House Rewiring

Types of Outdated Wiring

Knob-and-tube wiring was standard from the 1880s through the 1940s. It uses ceramic knobs and tubes to run individual conductors through wall cavities without a ground wire. Aluminum branch wiring was used in many homes built between 1965 and 1973 as a cheaper alternative to copper. It expands and contracts more than copper, which can loosen connections and create fire hazards at outlets and switches. Cloth-insulated wiring uses a fabric covering instead of modern plastic insulation; the cloth deteriorates over time, exposing conductors and increasing fire risk.

What a Whole-House Rewire Involves

A complete rewire replaces all branch circuit wiring from the panel to every outlet, switch, and fixture in the home. The work typically includes: installing new copper wiring (14-gauge for 15-amp circuits, 12-gauge for 20-amp circuits); adding grounded outlets and GFCI/AFCI protection where required by current code; upgrading the electrical panel if needed; adding circuits to meet modern requirements (dedicated kitchen, bathroom, and laundry circuits); patching and repairing walls where access was needed; and passing final inspection.

Can You Rewire Without Tearing Out Walls?

In many cases, experienced electricians can rewire a home with minimal wall damage by fishing new wires through existing wall cavities, using the attic and crawl space for access. Some drywall cutting is usually necessary at specific points, but a skilled crew can keep it to a minimum. We always discuss the access plan before starting and coordinate with your drywall contractor or handle the patching ourselves.

Insurance and Lending Implications

Many insurance companies will not cover homes with knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, or they charge significantly higher premiums. If you are buying or refinancing a home with outdated wiring, your lender may require a rewire before closing. A complete rewire with a passed inspection and updated insurance certification resolves these issues and can meaningfully reduce your homeowner insurance premiums going forward.

Modern Code Requirements After Rewiring

When a home is rewired, the new installation must meet current California Electrical Code requirements. This means GFCI-protected outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas; AFCI-protected circuits in bedrooms and living areas; dedicated 20-amp circuits for kitchen countertop outlets, bathrooms, and laundry; tamper-resistant receptacles throughout the home; and proper grounding and bonding. These requirements provide a significantly higher level of safety than the original installation.

Warning Signs to Watch For

• Your home was built before 1970 and has never been rewired
• You see ceramic knobs, tubes, or cloth-covered wires in your attic or basement
• Your insurance company has flagged your wiring or increased your premium
• Outlets are two-prong (ungrounded) throughout the house
• You smell burning when using certain outlets or circuits
• Breakers trip frequently or fuses blow regularly
• Lights dim when appliances turn on

What Affects the Cost

• Size of the home (square footage and number of rooms)
• Number of floors — multi-story homes require more access work
• Type of existing wiring (knob-and-tube is typically more labor-intensive to remove)
• Whether the panel also needs upgrading
• Accessibility of wall cavities via attic and crawl space
• Amount of drywall repair needed after rewiring
• Number of additional circuits and outlets to be added

Frequently Asked Questions