How much does it cost to remove and replace knob-and-tube wiring in Vancouver?

Removing and replacing knob-and-tube wiring in a typical Vancouver home costs $8,000-$25,000+, depending on the home's size, accessibility, and how much drywall repair is needed. This is electrical work that must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor and inspected by Technical Safety BC.

Cost Breakdown for Metro Vancouver:

• Small home (800-1,200 sq ft): $8,000-$15,000


• Medium home (1,200-2,000 sq ft): $12,000-$20,000


• Large home (2,000+ sq ft): $18,000-$30,000+


• Additional costs: Drywall patching and painting ($2,000-$8,000), temporary electrical service during work ($500-$1,500), electrical panel upgrade if needed ($2,500-$5,000)

The wide price range reflects several factors common in Vancouver's older housing stock. Accessibility is the biggest cost driver — knob-and-tube in finished basements or homes with limited crawl space access requires significantly more drywall removal and repair. Many Vancouver Specials, Craftsman bungalows, and character homes from the 1920s-1960s still have partial knob-and-tube systems, often mixed with newer wiring from previous renovations.

Vancouver-specific considerations include the prevalence of plaster walls in older homes, which are more expensive to patch than drywall. Many East Vancouver and older West Side homes have knob-and-tube running through tight crawl spaces or between floors, making wire pulling more labor-intensive. If your home has heritage designation, additional approvals may be required before beginning work.

Insurance and safety implications make this upgrade urgent rather than optional. Most insurance companies either won't cover homes with active knob-and-tube wiring or charge significantly higher premiums. The 60-100+ year old wiring lacks proper grounding and can't handle modern electrical loads safely. In Vancouver's wet climate, deteriorated insulation on old wiring poses real fire and shock risks.

The process requires multiple inspections by Technical Safety BC throughout the project. Your contractor will need to pull electrical permits through your municipality's building department, and all work must be completed by a licensed electrical contractor — homeowners cannot legally do this work themselves in BC. Plan for 3-7 days of work depending on your home's size and complexity, during which you may have limited electrical service.

Next steps: Get quotes from at least three licensed electrical contractors, ensuring they're registered with Technical Safety BC. Ask specifically about drywall repair — some electricians include basic patching while others subcontract this work. Budget for the full scope including repairs, and consider timing this work alongside other renovations to minimize disruption and share drywall/painting costs.