Preserving molding and plaster during major electrical reno?

Hi all, in the process of getting quotes for some much-needed electrical work, but a few rooms in the house still have nice original molding which I’d like to preserve to whatever extent possible. The electricians we’ve gotten quotes from don’t seem happy about this at all, and seem doubtful about being able to work around everything (channeling out the walls where needed, but going around the molding).  How has anyone who has experienced this dealt with it? One electrician even suggested he can tell me what he needs open, and I could cut it out myself (which I’m not experienced in, but not averse to trying). Thanks!

riinehart

in Brownstoner Renovation 12 years and 5 months ago

5

Please log in, in order to post replies!

5 replies

Newest Oldest

ornamentalplasterer | 12 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4914 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4925 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "178063"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(19) "ornamentalplasterer"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BGqxkzQ9imnhSX7ODjd38Do0j4RzTn1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(19) "ornamentalplasterer"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "andrew.brizhan@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(61) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/ornamentalplasterer/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:21:51"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(19) "ornamentalplasterer"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(178063)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Hi, riinehart, in case you still in the process of decision making: cut or not to cut a piece of original plaster molding, ceiling medallion, etc., it is good idea to send a picture of the spot to an ornamental/historic restoration plasterer. Sometimes it is not a big deal for experienced one to repair or scult/restore broken pieces right on a wall or ceiling, and can take only 2-3 hours. The same story with old  original plaster fireplaces. Feel free to send a picture of the spot wich is under threat: andrew.brizhan@yahoo.com

adam_dahill | 12 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4915 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4916 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "176783"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "adam_dahill"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BVbT/.9EbE6MTZNRIO4K4/iGsGDl3l0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "adam_dahill"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "adamdahill@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(39) "https://www.mortgagemaster.com/adahill/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2013-06-24 16:57:52"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(11) "adam_dahill"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(176783)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I’d love to hear from electricians that specialize in this type of work, email me directly if not post here. I’m looking for a good electrician that can work aound plaster and historic woodwork. adahill@wcslending.com

BobMarvin | 12 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4919 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4913 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(3) "802"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "BobMarvin"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(63) "$wp$2y$10$vXcETAGfbklfbxLqBuZOwe9SvZukjLn11bfJ4K5tk7sYEGuWi6OGW"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "bobmarvin"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "marvbej@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(31) "http:///forums/users/bobmarvin/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2006-09-08 23:16:42"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(10) "Bob Marvin"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(802)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["SPF Manage Forums"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(5) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["SPF Manage Forums"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Snaking BX through walls usually only requires cutting small holes, so preserving plaster details is possible if you find an electrican who cares to take the extra time needed. I’d suggest not having outlets placed on party walls, which have no hollow space, to avoid the necessity of “channeling out the walls.”

Rick | 12 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4912 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4911 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "1470"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(4) "Rick"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BAu.JvH2s1Xx4WSWCj1RPGTP7/OK53/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(4) "rick"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "r.ladd.bklyn@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(46) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/rick/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:11:46"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(4) "Rick"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(1470)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

It’s in your best interest to interview many electricians to get a company that is sensitive to the plaster moldings and woodwork. In most cases electrians are often in a rush to get the cable in the correct place. It takes extra time and care to preserve your moldings. I’m often called in to make repairs to plaster & wood moldings and in many casses the damage is really over the top unnecessary. Best to pay an electrician extra to slow down and avoid damage.

brokelin | 12 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4914 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4910 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "90954"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BukARi5fCxcdKRwwLKRkiawWixLEUK/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "annindc@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(23) "/forums/users/brokelin/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:32:08"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "brokelin"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(90954)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I think you need to find an electrician who is used to working with preserving old woodwork.  They are certainly out there, though the work might cost more.  Perhaps you’ll get some recommendations here. Good luck!