What to Expect During a Whole House Rewire
By Joel Gonzalez, Owner & Electrician
A whole house rewire sounds like a major undertaking, and it is real work. But knowing what to expect ahead of time makes the process much less stressful. Here is a straightforward look at what happens during a typical residential rewire in the Jacksonville area.
Step 1: Inspection and Estimate
Before any work begins, the electrician inspects your current wiring. This means looking in the attic, crawl space (if you have one), and at your electrical panel. The goal is to understand what type of wiring you have, how accessible it is, and what the full scope of work will be.
You will get a written estimate that breaks down the cost. For most Jacksonville homes, whole house rewiring runs between $8,000 and $20,000 depending on size, accessibility, and complexity.
Step 2: Permits
Electrical work in Jacksonville and Duval County requires permits. Your electrician should handle this for you. The permit ensures that the work will be inspected by the city to verify it meets current electrical code. This is a protection for you as the homeowner.
Step 3: The Work Itself
Most rewires take 3 to 7 days for an average-sized home. Here is what happens during that time:
- Access points: Small holes are cut in walls and ceilings where needed to route new wiring. The electrician works through the attic and crawl space as much as possible to minimize wall cuts.
- New wiring: Modern NM-B copper wiring (commonly known as Romex) is run to replace the old wiring. New circuits are added where needed to meet current code requirements.
- New outlets and switches: Old two-prong outlets are replaced with grounded three-prong outlets. GFCI outlets are installed in bathrooms, kitchens, and other required locations. AFCI breakers are installed per current code.
- Panel connection: All new circuits are connected to your electrical panel. If your panel also needs upgrading, that work is typically done at the same time.
Step 4: Do You Need to Move Out?
In most cases, no. The electrician works room by room and restores power to completed areas. You will be without power in certain areas temporarily during the work, but you can usually continue living in the home. If there is a period where the entire home needs to be de-energized, the electrician will let you know in advance.
Step 5: Patching and Finishing
After the wiring is complete, the access holes need to be patched. Most electricians patch the drywall they cut. Painting and final cosmetic finishing is typically the homeowner's responsibility, or you can hire a painter separately.
Step 6: Final Inspection
The city inspector visits to verify that all work meets code. This inspection is included as part of the permit process. Once the inspection passes, you have documentation that your home's electrical system is safe and up to current standards.
Questions?
If you are considering a rewire for your Jacksonville home, the best first step is a free inspection. Joel's Electrical will assess your current wiring and give you an honest recommendation. Request your free estimate here or call 386-628-7797.
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