As your home’s electrical system ages, it is more likely to cause problems. Without this system, it becomes increasingly difficult to complete simple daily tasks, which is why it’s important to address any concerns with an aging electrical system as soon as possible.

Signs that you might need a home rewiring often go beyond flickering lights or tripped breakers and, in fact, can even go unnoticed. By addressing outdated wiring in your home, you’re not only safeguarding against potential fire hazards but also future-proofing your home for the evolving technological landscape.

Signs Your House Needs Rewiring

While they may not trigger any immediate concerns at first, there are many common signs that you need to rewire your house. Some of these may be more general signs that you need electrical services; however, if issues worsen, they can become more widespread and affect your entire home

If you notice any of the following, reach out to a licensed electrician:

• Age of Home: Homes built more than 40 years ago may have outdated wiring that needs to be replaced for safety reasons.
• Flickering Lights: If your lights dim or flicker often, it’s a sign that your home is experiencing rapid or frequent surges of power. This can be pretty common, most typically when you flick on a high-powered appliance. But, if this becomes frequent or happens even when small appliances are switched on, you likely have a wiring issue.
• Frequent Breaker Trips: Do your breakers trip all the time, or do fuses blow out frequently? If so, your power is overloading the circuits, which clearly indicates that the wiring needs to be updated.
• Burning Outlets and Switches: Discoloration, deformation, and black or brown marks around outlets and switches mean that the circuits these are attached to are getting too hot.
• Bulbs Burning Out Often: If the issue is isolated to a single fixture, replacing the fixture itself with something more appropriate to your home’s wiring might resolve the issue. But if it doesn’t, or the problem extends to multiple fixtures, rewiring your house may be the right solution.
• Buzzing or Humming Sounds: Strange noises coming from outlets or switches may indicate wiring issues or loose connections.
• Weak Electrical Shock: Getting zapped when you plug in an appliance or touch a switch is not normal and can be quite dangerous. If this is happening, you should have your home inspected and rewired.
• Burning Smells: The smell of burnt wiring is unmistakable and should be addressed immediately, as it could lead to a fire.

Cost to Rewire a House

The average cost to rewire a house ranges from $1,100 to $13,000. The total cost depends on the size of your home and the extent of the rewiring job. Typically, wiring costs between $0.15 and $3.50 per linear foot. So, if your home is around 2,500 square feet, the cost of materials will be about $4,600. 

Other factors that can affect house rewiring cost may include:

• Age of the House: Older homes built before the 1970s or 1980s often require full rewiring, while newer homes may only need partial rewiring.
• Labor: Hiring an electrician typically costs between $50 and $150 per hour. Most rewiring jobs take between three and seven days to complete, resulting in labor costs ranging from $1,000 to $7,400, with an average of $4,600.
• Home Inspection and Permits: Before starting the rewiring process, an electrical inspection is necessary. Acquiring permits is also essential. Inspection costs typically average $100 to $150, and permit costs vary from $25 to $400, depending on local regulations and the municipality.

Benefits of Rewiring a House

Rewiring your house helps ensure electrical safety. However, there are many long-term benefits to consider as well, like:

• Enhanced Safety: Upgrading outdated wiring reduces the risk of electrical fires, shocks, and other safety hazards, ensuring a safer living environment.
• Improved Efficiency: Modern wiring systems are more energy-efficient, leading to reduced energy usage and lower bills over time.
• Compliance with Regulations: Rewiring ensures compliance with current building codes and regulations, avoiding potential legal issues and ensuring the safety of occupants.
• Integration of Modern Technology: Upgraded wiring allows for the integration of modern technology and smart home devices, enhancing convenience, comfort, and home automation capabilities.
• Increased Home Value: A properly rewired home can increase its resale value, attracting potential buyers who prioritize safety, efficiency, and modern amenities.

Do You Need Whole-Home Rewiring?

Mostly, it comes down to relevance. Electrical appliances and outlets are becoming more sophisticated every year. Home rewiring can be seen as an upgrade, helping to ensure your home can keep up with your growing modern electrical needs.

GAC Services is home to certified and licensed professionals who have been helping homeowners with rewiring services for years. Whether you’re looking for total home rewiring, heavy-ups for your electrical panel, installation services, or anything else electrical, we’re the experts for you.

Contact us online today to learn more about our home rewiring services in Gaithersburg, Frederick County, Montgomery County, and Howard County, Maryland.