Older homes offer things new homes don’t. Charm, stone and layouts that you just don’t see any more. They don’t fall into the cookie cutter style of homes that are produced today. When looking to purchase a home, you may opt for an older home due to the charm it has.
But with that extra charm, there can also be complications. One of those happens to be how the electricity runs through your house. In the late 1880’s through the 1940’s the most popular way to run electricity through a home was a process called knob and tube. It is literally a set of knobs and tubes that runs through your house to transmit electricity. If you happen to be selling a home or potentially buying a home that has knob and tube wiring it is important to understand how knob and tube could effect you.
If you happen to be buying an older home, making sure you hire a home inspector that has experience with knob and tube is ideal. Many uneducated inspectors may raise false red flags due to finding knob and tube. But an educated inspector can let you know what shape the electrical system is in.
Is Knob and Tube Safe?
The short answer, yes. Knob and Tube, if up kept properly, it is perfectly safe. If you are buying a home, it is a good idea to have a certified electrician inspect the wiring, but overall it is not something that should prevent you from buying a home. If the work was done by a reputable electrician and not someone rewiring their home for a DIY project, it should be fine.
Should You Buy A Home With Knob And Tube Wiring?
There is a lot of back and forth on the internet about if you can get home owners insurance if your house has knob and tube wiring. The fact of the matter is, home insurance companies do cover houses that have knob and tube wiring. While they may want to ensure the wiring is done correctly, it will not prevent you from having home insurance. You may end up in a situation where you have to pay a slightly higher premium for a house that has knob and tube wiring, but if it is the house of your dreams, it may be worth it.
What Does Knob and Tube Look like?
Knob and tube is literally a set of knobs and tubes that connect. The below picture is what is looks like:
What Does It Cost To Replace Knob and Tube?
If you do decide to replace your wiring and move to something that uses more recent technology, you will have to invest a significant amount of money. It can cost anywhere from $5-$20 per square foot. The price will depend on the electrician you use and how large your house is. It is always wise to get a few different quotes and shop around. Those more experienced with knob and tube may cost a little more, but it also may be worth the investment.