Homeowners Should Not Wire Their Own House

POSTED BY: Josh:
ELECTRICAL NEAR MISSES IN HISTORY

Yesterday I had to run to the house at lunch time to pick up a piece of paper. This was very important because the roofer couldn't get paid unless we faxed this to the bank. While I was there I talked to Buddy, the electrician. He asked me a few questions about where to put some switches, I had forgotten to make notes as to where they should go. He showed me where the new outlets were going to be based on certain building codes. But the big thing that he showed me was what inspired the title of this post, down in the cellar.
The previous owners had done a little work, in the kitchen it seemed. When they ran the wires for the outlet, I believe it is the one the refridgerator was on, they spliced the wires outside of a junction box and left some of them bare. These wires were "hot" as we say where I work. This means they have electricity running through them. Not only that, but they put some big steel shelves right underneath this little disaster. The shelves were maybe an inch away from the bare wires. The plumbers almost moved the shelves without realizing the danger. Thanks to Buddy for warning them, and me. That's all being fixed now.
So heed my warning. If you are looking at a house, old or new, check to see that the previous owners didn't try to do things that they didn't really know how to do.

A NOTE ON INSULATION

We are trying to decide which insulation to use, and where in the house to use it. Our options seem to have multiplied yesterday while Laura was at work. Last night she came home with some info on a number of materials that are ecologically sound and very efficient.
One is Mineral Wool, or Rock Wool, or Slag Wool. These are all the same thing. It's most often used in commercial buildings. It's fire proof and sound absorbent. As well as being a hot/cold insulator. Info Here.
One of the others that seems to be a good option is Cotton Denim Batts. This stuff is similar to fiberglass insulation. But, it's blue. It doesn't use formaldehyde and it is affordable. Info Here.
There were quite a few others. I still have to look them up, but the paper is at home and I have to call the plumber. Hopefully after talking to him I will have some info on the tankless water heater and the high efficiency furnace that we are having put in.

Josh