Upgrading an Outlet to 20 Amp /120 V grounded GFCI type

jbfan

Make the seller pay for it, but even today the 20 amp receptacle is not required.

__________________
Yes I am a Pirate, 200 years too late. "Jimmy Buffett"

Jim Port

I think something might be lost in translation. The electrical code requires a 20 amp receptacle circuit, not a 20 amp receptacle for the bathroom. Even a 15 amp slot device will support 20 amp feed through.

The only way for prices to be determined is a site visit. There are too many variables that cannot be seen that will affect the price.

__________________
Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

AllanJ

Up to date code requires a separate 12 gauge 20 amp circuit for that bathroom's lights, fan, receptacles, etc. only (or multiple bathrooms' receptacles only, no lights, etc.).

I find it hard to believe that you would not be permitted to live in the house (get an occupancy permit) without first restringing a new cable up to that bathroom, but you should ask, and then pass on the house if so.

If you discover defects in the house it is fair for the seller to discount the price by twice what it would cost to do the work not by yourself, once for the cost of the work and once for the logistics of arranging the work. Or the seller can arrange for and have the work done and there would be no need for a discount. The time for obtaining financing should run after, not concurrently with, the time for getting things fixed.

__________________
The average homeowner who lost his house in the Oklahoma tornadoes should move for good and not rebuild. Too much complexity watchdogging the contractor. Too much a chance to be defrauded.

mpoulton

I highly doubt that. Is there a written order from some city official stating that they are requiring the property to be improved, and citing some authority that allows them to demand this? There are very few circumstances where a city can require an existing property to be brought up to current code standards if it was code compliant when it was built.

As a matter of safety, I would replace the receptacle with a GFCI or install a GFCI breaker on that circuit. GFCI's save lives. Aside from the modern grounding and bonding concept, GFCI's are probably the biggest contributor to the safety of modern electrical systems. But the 20A mandatory bathroom circuit is a pretty recent addition to the code and is only marginally related to safety. I would argue it's totally bogus and unrelated to safety at all, but the Code Making Panel disagrees.

__________________
I am a lawyer, but not your lawyer. And who cares anyways? We're here to talk construction. This is DIY advice, not legal advice.

allthumbsdiy

it looks like certain counties in michigan are indeed holding back c of o until fixes are made....

http://chataboutmacomb.com/first-tim...home/#more-373