How To Update Electrical Wiring In An Old House

An old home can be full of charm and wonder. Original wood floorboards, detailed molding, period-specific touches that ignite conversation – the list goes on and on. Many home buyers prefer a house with some history over a newly built home.

The downside of buying an older house rather than a new one is that you’re more likely to spend a lot of money on maintenance or updates. It’s especially true when considering safety issues associated with an old electrical system.

Understanding how to update electrical wiring in an old house will help you assess, fix and maintain this critical home system in your antique abode. Read on to learn all about updating electrical wiring in an old house, including the potential cost.

Do I Need To Replace The Wiring In My Old House?

Before we get into how to update electrical wiring in your old house, let’s look at whether you need to. If you own a historic home, you may need to replace its outdated wiring system.

Old wiring, such as knob and tube wiring, isn’t illegal or inherently hazardous, but it isn’t the most practical option. For example, most building codes don’t allow insulation in walls with knob and tube wiring due to the risk of overheating and fire. Old wiring can also be restrictive, limiting your electrical load capacity or appliance options because it typically doesn’t support three-pronged plugs without a ground wire.

You may also need to replace the wiring when you’re ready to sell or rent your property. You’ll need to order an inspection before you can seal the deal with a potential buyer or renter. A licensed electrician will review all the wiring in your home to make sure it’s up to code. You may fail the inspection if the electrician discovers outdated wiring, which typically happens with older homes. In that case, you’d need to wait to sell or rent the home until you install new wiring.

Common Signs Your Electrical Wiring Needs Updating

Look for common red flags that your wiring may be faulty and require updating, including:

• The wiring is outdated or not up to code. Having up-to-date wiring that meets code is critical. The primary reason is safety. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and standards aim to prevent fires.
• The systems use aluminum wiring. If the electrical system in your home has aluminum wiring, it may be time to rewire. Aluminum wiring presents several dangers, such as loosening, overheating and catching fire.
• The amps don’t provide enough power. Most older homes use a standard 60 or 100 amps, but modern homes require 200 amps. If your home doesn't have 200 amps, it may be time to call an electrician.
• The home has frequent electrical problems. You’ll likely see signs that you need new wiring as you go about your daily life. Burning smells, discolored outlets and switches, flickering lights, frequent circuit breaker trips or fuses that constantly blow are a few signs homeowners should watch out for.

How To Update Electrical Wiring In An Old House In 6 Steps

Now that you know the warning signs of dated wiring, let’s dive into how to rewire an old house. The steps will involve reviewing all your electrical systems, understanding your local codes, making a list of your electrical projects, contacting a reputable electrician, planning for demolition and reconstruction and finding hardware that matches your home’s aesthetic.

1. Review All Your Electrical Systems

Make a list of all your electrical systems, including where they’re located and how you use them. Why? Because you can’t tackle a project like rewiring an old house without knowing what you are getting into.

Here are some tasks you should carry out:

• Inspect your circuit breakers: Look for rust or signs of pests. Verify that all circuit breakers flip on and off easily and don’t get stuck.
• Test your GFCI outlets: Any outlets near a water source should be ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected. Press the test button to make sure all GFCI outlets are safe.
• Test all other outlets: Buy a cube tester and plug it into each outlet in your home. A light will show that corresponds to specific wiring issues. Also, check an outlet’s fit. If an outlet wiggles, that's bad. Be sure to conduct these tests on outdoor outlets too.
• Inspect the wiring you can see: Look over any wiring you can see in areas like the basement or attic. Make sure there are no cracks or splits.
• Test your voltage: If appliances are glitching or lights are flickering, it may be a voltage issue. Use a voltmeter to check the power at each outlet. For standard 120-volt outlets, the voltmeter may indicate a range of 110 – 130 volts. That’s standard. If the volt readings are outside this range, you have a problem that needs addressing.
• Look at extension cords: Make sure your extension cords are free of cracks or splits. And if you’re using extension cords for power tools, verify they have the correct amperage rating.

