Hi Sifus,

I'm planning to do some major reno for double storey subsale house which includes redoing all the wiring, plumbing and tile.

Most of the current wiring and plumbing are concealed.

My contractor mentioned they do not remove the concealed wiring and plumbing (which includes those above plaster ceiling), only remove those exposed ones.
But, my query is, do the contractors normally remove the old wiring and plumbing located above plaster ceiling?
There are so many old wiring and plumbing especially between the 1st floor and roof. Wouldn't that be a mess in the future when there's any repairs/trouble shooting required?

This is how my current between 1st floor plaster ceiling and roof looks like with the old wires and plumbing (reno to redo have not started yet).
I can only imagine the kinda mess it would look like with new wires and pipes without removing the old ones.






Thanks in advance for any advise sifus!

Technically no problem to leave them there..there is a risk that in the process of removing them, yanking them out (coz space is relatively inaccessible) can break other things. As long as they isolate (either tape up or put the unused cable ends into terminal blocks) the old cables it'll be fine.

Everything can be done ...just a matter of cost.

Exposed are no isuues. The concealed have to hack the wall and flooring which is indirectly 'demolishing' the house to find those old wires and pipes.

What I can suggest is to take photos of all rewiring and repiping for future reference before replasting. Instruct the contractor to have a standard routing along the wall edges and not zigzag manner.

This post has been edited by mini orchard: Sep 28 2021, 06:50 AM

When come to removing wires that are concealed in the wall, you will need lots of luck on pulling them out.
I have experience where I could not fish the wire out and end up stuck inside there forever.

Usually if u pay more, they will remove it.

not intending to hunt for the wall concealed ones. more concern about the ones in the pic (between 1st flr plaster and roof). Worried that future repairs, trouble shooting would be a nightmare

tq for all the advise!

Should restructure your roof top and build a usable attic space there...i see you have a high roof line and its perfect for a attic space.

ignore the old wires, mark your new wires well, take pics. Its not worth removing old wiring, no one does that