Estimated Read Time: 14 minutes
Rewiring an old house is one of the smartest safety investments you can make. If you are researching rewiring an old house because of flickering lights, frequent breaker trips, or knob and tube wiring, you are in the right place. In this guide, JDV Electric explains the warning signs, realistic costs in the Philadelphia area, the timeline, and smart timing tips so you can plan with confidence.
Do You Really Need a Rewire? Clear Signs to Watch
Old wiring is a hidden risk. If your home has any of the following, a full or partial rewire is likely the safest path.
- Outdated wiring types: knob and tube or aluminum conductors
- Frequent circuit breaker trips or blown fuses
- Flickering lights or dimming when appliances start
- Scorched outlets or warm switch plates
- Ungrounded two-prong outlets
- Not enough capacity for today’s appliances
- Home age: 25 to 40 years old or older, especially pre-1950 builds
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to shock hazards or an electrical fire. Rewiring brings your system up to modern code, adds grounding, and increases capacity so your breakers do their job. In rowhomes from South Philly to Brewerytown and twins in Upper Darby, we often find a mix of old circuits and DIY add-ons that strain panels and create unsafe splices.
"JDV rewired my whole house this past summer. ... Their work was inspected every couple of days, and now I feel safe and secure knowing my home is up to code."
What a Whole-Home Rewire Includes
A quality rewire is more than pulling new cable. Here is the JDV Electric process homeowners appreciate:
- Consultation and Quote
- We walk you through your options and provide a transparent, flat-rate quote.
- Permitting and Inspection Scheduling
- We handle the permits and coordinate inspections so the upgrade is legal and safe.
- Removal and Installation
- We remove unsafe wiring and install modern, grounded circuits and new home runs.
- Insulation and Drywall
- We replace insulation where we open cavities and repair drywall to a paint-ready finish.
- Final Walkthrough and Testing
- We test every switch, receptacle, and device before powering up.
Commonly paired services include electrical panel upgrades or replacements, dedicated circuits for heavy appliances, whole-house surge protection, and AFCI/GFCI protection in required locations. We also handle specialty wiring such as hot tub feeds and appliance circuits.
"These guys are awesome! Came in and rewired my whole basement in a day! ... I’ll be coming back to JDV to redo the wiring for the rest of my house!"
Cost Breakdown: What Rewiring an Old House Really Costs
Pricing depends on home size, access, finishes, and the scope of upgrades. Published ranges on our site reflect real projects in the Greater Philadelphia market:
- Typical range for whole-home rewiring: about $20,000 to $50,000 or more for larger homes
- Many full-house projects in our area start around $25,000 and go up based on square footage, stories, and finish level
What drives cost up or down:
- Size and complexity: rowhome vs. stone colonial vs. expanded Cape
- Plaster vs. drywall: plaster restoration can require more labor
- Panel location and capacity: a panel upgrade can add cost but improves reliability
- Accessibility: finished basements and tight attics increase time
- Add-ons: surge protection, AFCI/GFCI, smart switches, EV or hot tub circuits
How flat-rate pricing protects you:
- You get a clear, itemized scope and a firm price before work begins
- The price you approve is the price you pay
Financing options are available, and many homeowners combine low monthly payments with our $9.95 per month Safety & Savings Plan for ongoing maintenance and discounts.
"Amazing job! A long 13ish days but a full rewire of a 1930 2 story house is no small job. ... We have found our electricians for future remodeling projects."
Timeline and What to Expect During a Rewire
Most whole-home rewires take about one to two weeks on average. Larger or more intricate homes can take longer, especially with plaster restoration and custom finishes.
What the schedule often looks like:
- Days 1–2: Protection, mapping circuits, and start of rough-in
- Days 3–7: Pulling new cable, setting boxes, panel work, and inspections
- Days 8–10: Device install, trim, labeling, and testing
- Final day: Walkthrough, education, and cleanup
Will the power be off? Yes, there will be periods when power must be shut off to work safely. We plan outages in blocks and, in some cases, can provide temporary solutions to keep essentials running. We protect floors and walk paths, and we clean at the end of each day to reduce disruption.
"... a three day project rewiring half my house. They arrived on time, were extremely professional and knowledgeable. They cleaned up at the end of every day and left no debris."
Safety, Code, and Permits: What Matters in PA, NJ, and DE
Electrical work typically requires permits and inspections. We obtain permits and coordinate every inspection to ensure your project meets current code. This protects your family, insurance coverage, and resale value.
Two hard facts to ground your decision:
- Our licensed electricians complete over 100 hours of training each year to stay current with evolving codes, AFCI/GFCI requirements, and best practices
- We hold active licenses in Pennsylvania (PAHIC 007239), New Jersey (34EI01626100), and Delaware (T1-0005511), and we maintain an A+ BBB rating
A compliant rewire includes proper grounding, arc fault and ground fault protection where required, correct conductor sizing, secured cable runs, and labeled panels. We also coordinate service upgrades with the utility when needed.
