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The time it takes to complete a pre-drywall inspection depends on the size of the home as well as the complexity of its build. Most take between one and three hours, but large custom homes or those with complicated HVAC, electrical, or plumbing systems take even longer. Your inspector will examine each room and each system in detail to make sure everything is properly installed and up to code.

It can be safe to buy or live in a house with knob and tube (K&T) wiring, but only if the system is in good condition, functional, and has been thoroughly inspected and approved by a licensed electrician. Never purchase a home with K&T wiring without getting a professional electrical inspection first.

Key considerations include:

• Safety and Condition: An inspector will verify that the wiring is safe and has not deteriorated. Over time, the insulation can wear away, leaving exposed wires that pose a significant fire or shock hazard.

• System Capacity: The electrical service should be at least 60 amps. However, even at this capacity, K&T systems often struggle to handle the demands of modern appliances and electronics.

• Lack of Grounding: Knob and tube wiring is an ungrounded system, which is a safety concern for many modern devices.

• Ongoing Maintenance: If you live in a home with K&T wiring, it's recommended to have it inspected by an electrician every one to two years to ensure it remains in safe working order.

Ultimately, any inspection or modification of a knob and tube system should always be performed by a certified professional.

You can ensure a home inspector is unbiased by doing your research. Verify their work history and certifications so you know they’re qualified to be inspecting your home. Read reviews to understand other customers’ experiences and whether or not they were satisfied with the inspector’s assessment. Interview potential home inspectors and ask how they get their clients. If they’re not dependent on any one realtor for clients, they’re unlikely to risk producing a faulty report just to benefit one agent.

Repiping your home creates a large mess, and you won’t have access to water while your contractors are working. To prepare, contractors will cover the floor and furniture with drop clothes. In some cases, they may move furniture to protect it and get it out of the way. They’ll then cut holes in your walls, floors, and ceiling to expose the existing pipes.

They’ll also turn off your water, but they’ll leave at least one bathroom and the kitchen functioning at the end of the day. You’ll need to plan accordingly.