Electrics
Electrics checks for a French house viewing
You cannot test or certify electrics during a viewing, but you can spot whether they are likely to affect your offer, renovation budget or comfort. Photograph the visible clues and ask for the diagnostic report.
Visible clues during the viewing
- Find the fuse board and photograph it clearly.
- Look for old ceramic fuses, exposed wiring, mixed ages of cable, loose sockets or overloaded extension leads.
- Count sockets in main rooms and think about modern use: kitchen appliances, internet, office, heating and charging.
- Check wet rooms, outbuildings, barns and outdoor sockets with extra caution.
Heating and power load
- If the house relies on electric radiators, ask how it performs in winter and what the bills are like.
- Ask whether the supply size is enough for heating, hot water, cooking, workshop tools or future heat pump plans.
- Check whether the hot water cylinder, boiler, pumps and ventilation are easy to access and maintain.
Questions to ask
- Is the electrical diagnostic report available, and what issues does it list?
- When were the electrics last updated?
- Were updates done by a qualified tradesperson, and are invoices available?
- Would a full or partial rewire be needed before you lived there full time?
- Are there separate supplies or safety issues in barns, gites, pools or outbuildings?
Before you offer
- Get an electrician's view if the report, fuse board or visible wiring worries you.
- Price electrical work alongside decoration, because rewiring after decorating is painful and expensive.
- Ask whether electrical limitations affect your heating, hot water, workshop or remote-work plans.
Related checks
- Buying a renovation property in France checklist
- DPE rating when buying a house in France
- French house viewing questions to ask
Official reference
This page helps you prepare questions. Electrical safety should be assessed by a qualified professional.