Knob and Tube Wiring

[Alex Smith]

My wife and I are in the process of purchasing our first investment property and it was recently discovered that 90% of the wiring is knob and tube. Rewiring the house (2,300 sf) will significantly cut into our renovation budget so we’re trying to determine if it’s absolutely necessary to rewire the house or should we just leave it? It’s ultimately going to be a rental. Any feedback is appreciated.

[Stephen Barnabei]

@Alex Smith I wouldn’t buy it unless a rewire is in the budget. Most Insurnace companies won’t give you coverage with knob and tube wiring. Most of the time the wiring is okay if it’s in visibly decent condition and undisturbed, it becomes dangerous when it’s covered with insulation in attics and walls and it can’t breath causing it to overheat. You’re also putting your tenants at risk because it’s a good chance they’ll plug anything into the outlet such a AC units or space heaters in the winter and risk overheating those wire which aren’t grounded so they won’t trip the breaker. I just purchased a triplex with k&t and rewired the whole building which was already in my budget.