On 5 Mar 2005 00:50:54 -0800, wrote:

Anway, basic point - either make them bring it up to code, even if it
means ripping out the deck or whatever, or else deduct the full cost of
all the electrical and deck work from the price. The sellers know they
have a problem and making them fix it, or deducting the cost, is
perfectly reasonable. They're in the same position as if they still
had gas lighting.

He's right. One other thing to remember is that, if you do go through
with this deal and get the credit for all this work included in the
purchase of the house, you can live with the fuses for a while.
They're perfectly safe as long as the correct sizes are in the box
(you don't want a 30 amp fuse in a 20 amp slot, for example). That'll
give you time to live with the deck and think through what you'd like
to do differently with it if you do end up having to rip it apart.