Wiring & outlets

House Rewiring

Rewiring replaces old knob-and-tube, cloth-insulated or problem aluminum wiring with modern grounded cable, usually room by room through small wall openings rather than full demolition.

Call About Rewiring: (855) 679-2483

Free to call · Independent licensed electricians

Free to call
Price before work starts
Permits handled when required

House Rewiring at a glance

Typical duration: Several days to a few weeks
Walls: Small access openings, patched after
Permit: Required, with rough and final inspections

Independent licensed electricians in all 50 states + DC

Overview

What house rewiring involves

Wiring does not last forever. Cloth-insulated cable becomes brittle, knob-and-tube has no ground and was never designed to be buried in insulation, and 1960s–70s aluminum branch wiring needs special connections. Rewiring is usually done room by room with minimal wall openings, and pairs well with renovations when walls are already open.

See the types of work What affects the price

Safety first

Never add insulation over active knob-and-tube wiring unless an electrician has evaluated it. The wiring relies on open air to stay cool.

Warning signs

Signs you need house rewiring

If any of these sound familiar, it is time to have a licensed electrician take a look.

1
Knob-and-tube, cloth-insulated or aluminum branch wiring
2
Mostly two-prong (ungrounded) outlets
3
Frequent tripping, flickering or warm devices throughout the home
4
A major renovation with walls already open
5
Insurance difficulty because of wiring type

How it works

How the electrician handles it

What to expect from the licensed electrician you are connected with, from first visit to final inspection.

101
Inspection to identify wiring type and condition
202
Room-by-room plan to keep part of the home powered
303
New cable fished through walls with small access holes
404
Inspections at rough-in and final
505
Patching coordination with your drywall contractor

Types of work

Types of house rewiring work

Knob and Tube Replacement

Removing or abandoning knob-and-tube circuits and replacing them with grounded cable.

Survey of every active knob-and-tube run
Replacement with modern grounded cable
Documentation for insurers

Aluminum Wiring Remediation

Making aluminum branch circuits safe with approved connectors or replacement.

Pigtailing with connectors listed for aluminum-to-copper
Replacement of non-rated devices
Inspection of every connection point

Dedicated Circuit Installation

New circuits for appliances, home offices and equipment.

Correct wire gauge and breaker for the load
AFCI/GFCI protection where required
Clean routing and labeling

Kitchen Remodel Wiring

Countertop circuits, appliance circuits and lighting for remodels.

Multiple small-appliance circuits
GFCI protection at countertops
Lighting and island receptacle planning

Pricing

What affects the cost

Prices are set by the electrician after seeing the job. These are the factors that move the number.

Get a real number

A short visit lets the electrician see your panel, wiring and access, so the quote reflects your actual job.

Call to discuss your job

01
Home size and number of circuits
02
Plaster vs. drywall walls
03
Attic and basement access
04
Panel upgrade needed at the same time
05
Patching and painting responsibility

DIY vs. pro

What you can do, and when to stop

Safe for homeowners

Identify wiring type in the attic or basement from a safe distance
Ask your insurer what they require

Stop and call a pro

Adding insulation over knob-and-tube
Splicing into old wiring
Replacing two-prong outlets with three-prong without a ground

Safety: Never add insulation over active knob-and-tube wiring unless an electrician has evaluated it. The wiring relies on open air to stay cool.

Questions

House Rewiring questions

Can a house be rewired without tearing out all the walls?

Usually yes. Electricians fish new cable through attics, basements and small access openings. Plaster walls take more care but rarely need full removal.

Can I live in the house during rewiring?

Usually yes. Electricians work in sections so part of the home stays powered each day.

Does insurance care about knob-and-tube?

Many insurers decline or surcharge homes with active knob-and-tube wiring, so documented replacement can matter for coverage.

Same-day help often available

Call about house rewiring

Call (855) 679-2483

Free to call
Explain the problem in plain words
Connect with an independent licensed electrician near you

Smoke, flames or sparking? Leave the building and call 911 first.

Pronto Electrician is a free referral service. Calls are answered by independent licensed electricians in your area. Pronto Electrician does not perform electrical work, and the electrician you choose sets the price, schedule, permits and warranty.

Same-day help often available

Prefer to talk it through?

Your call is answered by an independent licensed electrician who serves your area.

(855) 679-2483

Service areas