Short answerYes, but expect questions. Knob and tube wiring was used in very old houses, often before about 1940. It has no ground, can be damaged by insulation and old repairs, and some insurers will not cover it. Most deals handle it with an electrician's evaluation and either partial rewiring, full rewiring, or a price adjustment.
What do inspectors check?
Inspectors spot ceramic knobs and tubes in attics and basements.
What are the common findings?
- Knob and tube is common in houses built before about 1940.
- Some insurers decline or limit coverage on homes with active knob and tube wiring.
How serious is it?
The risk is age, lack of grounding, and damage from later work or insulation.
What does it cost to fix?
Costs vary widely with the house. Get a quote from a qualified contractor before you negotiate.
When is a specialist needed?
A licensed electrician should evaluate how much is active and what to replace.
If you are selling
Fix cheap safety items before listing, get a quote on anything big, and disclose what you know. What to fix before listing.
If you are buying
Sort the finding into normal for age, negotiate, specialist, or walk away. What to ask the seller to fix.
Frequently asked questions
Is knob and tube illegal?
Existing wiring is not illegal, but insurers and lenders may have requirements.
Do I need to rewire the whole house?
Not always. An electrician can tell you what is active and what to replace.
Keep reading
Want to know what a buyer's inspector may find before they do?
Book a free pre listing condition walk. I walk the house with you, point out what inspectors and FHA, VA, and USDA appraisers tend to flag, and give you planning ranges so you can decide what to fix, credit, price in, or disclose.
Book a condition walkOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email [email protected].
The condition walk is a REALTOR® and contractor evaluation, not a home inspection, and it does not replace one. If you have already signed a listing agreement with another agent, please take these questions to your agent.
Looking at a house and not sure what you are getting into?
Ask for a free Before You Offer review. Send me the listing. I look over the photos, the seller's disclosure, and recent sales, then flag likely condition issues and planning cost ranges before you write an offer.
Request a Before You Offer reviewOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email [email protected].
The Before You Offer review is a REALTOR® and contractor review of the listing, not a home inspection. It is for buyers who are not already working with an agent. If you have an agent, please bring these questions to your agent.
Written by John Long, REALTOR®, 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate. Working contractor who has priced hundreds of home inspection repair requests. Former labor relations negotiator for a major manufacturer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.
John Long, REALTOR® · 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate · (812) 525-5489 · yourpropertynegotiator.com
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional home inspection, and not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Ask a real estate attorney about contracts and disclosure, a CPA about taxes, your lender about loan rules, and a licensed inspector or tradesperson about your house. Nothing here guarantees a sale price, net proceeds, repair cost, payment, timeline, appraisal, inspection result, or loan approval. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. I own Wardmark Property Operations LLC, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.