An old home, part 2

Q. We have a turn-of the-(last)-century front-porch colonial. It needs substantial modernization, and I've found that problems that seem unrelated in fact do contribute to one another, leading to bigger costs than expected. For example, we need new wiring. I've seen knob-and-tube in parts. What’s the best way to rewire, since we need new insulation, there’s some termite damage and the steam boiler needs an overhaul?

A. Knob-and-tube electrical systems were once the state of-the-art way to light and power a home. But they were challenged by newfangled household gadgets and appliances like ice boxes, electric fans, irons and hair dryers. With all the requirements of today’s electronic devices, you need to upgrade before you have a disaster on your hands.
From what you described, you should develop a plan of attack on paper, identifying the power requirements for the appliances and household items with an electrician and a plumber, since the boiler upgrade will also need a circuit. Open up sections of your interior walls, install the wiring and piping necessary to modernize to code, and then insulate so that all new piping is to the warm side of the insulation. If you can afford it, I recommend the foamed-in-place insulation, but only if you do a complete wring and piping job in one shot. Foam is difficult to snake pipes and wires through later on.
While you’re at it, look at the wood wall base plates for signs of termites. I’ve seen sections that are so thin that it was a wonder the walls stayed in place.