Buying and Selling the "Fixer Upper"

Buying and Selling the "Fixer Upper"

Buying a home is likely the largest investment you will ever make. If you have your sights set on a fixer upper, you don’t want any surprises when it comes to the home’s electrical systems.

Before you buy

Find out if there are any open electrical notifications to correct defects on the property. By law, the buyer assumes responsibility for doing this. Have your lawyer contact ESA to request a Search of Records* as part of your purchase agreement.

After the sale

Before you start renovating, find out what electrical work has already been done, and if the ESA reviewed it. 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.

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.

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

Making renovations

One of the most important parts of a safe renovation is proper electrical work. Your plan should consider who will be doing the electrical work.

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