1950's ranch SFH, rewire and plaster walls

[Ryan K.]

Looking to rehab a 1950's rancher, it needs to be rewired due to the old existing knob and tube wiring. It also has original plaster walls in decent condition. I was originally thinking a full gut job in order to make it easier to rewire, but considering the walls are in good shape would it be easier to save them and have the electrician just fish wires through wall (which adds to the electrician labor)? Both the crawl space and attic are wide open. 3 bedroom, 1 bath, approx. 1000 sq ft total. Any opinions on which method would be the most cost effective?

[Ryan K.]

@Art Allen Thanks for the insight. Electrical cost is one area I dont have much experience, and I dont have time to get an electrical contractor to give me an estimate prior to making an offer so I'm torn on how to approach this house. I've heard very wide ranges for a total re-wire of a house, anywhere from $3k to $30k depending on size and complexity. This one is a small ranch with good access in attic and crawl space so I assume its fairly simple, but I'd hate to underestimate the rewire cost. I'd really like to save the plaster walls, the windows have been recently replaced with good vinyl ones, so other than the rewire there is no need to replace them with drywall.