Factors to Consider for a Home Rewiring Upgrade

Rewiring is an essential home improvement project homeowners should take up to eliminate electrical hazards and meet household's rising electric demands.

An outdated electrical wiring system poses a substantial risk to home safety. Faulty electrical wiring is a leading cause of residential electrical fires. In addition, old and damaged wires are more susceptible to overheating and causing a fire. While newly constructed homes are outfitted to accommodate the high-electricity demands of modern households, the wiring in many old structures can't adequately power the latest appliances, equipment, and devices. Another issue with old wiring is that it is not in compliance with the latest electrical codes.

Rewiring is an essential home improvement project homeowners should take up to eliminate electrical hazards and meet household's rising electric demands. However, upgrading a home wiring is a complex process. Here are a few essential factors to consider for a smooth home rewiring upgrade:

Prepare an inventory of the home's electric usage

Understanding where and how the home uses electricity can help prepare the electrical system to match the household requirements. Create a list of everything that uses electricity to determine the rewiring process. 

Know the local electric and building codes

Rewiring is a significant process and should be performed according to local building standards. Usually, electricians carrying out the rewiring process understand the codes and the permit requirements. The local codes can affect the decisions like the type of wire, the number of outlets for each room, and the wattage requirements. Therefore, taking the required permits or ensuring the work is up to code is essential to avoid redoing everything later.

Create a detailed plan

Rewiring the home takes significant time. Generally, electricians consider all aspects before offering an estimate. First, list all the things that need replacement or redoing. The rewiring cost will depend on the property's size or the number of rooms that need rewiring. Also, consider the timeline of the rewiring process, expected mess, or if you need to move because power disruptions could occur temporarily. The plan should have everything mentioned in detail to ensure work is done correctly and according to requirements. 

Check the home infrastructure

Rewiring the home will require drilling holes in the walls as all wires lie behind them. An electrical inspection helps reveal the home's existing electrical structure so that you will know the location of all pipes and plumbing. It is usually best to consider rewiring during a home remodeling. 

Change the outlets

If the home still has old two-prong outlets, rewiring is the perfect time to upgrade to three-prong grounded outlets and install GFCI outlets for added protection. In addition, consider updating the service panel, ensuring proper spacing between the outlets, and installing dedicated circuits in the service panel for powering significant appliances.

Keep future needs in mind

Future-proof the home while rewiring it. Upgrading the home's wires is not a regular project. Therefore, it is essential to sit with an electrician and plan the rewiring process keeping in mind the future electrical needs.

Hire a residential electrician

Hire a professional electrician to inspect the home's electrical system. Choose an experienced technician who knows the complexities and difficulties involved in rewiring. An electrical contractor can safely remove the old wires and ensure that the new wiring is correctly installed, insulated, and enclosed.

If you need a fast, affordable electrician for your home or business, call RSB Electrical at 480-485-4284.