House Rewiring Cost in San Diego
Searching for how much does it cost to rewire a house? Costs depend on home size, existing wiring condition, and accessibility. Here's what affects timeline:
| Home Size | Complexity | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | Standard | 3–5 days |
| 1,500 sq ft | Standard | 5–7 days |
| 2,000 sq ft | Moderate | 7–10 days |
| 2,500+ sq ft | Complex | 10–14 days |
At Subworkit Contracting, our licensed electricians serve all of San Diego County with fully permitted, code-compliant electrical work. Contact us for a free estimate.
What Is Included in a Whole-House Rewire
A complete rewiring includes:
- New electrical panel: Upgrade to 200-amp service
- New wiring throughout: Copper romex replacing old cloth/aluminum
- New outlets and switches: Code-compliant GFCI and AFCI protection
- New lighting circuits: Separate circuits per room
- Smoke/CO detector wiring: Hard-wired with battery backup
- Permits and inspections: San Diego requires permits for all electrical work
Optional additions: Dedicated circuits for EV chargers, HVAC, home office, kitchen appliances.
Signs Your House Needs Rewiring
Common indicators of outdated electrical systems:
- Home built before 1970: Likely has cloth-insulated or aluminum wiring
- Frequent breaker trips: Circuits can't handle modern electrical loads
- Two-prong outlets: Indicates ungrounded wiring
- Flickering lights: Loose connections or overloaded circuits
- Burning smell or discolored outlets: Immediate fire hazard
- Fuse box instead of breakers: Outdated and potentially dangerous
Not sure? Our free electrical inspection identifies issues and provides recommendations.
Rewiring Without Destroying Walls
Modern rewiring techniques minimize drywall damage:
- Fishing wires: Pulling new wires through existing wall cavities
- Strategic access holes: Small cuts in inconspicuous areas
- Attic/crawlspace access: Running wires above/below living spaces
- Raceway systems: Surface-mounted channels where fishing isn't possible
Patch and paint repair is typically included in our rewiring quotes.
Permits and Code Requirements
San Diego electrical rewiring requirements:
- Permit required: All electrical work beyond simple fixture swaps
- 200-amp minimum: New panels must be 200-amp for modern homes
- AFCI protection: Required in bedrooms and living areas
- GFCI protection: Required in kitchens, bathrooms, outdoors, garages
- Inspections: Rough-in inspection and final inspection required
Subworkit Contracting handles all permits and scheduling with the City of San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live in my house while it is being rewired?
Yes — most rewiring is done with power on. You may have temporary outages of 2–4 hours per room being worked on. We can also rewire in phases if needed.
How long does it take to rewire a house?
A typical 1,500–2,000 sq ft home takes 5–10 days, depending on accessibility and complexity. Larger or older homes may take 2+ weeks.
Is aluminum wiring dangerous?
Single-strand aluminum wiring (common 1965–1972) has higher fire risk due to oxidation and expansion. Options include full rewiring or copper pigtailing at connections.
Does rewiring increase home value?
Yes — modern electrical systems are a major selling point. Many buyers and home inspectors flag outdated wiring, and some insurers will not cover homes with knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring.
Can I rewire my house myself?
California requires a licensed electrician (C-10 license) for any electrical work beyond simple fixture replacement. DIY electrical work can void insurance and create serious hazards.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Contact Subworkit Contracting today for a free consultation. We serve San Diego County.
