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Expert Q Ren Molnar Q&A Archive
Top > Electrical > Safety

Question:

I just purchased a home that is 'old' im not sure how old..but the walls are all plaster. Anyway I dropped big money on this place thinking that I could convert the wavy plaster walls to drywall and give the home a more modern look. Now after reading posts that the plaster is full of carcinogens...I am almost ready to cry....I have to take out knob and tube wiring as well...needless to say what is the best way to get this done..should i drywall over the plaster?..and just make minimal holes for the rewiring in the old plaster?..also how does the depth of your receptacle box change now that you have 3/8 board over plaster...whats the best way to make those flush with the new wall?

Answer:

You'll be better off to do the wiring and insulation and vapour barrier before putting on the drywall. And that should be half-inch and not less. The electrical boxes will probably have to be replaced anyway but you have to make sure there are no wires at all left in the ones you cover up - safety.


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Answered By: Ren Molnar

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