knob and tube wiring

[Josh Cordle]

I am in the middle of negotiating price on 4 unit house, the place is very clean and very nice, everything is mostly up to date. The only issue is there is still some left over knob and tube wiring in the basement possibly through out the house. Its roughly 3000 sq ft. has anyone had to remove left over wiring, if so who did you use, and what was the cost?

[Jeremy D.]

I've had knob and tube replaced on quite a few properties. The cost depends on how much needs to be replaced and where it is located. If it's only in the basement and accessible without cutting into plastered walls then it could be relatively cheap. If you need to cut into all of the plaster walls to replace in each of the 4 units...then you're looking at new electric throughout plus plastering costs. It really depends on what needs to be done. I'd get a couple electricians through the property to give quotes and opinions.

I had one inspector require me to show visible proof that all of the knob and tube was removed. I had to cut into the plaster in each room and show that it was all gone. That was expensive.