If you ever have a chance to move in to a beautiful old house and go for it, be prepared for the work that comes with it. Old homes have character, often are in great locations, and come with tons of growing pains.
For example, if you rebuild a falling apart garage in the back that structural engineers fear, planning to rent out the apartment you carefully build on top, you may want to space out that work another year from ripping out all the electrical in your old home. Oh yeah, you might also try to plan on completing that work at a different time than in the midst of a massive global financial crisis.
But you only live once, right?
Electrical work can be necessary and its hassle is a temporary thing. Old homes deserve love and care. Be sure to take the time to schedule bids from multiple contractors, recommendations of the crew's work from past clients, and take the time to find out if you can get a firm bid from one of them. It's unusual, but can be done. Drywall work can be a sizable added cost, so be prepared for that cost as well. Oh, and the house will be an absolute dusty mess for a while.
Note -- scheduling appointments to collect bids for work can be a tricky thing. If you schedule your appointments first thing in the morning, electricians are likely to be right on time. Expect all plumbing bidders to arrive at least one half hour early or while you are in the shower.
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