Assess the Wiring, Then Plan the Work
Whole House Rewiring
A rewire should start with the condition of your wiring and the equipment it supplies. We assess older systems, discuss targeted repairs or replacement, and plan access and power interruptions.
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Serving homes and businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Cruz.
(650) 550-0719Fox Electric is the marketing name of Fox Global Holdings LLC. CSLB #1145945, C-10.
Wiring Conditions That Need Assessment
Existing wiring can include several generations of work. We assess what is active, how it has been altered, and which areas need attention.
Aluminum Wiring Connections
Older solid aluminum wiring that supplies outlets and lights can have hazardous connections. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) describes replacement and specific permanent repair methods.
Knob-and-Tube Wiring
This older system uses separate wires supported by ceramic fittings. We assess insulation condition, previous alterations, and the appliances and lighting it supplies.
Aged or Damaged Insulation
Insulation is the protective material around a wire. Visible cracking, heat damage, or unsafe alterations can justify replacement of affected wiring.
Circuit Capacity Problems
A circuit must suit the equipment it supplies. We review wire size, breaker rating, and actual demand before recommending additional circuits.
Insurance Questions
If an insurer has requested electrical work, share the written requirements. We can define a scope; the insurer makes coverage decisions.
Inspection Findings
Bring the relevant inspection report. We distinguish confirmed defects from recommendations that need closer investigation.
Assessment to Sign-Off
Define the wiring scope, access, outages, and restoration before scheduling.
Assess the Existing Wiring
We inspect accessible wiring and panel equipment, identify limitations, and discuss any further access needed to define the work.
Plan Scope and Outages
Agree on circuits, permits, access, and expected power interruptions. Confirm whether you can remain in the home during each stage.
Install Replacement Wiring
We route the agreed wiring and install the specified devices and protection. Wall openings and hidden conditions may affect the work.
Test and Close Out
We test completed work and coordinate the agreed inspection steps. We complete the agreed documentation and identify remaining surface restoration work.
Why Fox for Rewiring
Access Discussed Early
We review possible wire routes and wall openings before defining patching and painting responsibilities.
Outage Planning
We discuss which rooms and appliances will lose power and whether occupied work is practical.
Permit Coordination
The proposal identifies required permit and inspection steps for the planned work.
Panel Work Assessed Separately
A rewire does not automatically require a larger panel. Condition and electrical demand guide that decision.
Clear Project Records
Keep inspection findings and the completed scope together. An insurer can review them against its own requirements.
Priorities Based on Findings
We separate confirmed defects from future improvements so you can understand the reason for each part of the project.
Rewiring Questions
How long does a full rewire take?
Home size, access, wall finishes, occupied rooms, and inspection scheduling all matter. We provide a project schedule after assessment and discuss when power will be unavailable.
Can I rewire in phases?
Sometimes. Each stage needs to leave a safe, usable system. We assess which circuits can be separated and which work must happen together.
Does rewiring include a panel upgrade and wall repairs?
Not automatically. We identify panel work, permits, patching, and painting separately so you know what is included.
What is aluminum wiring pigtailing?
Pigtailing connects a short copper wire to an aluminum wire end. The connector and installation method are critical. CPSC guidance identifies COPALUM and AlumiConn, two specialized connection systems. We assess the wiring before recommending a repair method and confirming installer requirements.
How much wall access will you need?
Accessible attics and crawl spaces may reduce openings. Finished ceilings, blocked routes, and previous alterations may require more access. We discuss likely openings and who will restore the surfaces.
Does all knob-and-tube wiring need immediate replacement?
A decision needs an assessment of the active wiring, condition, alterations, and use. We do not assume every older system has the same defects or that age alone defines the repair.
Should I rewire before selling?
Start with documented electrical findings and any written buyer or insurer requests. We can explain the repair scope; sale price, lender acceptance, and coverage outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
What records should I keep after rewiring?
Keep the agreed scope, circuit information, equipment details, inspection records where applicable, and written warranty terms. They help with future maintenance and alterations.
Will my insurance drop me because of my old panel or wiring?
Coverage decisions belong to your insurer. Ask for its written equipment or inspection requirements, then share those with us. An electrical assessment can document findings and repair options without guaranteeing insurance acceptance.
Is aluminum wiring a fire risk, and can I still get insured?
The wiring type, connections, and condition need to be identified before recommending repairs. Aluminum wiring requires compatible connection methods and equipment. Insurance acceptance is a separate question for your carrier.
How much does it cost to rewire an old house?
Cost depends on the wiring to replace, access, circuits, finishes, and any associated panel work. We assess the conditions and discuss whether the work can be phased. Wall repair and painting should be identified separately.
Whole-House Rewiring Across the Bay Area
Explore local planning information for whole-house rewiring, including permit and utility coordination.
More city planning guides
Get in Touch
Plan Your Rewiring Project
Share the concerns or inspection findings you have. We can discuss an assessment and the information needed for a proposal. Call (650) 550-0719.
Ask about the scope and fee for an assessment, diagnosis, or inspection before booking.
(650) 550-0719Related electrical guides
Continue with a guide that addresses the next planning decision.
Home Wiring
Whole-Home Rewiring: When It Makes Sense and What the Scope Should Include
A rewire should follow evidence about the existing circuits and future needs. Define what gets replaced, what remains, and how the home will be restored.
Read the guide
Troubleshooting
Knob-and-Tube Wiring: Assessing Condition and Planning Replacement
Building age alone is not a diagnosis. Identify active wiring, its condition, and the scope needed for your renovation.
Read the guide