- San Francisco older homes
- Cost explained before work
- Clean, labeled circuits
Outdated wiring isn’t just a relic of the past — it’s a real risk in many older San Francisco homes.
If your property still relies on knob-and-tube wiring, now is the time to consider a safer, code-compliant solution. Our certified electricians provide expert knob-and-tube wiring replacement in San Francisco, upgrading outdated systems to meet modern electrical codes. Whether it’s time to upgrade or you’re just being proactive, we make the process easy, honest, and safe.
Why You Should Replace Knob-and-Tube Wiring?
Fire Hazard
Old knob-and-tube wiring can overheat and spark fires. Replacing it significantly reduces the risk of electrical fire in your home.
No Grounding = Unsafe for Modern Devices
Knob-and-tube wiring isn’t grounded, making it unsafe for modern appliances, computers, and home office equipment.
Not Compliant with Insurance or Mortgage Requirements
Most insurers and lenders won’t approve homes with knob-and-tube wiring. Upgrading keeps you safe and in line with the rules.
Increases Property Value After Replacement
Replacing outdated wiring increases peace of mind for both current owners and future buyers.
Our Happy Clients Say:
Trusted Local Experts in
Historic San Francisco Homes
Licensed & Ensured Electricians
Over 500 Safe Upgrades Completed
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Our 3-Step Process
Knob-and-Tube Wiring Replacement Cost in San Francisco: what actually drives the price
Replacing knob-and-tube wiring isn’t priced by a single “per-house” number. In San Francisco homes, cost usually comes down to scope, access, and the upgrades needed to meet modern safety expectations. We quote after a walkthrough so you get a plan you can trust—no guessing and no pressure.
The biggest cost factors
- How much active knob-and-tube is still in use (partial circuits vs widespread runs).
- Access to routes: attic/basement visibility vs tight cavities behind plaster and lath.
- Electrical panel capacity and whether a panel upgrade is the safest path.
- Grounding strategy: adding proper equipment grounds and correcting bonding where needed.
- Number of circuits and modern loads (kitchen, laundry, HVAC, office, EV readiness).
- Wall opening/patch plan: “fishing” wires vs targeted openings for clean installation.
What a quality quote should include
- Clear scope: what gets rewired, what stays, and how inactive legacy wiring is verified.
- Protection details: boxes, staples/supports, nail plates, safe junctioning and labeling.
- Permit/inspection workflow so the finish is code-ready and straightforward.
- Safety upgrades that matter most (where appropriate): GFCI/AFCI approach for key areas.
- Cleanup standards and a final walkthrough—so you’re not left with “mystery circuits.”
- Options for phased work if you want to control spend without cutting corners.
Want a realistic replacement cost for your SF home? Request a free inspection and a written plan tailored to your layout.
Request a Free QuoteKnob-and-tube removal vs full replacement: what the job really means
Many homeowners search for “knob-and-tube removal,” but what matters most is that any active legacy wiring is replaced with modern, protected circuits—and that the result is clean, verifiable, and inspection-ready. Where old conductors are fully disconnected, we can often verify they’re inactive without creating unnecessary wall damage.
What “replacement” typically includes
- Identify active knob-and-tube runs, risky splices, and overloaded circuits.
- Replace affected circuits with modern wiring methods and properly rated devices.
- Implement a sensible grounding approach and correct bonding where needed.
- Upgrade protection in high-use areas when appropriate (kitchen, bath, laundry).
- Label circuits clearly and leave a clean handoff for permit/inspection documentation.
When targeted repair/upgrade can be the smart first step
- Only limited remnants exist and the home already has substantial modern wiring.
- You need a panel capacity solution before a full rewire makes sense.
- Safety issues are localized (specific junctions, damaged insulation, device/box problems).
- You want a phased plan: fix the highest-risk circuits now, schedule the rest later.
- You’re preparing for insurance or a sale and need clear, verifiable improvements fast.
Recent Work
See how we bring old wiring up to modern standards
Before: Knob-and-tube wiring in attic
During: Panel upgrade in progress
After: Final safety inspection complete
Knob-and-tube wiring in San Francisco homes: what makes rewires unique here
San Francisco’s housing stock often includes Victorian, Edwardian, and early-20th-century homes where access can be the deciding factor. A good plan balances safety, code-ready work, and a practical approach to walls, finishes, and existing renovations.
Practical rewire realities
- Older plaster/lath walls can limit “easy fishing” and require a clean opening strategy.
- Attics and basements are often the best routing zones—when they’re accessible and safe.
- Past remodels may hide mixed wiring types; a walkthrough finds what’s active vs legacy.
- Modern loads (kitchen, laundry, office, HVAC, EV readiness) change circuit planning.
How we keep it smooth for homeowners
- Clear scope and a written plan so you know what’s being replaced and why.
- Work sequencing to reduce disruption (priority areas first, predictable site routine).
- Clean labeling and documentation that helps with inspection and insurance questions.
- Upgrade guidance that’s honest: what’s necessary, what’s optional, what can wait.
Serving San Francisco neighborhoods (near you)
- Bernal Heights
- Noe Valley
- Mission
- Sunset
- Richmond
- Castro
- Pacific Heights
- Inner/Outer Sunset
- Glen Park
- SoMa
⚠️ Helpful Information About Knob-and-Tube Wiring
Many San Francisco homes built before the 1950s still rely on knob-and-tube wiring — a system that wasn’t designed for today’s electrical loads. This outdated wiring, which lacks proper grounding and frequently fails to meet current code safety requirements, even though it might still work.
If you’re planning a renovation, selling your home, or noticing signs like flickering lights or warm outlets, it may be time to consider a full knob-and-tube wiring replacement. Upgrading from knob-and-tube wiring not only improves safety but also boosts your home’s market value and meets insurance or mortgage requirements.
Not sure how to spot outdated wiring? Here are a few signs your home may still have knob-and-tube wiring:
- Two-prong outlets with no grounding
- Wires running through ceramic knobs in basement or attic
- Brittle, cloth-covered wiring
- Insurers refusing coverage due to electrical concerns
For expert help with knob-and-tube wiring replacement in San Francisco, our licensed electricians are just a call away.
Helpful Information
What SF Electrical Inspectors Typically Check After a Rewire (And How to Avoid Red Flags)
Permits for Electrical Rewiring in San Francisco: Homeowner-Friendly Explanation (SFDBI Basics)
How Long Does a Knob-and-Tube Rewire Take? Realistic Timelines for San Francisco Homes
Ultimate Guide: What Is Knob and Tube Wiring?
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Knob and Tube Wiring in San Francisco?
How Knob-and-Tube Wiring Affects Home Insurance in San Francisco
San Francisco’s iconic housing stock — Victorian, Edwardian, and pre-war homes — carries a certain…
Our Work
FAQs about knob-and-tube wiring replacement in San Francisco
Quick, homeowner-friendly answers about pricing, scope, “removal vs replacement,” timelines, and how to keep the project calm and predictable.