I have a 100-year-old farmhouse in Lake County, Illinois, that needs major work due to knob and tube wiring. The walls are all lath and plaster, and I'm searching for companies in the area that can replace the wiring without tearing the house apart. The house has two floors, an attic, and a basement, with four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
3 Answers
You're gonna have to expect some holes, no matter who you hire. Unfortunately, rewiring typically means some cutting is involved, so be prepared for that process.
If you’ve got skills, an oscillating saw might help you manage smaller cuts while keeping some of the plaster intact. You can patch afterward with wooden shims, reattach, and paint it over. If it seems too much, just go with drywall to match the thickness. It’s a mess, but worth it for safety!
Honestly, why not just switch out the lath and plaster for drywall? Sure, some people love the old look, but it's much safer to take care of that knob and tube. You don’t want your house going up in flames!
True, but plaster doesn't mold like drywall does. Just depends on what you're comfortable with.