DOES KNOB AND TUBE ELECTRICAL WIRING AFFECT HOME INSURANCE RATES?
Insurance companies are wary of homes with knob and tube wiring and view this wiring method to be a definite safety hazard, and therefore a claim waiting to happen. Some of our clients have reported paying extremely high insurance rates as a result of the knob and tube wiring. At the very least, an inspection by a certified electrical contractor is requested which, given the information shared above, usually requires that the knob and tube be completely replaced before a homeowner’s policy is issued or renewed. This leaves the homeowner with little choice but to address the problem.
WHAT IS THE BEST KNOB AND TUBE ELECTRICAL WIRING SOLUTION?
Realistically, complete replacement of the old wiring is the best option. The presence of knob and tube electrical wiring means the house was probably built 60 to 100+ years ago when this was the only wiring method available. Demands on the home’s electrical system were minimal back then, as lighting was often spartan at best, and homeowners owned only a few small electrical appliances. Fast forward to today and compare this to your daily electrical needs and you soon realize just how out dated the knob and tube system is.
Removing the old knob and tube electrical wiring and replacing the entire system with new copper wiring to meet today’s electrical safety code standards is without question the best solution. Replacing the old ungrounded switches and receptacles with CSA approved devices is another important safety measure. If it has not already been done, installing a new electrical service panel at this time, that provides for the needs of today’s average household usage and also allows for any possible future needs or plans, addresses the problem of blown fuses, over loaded circuits and other safety concerns.
HOW MUCH DOES KNOB AND TUBE ELECTRICAL REWIRING COST?
So you’ve found a beautiful heritage home for sale in the real estate market that is just perfect for you. You love the home’s history, character and location. There’s only one problem. A home inspection has revealed the presence of knob and tube wiring which is still being used to bring electricity to part of the home. You know that some modifications have been made to the original system but there is no documentation to verify who did the work. What are your options?
A site visit by one of our licensed electricians will provide you with exactly the information you need. As each home is unique, it is important for us to do a careful assessment as to the exact plan of action that is best suited for your specific situation. In most cases, this job may take a week or more depending on the size of the home and complexity of the task, with costs ranging from $5,000 to $25,000+. Keep in mind that the resale value of your home will increase after this work is completed, so not only is your home safer for you and your family, your home is also now more desirable to potential future buyers.
DO I HAVE TO MOVE OUT OF MY HOME?
In most cases knob and tube wiring work can be done without the need to relocate the homeowner, although the fewer obstacles (furniture) in the technician’s way, the more efficiently the work progresses. Homeowners need to be aware that it may be necessary to create some openings through which to access or pull circuits. Our approach is always to cause as little damage as possible. As a result, the amount of follow up repairs is kept to an absolute minimum.
The beauty and charm of your heritage home remains intact but the safety concerns regarding the electrical system have been eliminated.
Call ALLIANCE ELECTRICAL & AUTOMATION INC. today for fast and friendly knob and tube wiring service or professional electrical service. With the right team working for you, the job will be done right and in no time.