Useful Ideas About A House Rewire In Spring TX
How Much Typically Cost To Rewire A House?
Rewiring a house is no small undertaking. It can cost between $8,000 and $15,000 to rewire a house that is between 1,500 to 3,000 square feet. The exact cost doesn’t just depend on the size of the house, but also its age, and how easy it is for the electrician to gain access to the wiring that is already in place. Older homes can sometimes have quirks that make the job difficult.
Should I Have My Home Rewired?
There may be many reasons that you would want to rewire your property. Electrical systems are important, complex, and potentially dangerous, so it is important that you seek advice from an expert if you have concerns about your home.
If your property is more than 50 years old, it is a good idea to have your wiring inspected by a professional. Old style knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum wiring components can be dangerous. Call an electrician if you run into any of the following frequent issues:
- Circuit breakers tripping or fuse blowing frequently
- Burning smells or sizzling sounds
- Discolored or charred outlets
What Does Rewiring A Home Involve?
Rewiring means removing the old wiring and replacing it with more modern ‘non-metallic’ wire. Newer wires are safer, easier to work with, and won’t get hot when it is surrounded by wall insulation.
Old wiring can be removed by tearing out the walls, laying the new wires, then sealing the wiring behind the new drywall. That would be an expensive undertaking, and the job will be cheaper if you can do it by cutting some small sections of the wall, running new wire there and through basements, floor joists, crawl spaces or an attic to reduce the amount of cutting required.
Electricians will often fish wires through a wall using rods and lines known as fish tape to try to preserve the integrity of the property. The method may sometimes require a cut and patch, but it helps to reduce the amount of cutting, preserving plaster walls while allowing new wiring to be added.
Rewiring will usually mean that the service capacity is increased. Old wiring is often limited to a capacity of 60 to 100 amps, while new wiring can often reach 200 amps.
Finding A Good Electrician
Before you hire an electrician, do your due diligence to make sure that you are confident that the electrician is skilled and reputable. Get multiple quotes from electricians that are well-known in your area, read reviews, and look for word of mouth recommendations too. Read each quote and make sure that it is fully itemized and clear. Check the firm’s licensing, and confirm that the electrician is insured and bonded. Make sure that you know exactly what they plan to fix and how much it will cost.
Once the wiring is done, make sure that there are smoke detectors in the property, and that you have a clear evacuation plan. Good wiring reduces the risk of fire, but precautions still make sense.
Maintain the safety of your family and home by checking up on your electrics regularly. If you find anything circumspect, contact us or call us for a trusted electrician.