Question about Knob & Tube

[Jon T.]

Hi everyone,
First time posting here but been a lurker for a while. I am looking at purchasing a small apartment building that has knob and tube wiring and needs some rehab - are there any issues with just leaving this in place and rehabbing the building without updating the electrical? Thanks!

[Roy N.]

Jon:

Check the codes and city ordinances in your area and have a chat with your insurance company.

Around here, undertaking a renovation would require you to remove the knob-n-tube in the parts of the property being renovated.

My insurance company, on the other hand, would require it to be removed regardless. We bought a building with remnants of knob-n-tube wiring in the attic - none of it was live - and the insurance company would only give us a 6-mth temporary coverage {at a premium} until it was removed.

Given you do not yet own the building, I would use this in my negotiations. Either have the vendor update the wiring prior to close or get a few quotes yourself and factor the cost into your offer.

Either way, I would recommend removing it.