I'm trying to get some knob and tube wiring replaced at my home, but I can't seem to get any electricians to actually come out and do the work. They respond when I contact them, but as soon as I mention the knob and tube, they go silent. I'm not sure what's going on here since I'm ready to pay for the job. Is there something I'm overlooking that makes electricians hesitant to take on this work?
3 Answers
You're running into the classic contractor dilemma—most won't want to deal with the potential hassle. Keep reaching out; eventually, you'll find someone willing to tackle this. Just be persistent!
Replacing knob and tube wiring usually involves a major rewiring job throughout the entire house. Electricians often avoid these projects because they can lead to a lot of drywall damage—think cutting into walls to run new wires, plus all the painting and repairs afterwards. This might be why you're not hearing back from them. A general contractor might be a better fit since they handle the electrical work along with all the drywall and cleanup too.
Yeah, electricians really dislike these jobs because they can get chaotic. It's not just swapping wires—it's a full excavation of your walls and there's often unexpected surprises. A renovation contractor might be your best bet since they can manage everything.
Dealing with knob and tube is a massive undertaking. It's not just electrical work; walls and ceilings may need to be opened up too. Be prepared to shell out around $25,000 or more, depending on the extent of work needed. You'll have to ensure everything meets current codes, which adds even more complexity to the job.
I'm really handy myself, so I could do the drywall work no problem! I just don't want to handle the electrical part. But I appreciate the suggestion!