ll want to scrimp on or watch videos on YouTube to DIY.  

A great flip requires great electrical work! Our electricians explain the importance of hiring a licensed electrician to support your flip. 

 

 

“Don’t mess with electrical.”  

- Practically every renovation show 

 

 

Why Use an Electrician During A Home Flip? 

 

A licensed electrician is required for almost all major electrical issues during a major home flip. Anything other than a simple light fixture installation or minor repairs, you will need a permit as well as a licensed electrician to carry out the electrical work. 

We know you want to save to make the most on your flip, but safety is paramount during home major flips! That’s why it’s important to have up-to-date electrical.  

What Type of Electrical Work Needs A Permit? 

Some examples of things we can do that also require a permit are: 

 

  • Converting a fuse box to a circuit breaker 

  • Running additional wiring 

  • Adding new outlets or electrical fixtures 

  • Installing and/or alter any permanent wiring or electrical device 

 

Ask an Electrician > Why do my circuits keep tripping? 

 

Signs of Major Electrical Problems 

When you are preparing to purchase a home to flip or are getting ready to start renovations make sure you are on the lookout for certain signs of bad electrical wiring. Even if you are not doing a huge flip that requires permitting, it is still a great idea to have the home checked out by Axiom Power.  

When it comes to selling the home, you can let prospective buyers know that the home checks out and is safe in regards to its electrical system. This is a huge plus for you as a seller and it may mean you can sell the home for more money too. 

Here is a list of some common electrical signs that may indicate bad wiring: 

 

  • Dimming and flickering lights 

  • Breakers and fuses that go out regularly 

  • Buzzing outlets/switches 

  • Charred or discolored outlets/switches 

  • Burning smell 

  • Outlets/switches that spark or shock 

 

old cottage with ivy growing in need of electrical repair
 

Flipping an Older Home 

Faulty wiring is the leading cause of fires in residential properties! And the older the home is, the greater the chances are that the wiring might be unsafe or outdated according to current safety codes. 

Some older homes may have been “grandfathered” in for their existing electrical work, but it is not until these repairs happen that the electrical is now required to be up to code.  

Homes that are more than 25 years old, but particularly over 40 years old are more prone to electrical issues, which can lead to issues during a renovation or when it comes to selling. Plus, with older wiring, your insurance will often charge a much higher premium. 

Our licensed and insured electricians at Axiom Power can step in and complete all your major electrical renovation needs.  

 

For the home to pass inspection after a major reno a licensed electrician will be required to perform the work—not a general contractor. 

 

Electrical Problems To Look For In Older Homes 

Chances are the homes that are being flipped are older homes, ones that typically may have more issues with electrical compared to newer homes. But not all older homes have the obvious signs that the electrical wiring is unsafe. 

More often these homes have older electrical issues that are no longer up to code, which over time will lead to serious safety issues. Make sure to look for these common older electrical problems when you are deciding whether to flip the house or not: 

 

  • No GFCI protection in the bathrooms or kitchen 

  • Two-prong ungrounded outlets (code requires 3-prong) 

  • Knob and tube wiring 

  • Fuse boxes rather than circuit breakers 

  • Breaker panels over 30 years old 

  • Missing or damaged wire insulation 

If the home that you are flipping shows the signs of older electrical problems, Axiom Power can get your flip up to code! 

Focus on Your Flip and We’ll Do the Electrical

If you are flipping a house in the Tampa Bay or Orlando area, DON’T mess with electrical! Call Axiom Power! We are experienced with supporting house flips. Our electricians are licensed and insured and will provide top-quality residential (and commercial) electrical services that will make your new flip safe. 

Let Axiom Power support your house flip! Call us at 813-308-9328 to schedule an appointment for flipping great electrical.   

 

Gregory Bennettflipping, house rewire, common household electrical issues, old house flip, old house electrical, electrician, electricity tips, residential electrician, tampa residential electrician, tampa electrician, tampa electricians, house flip electrician