Newbie here!

[milcliar]

Hey all! Seems like a great place. Now, first of my many questions, LOL. Finally got the place of my dreams, although has a lot of work to go. Where do I start? Do I need to have the electrical checked first? Prob has'nt been lived in for 20-30 yrs, electric box is still there. Thanx!

[PhilJohnson]

Welcome to Homesteading Today, plenty of good folks here. Now on to your question, yeah I think it would be wise to at least give things a once over. I moved into a house that wasn't lived in for a while, some of the wiring was rather questionable. Cloth wiring everywhere and various jury rig fixes all over the place. I couldnt' even get home insurance because of the wiring mess. I fixed most of it now. Most likely it is okay but you never know what some of the previous owners have done. Also does the main box have those old school round fuses or modern breakers? Some people have been known to shove a penny in place of a blown out fuse and screw it back in. Not a good idea becuase the penny won't melt like a fuse. Hope I helped

[cowcreekgeeks]

Howdy!!! Welcome! I would suggest hiring a qualified home inspector to look around your place. I reckon cost depends on where you live. I paid $350 for my inspection. He spotted things that I didn't even think of.

[NCLee]

Agree about getting someone qualified to check it out. For some reason rats and other critters like to chew wires. Old knob and tube wiring is dangerous if someone has packed insulation around it. And, as mentioned, you don't have any idea of what was done in the past, including mixing copper and aluminum wire. A fire waiting to happen.

Welcome and congrats on getting your homestead. And, for thinking things through. Many wouldn't have thought about the potential for wiring problems.

Lee

[Old Swampgirl]

Welcome! Yep, check out the wiring. Maybe hire an electrician. Got my dream homestead in '94 and am still investigating the Mystery Wiring. My home was built in '36 & had lots of add-ons, but that still doesn't explain the weird wiring. Also check out the septic/sewerage situation. Good Luck! Where bouts are you located? This info often helps people to answer your questions.

[Windy in Kansas]

Welcome to the forums.

I don't know the size of your property or if there are outbuildings, but explore it well to get a feel of the layout, the soil for potential gardening, etc. Note minor things that can be done as you get started such as trimming low hanging branches, simple mowing and raking, etc. In other words enjoy getting the true feel that you are a property owner and that the place is yours to do with as you please and if you please.

Again, welcome and best wishes. Windy in Kansas

[puddlejumper007]

WELCOME..you will get some good info. here...and there are great thoughtful people here