So switched directions completely and are most likely going with a house built around the 40s-50s. CNS (or any other knowledgeable cat), it'll be renovated so is there any things to look for to see how quality of a job they did?
We expect some problems with an old home but are there general things to look out for?
Does it have a basement/is it finished? I would check to see how many types of wires they have coming out of the breaker box. I've seen many an "update" where they run new wire down from the outlets and use junction boxes to tie into old work. Sometimes that's okay, sometimes it's uber lazy and people drop the ground wire or overload circuits. I also hate crap loads of junctions and hidden boxes. Plumbing, if it's pex find out how old it is as some of the early generations were crap. Also look over the hvac for manufacture dates or install dates. Those kinds of heavy things obviously have a shelf life and if you're looking at replacing a unit within 5 years of purchase it's something to consider (same for water heaters).
I'd say most homes in the neighborhood don't have a basement. Maybe a small unfinished storage area with low ceiling or crawlspace at most. I figured about the HVAC/Water heater/roof.
What exactly am I looking at when looking for types of wires coming out of the breaker box, I know virtually nothing about anything electrical.
So you shouldn't have to worry about knob and tube. It's old school and can cause some issues getting your house insured because of a fire risk.
Knobs are the ceramic white things that are insulating stand offs and tubes are the wires.
You could run into aluminum wire (some in my old house). The problem with that is when people join copper to it or use the wrong outlets and switches. It can create hotspots and an increased risk of fire. A pro shouldn't have issues, but from my experience I've seen them miss stuff.
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/problems-aluminum-copper-wire-electricity-86313.html
Relating to amps carried on your electrical, most homes have electrical wiring which can be 15 amp or 20 amp that relates to the size of the wire, and if done properly, the breaker at the panel. 14 gauge wire is sometimes white, 12 gauge is sometimes yellow, 10 gauge is orange.
http://www.ebay.com/gds/Choosing-the-Proper-Gauge-of-Wiring-for-Your-Next-Project-/10000000177634232/g.htmlAdditionally new wire almost always has 3 wires, the added wire from older 2 wire style is the ground. That is useful everywhere, but particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. The thing I've seen in looking at houses to buy is when people run 3 wire from the outlet in a remodel to a junction box, drop the ground, and than you have 2 wire back to the panel. You lose the safety of the ground at the outlet if this isn't done right. You can add a ground from the junction box and a pro SHOULD do this.
Finally: Disclaimer, I am NOT a certified electrician. I've only done minor repair stuff to my home. Do not take my comments as gospel, good advice, or good recommendations. I've learned more from looking at what other people do and seeing how bad some houses have been "updated." I've had issues in my house that MULTIPLE electricians and inspectors have missed only to have a friend from Washburn Tech catch it and fix it. If your tradesperson is rushing/doesn't seem to know what they are talking about/ or doesn't take the time to adequately answer your questions and address your concerns, find a new person to work with. I hate dealing with electrical and would rather find someone to do it. I'm sure KCFDcat has seen the results of bad electrical work (he is our resident firefighter right?).
