Seller didn't disclose electrical problems

[tabithas86]

I live in Indiana, I just purchased my very first home and have owned it for less than a week. I did everything I was suppose to to buy the home. I had a very respected and certified inspector inspect the house. He did note a lot of issues, such as a double tap on a breaker, roof needing replaced, furnace flue damaged, the dish washer wired wrong and a list of other things. The seller was more than willing to fix a big portion, such as replacing the roof, fixing furnace flue along with replacing the furnace. I asked for certified repairman, seller was willing to bring in HVAC and warranty roofers but not an electrician. I had everything reinspected by same inspector pier to closing. The second day of ownership 2 cleaning ladies were vacuuming and noticed the lights flicker and the A/C turned off. I called furnace guy, did all the checks he suggested, nothing worked, he stated something wrong with electric, furnace isn't getting power. Had electrician come out, behind a wall above the breaker box is the most illegal way of converting aluminum to copper. We believe the seller did this but can't figure out how to prove this. I now have to spend $1800 to fix what the seller did. Stupid part is if he would have left it alone there wouldn't be a problem.

 

[justalayman]

what would you describe as the "most illegal way of converting aluminum to copper wiring"?

Unless you can prove the seller did it or was aware it being a problem, you aren't going to win the argument. What makes you think the seller did it?

 

[FlyingRon]

Most home inspectors are woefully ignorant of electrical issues, right behind most homeowners. Double tap is not necessarily wrong. You'll have to expound further on the "most illegal way" of connecting to aluminum wiring. Twisted wires and duct tape would come to mind. Purple wirenuts are legal, though not the favorite of most sparky's. CopAlum crimps are the best if you can't just replace the Aluminum wiring entirely.

Still the fact that defects are there means SQUAT. Houses are sold as is. You'd have to prove that the seller knew about the deficiencies and failed to disclose them.

 

[John_DFW]

All electrical connections must be made inside an approved electrical box, often times there are visible taps in attics. If so, inspector should have noticed them, but they have pretty good disclaimers so limited recourse against them unfortunately.

I would get rid of all aluminum wiring just to be safe, but would most likely have the side effect of requiring you to bring everything up to present day code, which could be quite costly.

Was the double tap on the breaker visible by simply opening the door to the breaker box, or did it require removing the breaker to see?