Why Rewiring May Be Necessary
Rewiring a home can be a daunting task, but there are times when it becomes necessary. Here are some of the most common reasons I may need to rewire my house:
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Upgrading to a 200 amp service - If my home still has an old 60 or 100 amp electrical service, it may not be sufficient to handle all of my modern electrical needs. Upgrading to a 200 amp service provides more power and allows me to run more high wattage appliances and devices simultaneously.
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Aluminum wiring - Aluminum wiring was commonly used in homes built between 1965 and 1973. However, it is prone to overheating and arcing faults, so upgrading to copper wiring can prevent electrical fires.
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Knob and tube wiring - This outdated wiring from before 1950 lacks grounding and can be a fire hazard. Replacing knob and tube wiring usually requires complete rewiring.
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Insufficient circuits - If I find myself constantly needing to unplug one device to use another, I likely need more circuits installed to power all my electrical needs.
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Electrical code updates - Building codes evolve over time. Rewiring can bring my home up to the latest code for safety.
Cost Considerations
Rewiring a whole house can easily cost $10,000-$15,000 on average. Here are some tips to keep costs under control:
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Only rewire the rooms or sections of my home that need updates. Rewiring my entire house may be unnecessary.
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Consider a service panel upgrade first if that will solve my issues, rather than a full rewire. This single upgrade runs $2,000-$4,000 typically.
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Obtain multiple quotes from licensed electricians to find the best rate.
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Ask about ways to reduce labor costs, such as doing prep work like attic access and drywall patching myself.
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Inquire about the use of aluminum wiring pigtails instead of rewiring if aluminum wiring is my only issue. This costs $1,500-$3,000.
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Apply for energy efficiency rebates from my utility company to offset costs.
Safely Preparing for a Rewire Project
I can make my rewiring project safer and easier by taking these preparatory steps:
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Turn off power at the main breaker panel and verify it is fully disconnected with a voltage tester. Leave it off for the duration of the project.
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Clear out rooms and closets where electrical work will occur by removing furnishings and stored items that may obstruct access.
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Take detailed photos of my existing wiring for reference. This aids troubleshooting of any issues.
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Inspect and repair any water damage or structural issues where electrical wires run that could impact rewiring.
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Check insulation levels around wiring and upgrade insulation where necessary.
Hiring a Licensed Electrician
While advanced DIYers may be tempted to tackle home rewiring solo, I strongly recommend hiring a licensed electrician. Here's why:
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Electricians have the specialized skills and knowledge to guide my specific rewiring project and avoid costly errors.
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They ensure rewiring meets the National Electrical Code for safety. Mistakes could endanger my home or family.
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Licensed electricians carry insurance that protects my home in the event of damages or injuries during the rewiring work.
When selecting my electrician, I should:
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Verify they have an active license in my state.
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Check that they carry liability insurance and workers' compensation.
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Ask for 3-5 references from past rewiring jobs and call to ask about quality and service.
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Obtain a detailed written estimate outlining costs, timeline, equipment, and work specifics.
Tips to Stay Safe During Rewiring
Even with an electrician handling the technical rewiring tasks, safety should be my top concern. Here is how I can stay safe throughout the rewiring process:
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Keep children and pets out of work areas to prevent accidents or injuries.
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Do not enter blocked off rewiring zones while the electrician works. Wait for their all clear when it is safe.
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Press the electrician for details on precautions taken and double check additional risks.
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Request to observe key steps, like the main power disconnect and reconnect, to understand the protocol.
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Label all disconnected wires and take photos to avoid confusion when restoring power to circuits.
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When rewiring is complete, I should receive a detailed invoice and certified inspection report before final payment.
Living Without Power During Rewiring
Rewiring often requires power to be shut off for extended periods. To prepare:
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I should charge devices, stock up on batteries, and fill gas tanks for generators before power is cut.
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Identify the order of importance for restoring power room-by-room to guide the electrician.
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If the rewire will take over 3-5 days, consider booking a hotel stay. This is especially critical if anyone in my home relies on medical devices.
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Alert family members about the shutdown details and establish a point of contact in case issues arise while away from home without power.
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Remove or protect perishable foods that may spoil without refrigeration during an extended outage.
With careful planning and an experienced electrician, I can successfully rewire my home to be safer and equipped for modern electrical usage without going bankrupt or getting hurt! Let me know if you have any other rewiring questions.