The short answer
Aluminum wiring is a negotiating point, not a dealbreaker, for most buyers. The connections need a proper fix, but a full rewire is rarely required, so the cost is modest and the home stays insurable once remediated. Read the full guide to aluminum branch wiring.
Why buyers worry about it
Aluminum expands and loosens at the connections and can overheat — one study found homes with it were far more likely to reach fire-hazard conditions at a connection, sometimes with no warning. That's a genuine safety issue, which is why it needs a correct fix. But it's a connection problem, not a whole-house rip-out.
What the fix is — and what it costs
The accepted remediation is treating every connection with an approved method — pigtailing with a device like AlumiConn, or a COPALUM crimp — done by a licensed electrician. That typically runs ~$300–1,500, far less than a rewire. Watch for warm cover plates and flickering as signs the connections need attention.
The insurance angle
Some Canadian insurers require aluminum wiring to be remediated and certified before they'll write or renew a policy. That's usually a straightforward, low-cost condition to satisfy — but confirm it on the specific home so it doesn't surprise you at closing. See homes insurers won't cover.
How to handle it in your offer
- Have a licensed electrician confirm it's aluminum branch wiring and quote the connection remediation.
- Ask your broker whether your insurer requires remediation.
- Use the (usually small) quote to negotiate, or have the seller complete the fix.
- Don't accept a cheap 'we added anti-oxidant paste' fix alone — insist on an approved connection method.