Kindly_Boysenberry_7 OP t1_j6otajo wrote on January 31, 2023 at 9:05 PM

Reply to comment by opienandm in Real Estate 101 - How to Tell a Bad Flip From a Good One by Kindly_Boysenberry_7

On ungrounded outlets, I don't necessarily think it means the flipper did a bad job if certain outlets are ungrounded. However, what you don't want to see is three prong outlets for ungrounded receptacles. Having those receptacles with two prong outlets is fine. Happens a lot in old houses. You don't want someone thinking a receptacle is grounded when it's not. So two-pronged, ungrounded plug = fine. Three pronged, ungrounded plug - NOT fine.

I agree to some extent on foundation issues. However, as someone who deals with almost exclusively older homes (1890s-1960s), especially with 100+ year old houses some lean and sway doesn't necessarily mean a scary structural issue. Homes settle over time. It is what it is. But the materials and craftsmanship of masonry 100+ year old homes will almost always beat the pants off any kind of new construction, unless it was a very high end, new custom build. Now if it's SEVERE sway, and/or obvious major cracking, that might be worth having a structural engineer evaluate it. And have a REPUTABLE structural engineer, who knows old houses, look at it. Do not get one of those foundation repair companies, especially the ones that advertise on TV.

Agree on scoping a sewer. Just had it done for a 196os house in the Near West End in Henrico and it was about $350.

opienandm t1_j6pdhi8 wrote on January 31, 2023 at 11:14 PM

There are really only two safe options for an ungrounded circuit:

Rewire with a ground wire and install a three prong receptacle
Replace the receptacle with a GFCI receptacle

These will in most cases protect humans from electrical shock. The second will NOT protect electronics however.

johnnycoolmane t1_j6ow2om wrote on January 31, 2023 at 9:23 PM

Anyone you would recommend for scoping?

Kindly_Boysenberry_7 OP t1_j6pdzlw wrote on January 31, 2023 at 11:18 PM

Most recently used a company called Triangle Plumbing.

https://triangleplumbingservice.business.site/

Actual service was by a guy named Doug, who was super friendly and helpful. He actually called 30 minutes before arriving, was 10 minutes early, spent 30-40 minutes and multiple tries to get the scope through, explained what he found (patiently), and called my buyer client, who wasn't present, and re-explained the findings when I asked. I'm not sure they are a large company, but based on my experience, I would recommend them.