Rewire a House

Have you ever felt like your home’s electrical system is stuck in a different decade?

Maybe the lights flicker like it’s a horror movie, or your outlets give off that suspicious burnt smell.

These aren’t just quirky house features, they could be serious signs your house needs a rewire.

Knowing when to rewire a house can save you from major electrical issues down the road.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the top signs your home might need a full rewiring, what the process looks like, and yes, we’ll even tackle the big question: how much does it cost to rewire a house?

Why Rewiring Matters

Electrical systems are like the nervous system of your home—if they’re outdated or damaged, nothing functions right. Rewiring isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safety, efficiency, and compliance with modern electrical codes.

In older homes (especially those built before the 1980s), wiring systems may not support today’s appliances and technology. Left unchecked, this can lead to fire hazards, electric shocks, and costly damage.

1. Your House Still Has Knob-and-Tube or Aluminum Wiring

If your house was built before the 1950s, it might still have knob-and-tube wiring, and if it was built in the 60s or 70s, aluminum wiring might be lurking behind your walls. Both are outdated and considered fire risks today.

• Knob-and-tube wiring lacks grounding and insulation, making it a hazard.
• Aluminum wiring can oxidize and loosen over time, causing overheating at outlets and switches.

If your home inspection report mentions these, it’s time to rewire the house, no ifs, ands, or burning wires about it.

2. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips

Do your circuit breakers trip more often than your toddler does in the living room? This is a strong indicator your home’s wiring is under stress.

Modern homes require much more power, think smart TVs, high-wattage kitchen appliances, EV chargers, and more. If your system can’t keep up, it’s not just annoying—it’s dangerous.

Rewiring your house with a modern electrical panel and dedicated circuits can resolve this issue and future-proof your home.

👉 Check out our article on smart electrical panels for more on upgrading your system.

3. Outlets Are Hot, Sparking, or Discolored

Hot or discolored outlets are never a good sign. This means wiring behind the wall is overheating, which could lead to an electrical fire.

Similarly, if you notice sparks when plugging things in, don’t wait for your house to start sizzling, call a licensed electrician. This is a top sign it’s time to rewire the house.

4. You Rely on Extension Cords and Power Strips… Every Day

If your home doesn’t have enough outlets for your modern lifestyle, you’re not alone. Older homes weren’t designed for the number of electronics we use today. Some homes don’t even have any GFCI outlets.

While extension cords and power strips might seem like a harmless fix, they can overload your circuits and create fire hazards.

A full rewire can:

• Add outlets where you need them
• Upgrade to grounded three-prong receptacles
• Ensure every room has the capacity for today’s (and tomorrow’s) tech

5. You’re Planning a Renovation or Adding Major Appliances

Thinking about remodeling your kitchen or installing a hot tub? These upgrades often require more power and dedicated circuits. If your current wiring can’t handle it, it’s the perfect time to rewire.

Pro tip: Doing the rewiring during a renovation can save money since walls are already opened up, and you can combine electrical upgrades with the remodel.

👉 Planning a home EV charger too? Read our guide to installing a home EV charger in Colorado.

6. Your Lights Flicker or Dim (and It’s Not a Ghost)

Unless you live in a haunted house, flickering lights are usually a sign of loose wiring, an overloaded system, or poor connections.

This can happen especially when you turn on a microwave, vacuum, or AC. It’s more than a nuisance, it’s a clue that your system isn’t stable or strong enough to handle your electrical load.

7. You’re Getting Shocked (Literally)

Do you feel a mild shock or tingle when plugging in devices or touching switches? That shouldn’t happen.

These “phantom shocks” are often caused by:

• Faulty wiring
• Lack of proper grounding
• Moisture in outlets

This is a clear sign it’s time to rewire your house and eliminate risks of electrocution.

8. Buzzing Sounds or Burning Smells

Your house shouldn’t sound like a bee colony or smell like burnt toast without a toaster. If you hear buzzing from outlets or smell burning plastic, turn off the power and call a professional.

These symptoms can mean wires are shorting out behind the walls, which could spark a fire at any moment.

So… How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House?

Ah, the golden question. The cost to rewire a house varies depending on:

• Square footage
• Age of the home
• Accessibility of wiring
• Regional labor rates
• Panel upgrades and materials

On average in Colorado, you can expect to pay:

🏠 Home Size	💵 Estimated Cost to Rewire
1,000 sq ft	$4,000 – $8,000
2,000 sq ft	$8,000 – $15,000
3,000+ sq ft	$12,000 – $25,000+

Add 20–30% if you need electrical panel upgrades or permits for code compliance. But don’t let the price tag scare you. Many homeowners tackle rewiring in stages, starting with the areas of greatest concern.

The Rewiring Process: What to Expect

At The Electricians, here’s how we make rewiring as stress-free as possible:

1. Inspection & Consultation – We assess your current wiring and walk you through options.
2. Permits & Planning – Our team handles all permits and scheduling.
3. Rewiring & Upgrades – We remove old wires, install new ones, add outlets, and upgrade your panel if needed.
4. Cleanup & Testing – We leave your space clean and ensure everything is safe and up to code.

Sound good? Contact us today for a free rewiring consultation in the Denver metro area.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Rewiring your house might not be the most glamorous home improvement, but it’s one of the most important for safety and functionality. If you’ve noticed any of the signs we covered, don’t delay, a timely rewire could prevent a disaster.

At The Electricians, we’re Colorado’s trusted experts for whole-home rewiring, panel upgrades, and future-proof electrical solutions.

Whether you’re modernizing an older home or prepping for new tech, we’ve got your wiring covered—safely and smartly.

Want a safer, more reliable home?

📞 Call The Electricians or book an estimate online to see if your house is due for a rewiring upgrade.