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Is Your Island Home
Due for a Rewire?
Most homeowners don't think about their electrical wiring until something goes wrong. But there are clear signals that your home's wiring needs professional attention — signals that, if ignored, can result in electrical fires, failed insurance, or expensive emergency repairs.
Knob-and-Tube
Wiring Removal
Knob-and-tube (K&T) wiring is the single most common issue in Vancouver Island's older housing stock. If your home was built before 1950, there is a real chance it still has K&T wiring.
Aluminum Wiring
Remediation
If your Island home was built between 1965 and 1978, it likely has aluminum branch circuit wiring. While it permits large-gauge service entrance, aluminum at connection points is a fire risk.
VanIsle Electrical uses approved remediation methods accepted by BC insurers: copper pigtailing with COPALUM or AlumiConn connectors and CO/ALR-rated devices.
Renovation
Electrical Wiring
Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and legal suites. We coordinate with your construction team for a code-compliant finish on schedule.
Pre-1980 Support Upgrades
Even without a full reno, these targeted upgrades dramatically improve home safety.
Full House
Rewiring Logistics
Duration
Typical timelines: 3-5 days (under 900 sq ft) up to 14 days (over 2,500 sq ft). Heritage plaster-wall homes add 20-40% to timelines.
Living In
The home remains liveable. We maintain power to kitchens and bedrooms wherever possible while rotating circuit replacement.
Wall Impact
Our "Fish-Wiring" approach uses flexible bits and attic access to minimize wall cuts. Strategic cuts are made in corners or closets.
All New Wiring Meets CEC 26th Edition (2024)
Cost Guide
Realistic planning ranges for Island homeowners based on current labor and materials.
Serving All Of
Vancouver Island
Why Island Owners
Choose VanIsle
Reviews From Your
Neighbours
Real results for real Island homes. Here's why your neighbours choose VanIsle Electrical.
Frequently Asked
Questions
How much does it cost to replace electrical wiring in an old house?
Cost depends on size, construction, and scope. As a planning guide: full K&T replacement runs $8,000–$22,000 for a 3-4 bedroom home; aluminum pigtailing runs $2,000–$5,000 complete; full copper rewiring runs $13,000–$22,000 including panel.
Is it legal to have knob-and-tube wiring in BC?
BC Building Code allows existing K&T to remain if undisturbed and not covered by insulation. However, active K&T cannot be extended or modified — any renovation requires replacing it. Most BC insurers will no longer issue policies on homes with active K&T.
Do I need a permit to rewire my house in BC?
Yes. All residential rewiring in BC requires a Technical Safety BC (TSBC) electrical installation permit. This applies to full rewires, pigtailing, and major renovation work. VanIsle Electrical handles all permit applications and inspections.
Can aluminum wiring be pigtailed rather than completely replaced?
Yes. For most homeowners, copper pigtailing with AlumiConn or COPALUM connectors is an effective and significantly less expensive alternative to full rewiring. This approach is accepted by most BC insurers when performed by a licensed contractor.
Will rewiring my home increase its value?
Yes — significantly. A verified full rewire with TSBC certificate removes one of the most common deal-killing conditions in BC real estate for older homes. It justifies the project cost in negotiating position and reduced insurance premiums.
Book Your Free
Assessment Today
Old wiring does not get better with time. Knob-and-tube insulation keeps deteriorating. Aluminum connections keep loosening. The right first step is a free, no-obligation assessment.