Minimizing Disruption: Walls, Pets, and Cleanup
Rewiring an occupied home requires careful planning. Our team uses respectful access methods to reduce openings, covers furnishings, and isolates dust. When walls or ceilings must be opened, we replace insulation and repair drywall so the space is ready for paint. If you have pets, we plan the work so doors and gates stay managed and crews announce entries.
"... made the process so easy to schedule and get the job done while being professional and actually really neat considering they had to chop up the walls a little."
Smart Timing: When to Rewire for the Best Results
Consider rewiring when:
- You are renovating kitchens, baths, or opening walls
- You are replacing the main panel or adding large appliances
- You just purchased a pre-war rowhome and want safety handled before move-in
- You have frequent breaker trips, ungrounded outlets, or aluminum branch circuits
Choosing shoulder seasons can help, since summer and deep winter bring peak emergency demand. In the Philadelphia area, we often schedule whole-home projects in spring and fall to balance comfort and lead times. If you are planning to paint, complete drywall repair first, then paint for a clean finish.
Add-On Upgrades That Future-Proof Your Home
A rewire is the perfect time to add capacity and modern protection.
- Panel upgrade or replacement for more circuits and safer operation
- Dedicated circuits for laundry, kitchen appliances, and HVAC
- Whole-house surge protection to safeguard electronics and appliances
- GFCI/AFCI protection to reduce shock and arc hazards
- Smart switches and dimmers for comfort and efficiency
- Outdoor and garage circuits for EV charging or workshops
These upgrades reduce nuisance trips, enhance safety, and prepare your home for future tech.
Financing, Plans, and Long-Term Savings
We offer financing options for installations and repairs so you can complete the work now and pay over time. Many homeowners pair financing with our Safety & Savings Plan to maintain their new system.
Safety & Savings Plan highlights:
- Only $9.95 per month with a 12-month minimum
- No service fees and a 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Two-year repair warranty on covered work
- Complimentary electrical inspections
- 15% off all products and services
This plan keeps your home safer and your budget predictable, while ensuring your electrical system stays code compliant year after year.
How to Choose the Right Electrician for a Rewire
Selecting the right team protects your investment and your family.
- Confirm licenses and insurance in your state
- Ask about permits, inspections, and code compliance
- Look for background checks and drug testing
- Choose a contractor with ongoing training and manufacturer certifications
- Insist on flat-rate, written pricing with a clear scope
- Read local reviews and ask about similar homes, such as Philly rowhomes, Havertown colonials, or Drexel Hill twins
JDV Electric checks every box and sends fully stocked trucks so work progresses without delay. Transparent pricing means no surprise fees.
Special Savings You Can Use
- Save $75 on a Whole-House Surge Protector when added during your rewire.
- Save $175 on a breaker panel replacement when bundled with a whole-home rewire.
Ask about current availability when you call. Financing is available for installations and repairs, and our $9.95 per month Safety & Savings Plan adds ongoing discounts and benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does rewiring an old house take?
Most whole-home rewires take about one to two weeks. Size, plaster repair, and inspection scheduling can add time. We provide a daily plan so you always know what is next.
Will my power be off during the project?
Yes, there will be planned shutoffs to work safely. We group outages to limit downtime and can provide temporary solutions in some cases to keep essentials running.
Do I need permits for a rewire in the Philadelphia area?
Yes. Electrical rewires require permits and inspections. JDV Electric handles the permitting and coordinates all inspections to ensure code compliance and safety.
How much does it cost to rewire an old house?
Published ranges in our market run from about $20,000 to $50,000 or more for larger homes. Many projects start around $25,000. Your quote depends on size, access, finishes, and upgrades.
Will you repair the walls after rewiring?
Yes. When we open cavities, we replace insulation, repair drywall, and leave surfaces ready for paint. Daily cleanup keeps your home tidy throughout the project.
In Summary
If you are considering rewiring an old house in the Philadelphia area, now is a smart time to act. A code-compliant rewire removes hazards, boosts capacity, and prepares your home for modern living. JDV Electric handles permits, inspections, drywall repairs, and financing, then backs the work with strong guarantees. Ask about current surge protector and panel upgrade savings.
Ready to Make Your Home Safer?
Schedule your whole-home rewiring consultation today with JDV Electric.
- Call: (484) 462-7228
- Visit: https://www.jdvelectric.com/
- Current savings: $75 off a whole-house surge protector and $175 off a breaker panel replacement when bundled with your project
Or ask about financing and our $9.95 per month Safety & Savings Plan for added protection and discounts. Serving Philadelphia, Upper Darby, Havertown, Drexel Hill, Springfield, King of Prussia, Newtown Square, Aston, and Glen Mills.
JDV Electric is a family-owned electrical contractor serving Greater Philadelphia since 2005. Our licensed, insured, and background-checked electricians complete 100+ hours of training each year. We hold licenses PAHIC 007239, NJ 34EI01626100, and DE T1-0005511, and we are Eaton certified. Expect flat-rate pricing, a 100% satisfaction guarantee, fully stocked trucks, and code-compliant workmanship. We handle permits and inspections, offer financing, and stand behind our work with strong warranties and an A+ BBB rating.