2. Understand Your Local Codes

It’s important to know your local codes for electrical work, such as how many outlets you can have in each room and what type of wire you need to use. This information can help ensure a safe rewiring of your old house and help you pass any necessary inspections.

3. Make A List Of Desired Electrical Projects

Make a list of any projects you need completed before hiring an electrician, such as:

• Upgrading the main service panel
• Running wires directly from a circuit breaker to an outlet
• Spacing outlets 6 – 8 feet apart to avoid using extension cords
• Installing three-prong outlets
• Adding ground fault circuit interrupters in the kitchen, bathrooms and outdoors

To get a quote, an electrician will need to know the scope of work before they can tell you how much they estimate it will cost. They also need to know the scope of work to determine a work timeline.

4. Contact A Reputable Electrician

Taking the DIY route may seem like an easy way to save money. But you may be better off hiring a reputable, licensed electrician to complete the electrical rewiring. Electricians are highly trained. They can get the work done safely and effectively. And they are trained to make updates while protecting the existing infrastructure of a property. Consider searching for an electrician in your area who specializes in older homes.

5. Plan For Demolition And Reconstruction

Be sure to discuss demolition and reconstruction with your electrician or contractor before rewiring your home. Rewiring an old house is a major project. It will be disruptive if walls and floors are removed. Be sure to plan for restoring everything after the electrician completes the rewiring.

6. Find Hardware That Matches Your Home

To put the finishing touch on the project, install hardware that matches the aesthetic of your home’s natural beauty. Add light switches and outlet covers that match the overall look of your house. Why buy an older home if you’re only going to put modern finishes in it, right?

Cost To Update Electrical Wiring In A Home

On average, it costs about $2,000 – $12,000 to update electrical wiring in a home. The final price will depend on several factors, but the most critical are the project’s scope and the electrician’s rates. The average cost of hiring a licensed electrician ranges from $50 – $100 per hour.

Converting a few outlets to GFCI outlets is typically an inexpensive project. But if you’re hiring an electrician to replace all the wiring in a house, it will be pricey. If you’re on a tight budget, consider updating your home’s wiring room by room and prioritize rooms that may require less work, like a bathroom.

FAQs On Rewiring An Old House

Now that you have a basic understanding of how to update electrical wiring in an old house, let’s look at some frequently asked questions about this home project.

Does rewiring an old house add value?

Absolutely! Rewiring an old house is an expensive investment that can help protect your home and boost your property value by increasing energy efficiency. You will be safer and save money on your electric bill, and the upgrade can make your home more appealing to potential buyers when it’s time to sell.

How long does a house rewire take?

Rewiring a home takes an average of 3 – 10 days, but the project’s length will depend on the home's size and age and the project’s scope. Rewiring a 900-square-foot home that is relatively new can be completed in 1 – 2 days. Rewiring an old house that is 3,500 square feet will take considerably longer.

Can I rewire a house without removing drywall?

Even if you’re a DIY aficionado, removing drywall yourself is probably not a good idea. DIY may be manageable if the rewiring project doesn’t require removing drywall or other extensive work. If you think that may be the case, talk to an experienced, licensed electrician first to help decide whether the project is something you can tackle yourself.

Can I replace my electrical panel myself?

You shouldn’t replace an electrical panel by yourself. Working on household electrical systems without an electrical license is dangerous and may cause a fire. And depending on where you live, it may also be illegal. Licensed electricians are trained to ensure their safety and the safety of the homes they work in.

To save on electrical panel replacement costs, you can replace the panel. But don’t try replacing the old wiring – leave that to the professionals.

The Bottom Line: Update Old Electrical To Power Your Home Safely And Effectively

An old house can be full of wonder. Understanding how to care for it will ensure you can enjoy that feeling for years. Learning how to update electrical wiring in an old house is a critical part of enjoying your home for the long term. Keep your eyes peeled, use the right tools and hire the right people to ensure the best outcome for your rewiring project.

Ready to go out with the old, in with the new? Apply for a cash-out refinance to finance the cost of rewiring your older home today.