If your electrical system keeps experiencing problems, it might be time to rewire the whole house. This type of renovation involves many parts, including replacing outlets and upgrading the electrical panel. The project normally takes from a few days to a couple of weeks, with homes requiring structural modifications taking the longest.
Benefits of Rewiring the Whole House
Whole-house rewiring addresses problems with old, outdated wires by replacing them with new ones. This can prove of the utmost value for reducing fire hazards and other safety risks. You’ll enjoy peace of mind, knowing your home can safely power all modern gadgets and appliances without overloading the system. The increased efficiency that the new wiring provides will help save money on energy costs. Rewiring the house can also increase its overall value. If you’re planning to sell soon, buyers will have more interest in the home since it has modern wiring and a new electrical panel.
Inspecting the Existing Electrical System
The first part of a whole-house rewiring project always starts with carefully inspecting the current electrical system. Our technicians will check for frayed wires, overloaded circuits and outdated materials, like aluminum wiring. This inspection is paramount to understanding which parts need repair or replacement and which are still safe to use. We’ll closely inspect all outlets, attic spaces, crawl areas, visible wiring paths and the main panel.
Creating a Detailed Rewiring Plan
After the initial walk-through and inspection, we’ll create a full rewiring plan. This plan includes a detailed map of where all the new wires will run and how many circuits to add. It also details where any new outlets, switches and lights will go. Moreover, it covers panel upgrades that are necessary for handling increased electrical loads and meeting current safety codes.
Obtaining Permits and Meeting Code Requirements
Next, we’ll walk you through all the permits you’ll need for the project. For example, if we are adding new circuits, you might need an electrical permit. Whole-house rewiring projects that entail cutting into walls sometimes need building permits. You may also need a plumbing permit if you will be rewiring near plumbing fixtures. We can help you with the permit process by submitting the applications and coordinating inspections. This is one of the main advantages of working with a licensed electrician when doing rewiring projects. You won’t have to spend time trying to figure out local codes or paperwork. We’ll take care of everything for you.
Turning Off Power to the Entire Home
As we do all of the rewiring, the power to your house will be shut off. This protects us from electrical shock and other hazards as we work on wiring connections and circuit replacements. How long the power will need to be shut off depends on the size of the home and the complexity of the project. This means you might need to find temporary housing while we complete the project. In some homes, depending on the electrical setup, we might keep power running to certain essential circuits. This can give you access to basic lighting and appliances while the work continues, but it still limits overall power usage. Each project is unique, so we’ll explain the process and our expectations upfront so that you can make necessary plans and accommodations.
Removing Old or Unsafe Wiring
After we double-check that the power is off, we’ll start removing the old wiring. This includes all worn-out, damaged wiring behind walls and those hidden in ceilings and under floors. If we see any aluminum wiring, we’ll take it out as well. This type of wiring can present serious safety issues, like overheating and fire hazards. We’ll also remove any old junction boxes, switches and outlets that don’t meet today’s codes. The removal part of the project can be messy but necessary to make space for the new wiring.
Running New Wires Through Walls, Ceilings and Floors
With all of the old wiring safely removed, we’ll begin to install the new wires. This requires pulling wires through wall cavities and running them along joists and studs. This part of the project normally takes the longest. We may use fish tape, drills and assorted cutting tools to thread wires through any tight spaces. Depending on the home’s layout, we might even have to remove drywall or flooring and then patch it later.
Upgrading the Electrical Panel
Your electrical panel acts as the command center of the home’s electrical system. Many older versions can’t sufficiently handle today’s power demands. By adding a new panel, it becomes easier to add new circuits to prevent tripping and overheating. A new grounding system, surge protector or main disconnect switch might also be part of the upgrade. This ensures the home runs safely, efficiently and in compliance with modern electrical codes.
Replacing Outlets, Switches and Wall Plates
To modernize and improve safety, every room will get new outlets, switches and matching wall plates. All these new components help the new wiring function properly and meet the current code. During this phase, we’ll also add extra wiring and boxes to accommodate your requests for dimmer switches, USB outlets and additional plugs.
Installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
GFCIs add extra protection to the electrical system by quickly cutting power when they detect a ground fault. They are necessary in all spaces that have water or high moisture levels. This includes all kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages and outdoor spaces. We’ll know exactly where to install them to meet local building codes and safety standards.
Adding Dedicated Circuits for Appliances and Devices
Most of today’s homes use way more electricity than in the past. That’s why you may need dedicated circuits. They operate by providing power to a single appliance or outlet. In doing so, they spread the electrical load to minimize the risk of overloads and tripped breakers. We recommend adding dedicated circuits for the following: refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, microwave, washer and dryer, HVAC system, and home office equipment.
Testing the New System for Safety and Functionality
After we have installed all the new wiring, outlets, panels, switches and fixtures, we’ll carefully test each part. This process ensures the electricity flows smoothly throughout the whole house. If we notice any issues, like inconsistent voltage or faulty connections, we’ll know to troubleshoot and fix them immediately.
Scheduling a Final Electrical Inspection
The last part of the rewiring project includes a final inspection. A local building inspector will come to your house to review the completed work. They check that all wiring and components meet the code and match the approved plan. If the inspector notices any problems, like missing GFCIs or overloaded circuits, they’ll require corrections before approving the project.
Bryant Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric is a leading provider of whole-house rewiring services in Lexington, KY. We also offer whole-house surge protection, EV charger installations, generator services and more. Call Bryant Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric now to book reliable electrical services in Lexington.
