Buying a Renovated Home

Buying a Renovated Home

A newly renovated home let’s you enjoy a new space without construction chaos! 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. It’s important to be sure the renovation meets the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, to keep you and your family safe.

Before you buy

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. As part of your purchase agreement, have your lawyer contact ESA for a Search of Records*.

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, make a request for Access to Information* now. It reports all electrical work completed with an ESA notification.

*Please note: ESA records date back to 2000. There are fees associated with these requests.

Doing more renovating?

One of the most important parts of a safe renovation is proper electrical work to avoid shock and fire hazards.

In Ontario, if you’re hiring someone to do electrical work in your home, by law, it must be a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Electrical work can be dangerous. If you decide to DIY, there are some essential things you need to know. Follow the law and do it right: Learn more about Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Electrical Work.

Homeowner