Rewiring a home in California can range from $14,000 to $36,000 depending on the size and complexity of the project. For example, a 1,200 sq ft bungalow might cost between $14,000 and $18,000, while a 3,000 sq ft two-story home could range from $27,000 to $36,000. These costs include labor, materials, and necessary permits.
California’s housing stock spans more than a century of architectural styles. Charming craftsman bungalows from the 1920s stand beside mid-century ranches and contemporary infill projects. That character comes with a hidden challenge—old electrical wiring. In California, outdated knob-and-tube circuits, brittle cloth-covered conductors, and undersized breaker panels still power millions of residences. If you are searching for reliable information on “old electrical wiring California,” you are already ahead of the curve. Here, we explain the risks, the solutions, and the smartest way to budget the work with instant AI estimates.
Fire Risk
Old insulation breaks down under California’s heat waves, exposing copper that can arc and spark.
Insufficient Capacity
Modern appliances draw far more amperage than 1940s wiring was designed to handle. Tripped breakers are the warning signs you should never ignore.
Code Compliance Issues
Homes sold or remodeled in California must meet current Title 24 and National Electrical Code (NEC) standards. Undocumented wiring can derail permits and closings.
Insurance Premiums
Many insurers now surcharge or decline coverage when knob-and-tube or aluminum branch circuits are present. Rewiring can lower your long-term costs.
Traditional estimating takes days of on-site visits and manual data entry. Modern solutions compress that into a streamlined process.
Using live California materials databases and prevailing-wage labor rates ensures market-accurate numbers—not ballpark guesses.
Based on thousands of projects statewide, a full rewire in 2025 averages:
Final pricing depends on access, finish level, service-panel upgrade, and municipal permit fees.
California’s energy-code updates reward homeowners who modernize electrical systems.
Auto-flagging eligible incentives ensures you never leave money on the table.
The Flores family loved their 1948 stucco cottage but dreaded rewiring costs. In a 15-minute phone session, they generated three budget options. They chose a mid-range package at $19,850 that included:
The project finished in nine working days with only 6 percent material variance from the original estimate.
Do I need to move out during the rewire?
Phased work room by room allows many families to stay home. Power is isolated safely each night.
Can I keep some existing circuits?
If cloth or aluminum wiring exists, full replacement is strongly advised. Inspectors document any safe circuits you can retain.
How long does the permit process take?
In most California municipalities, 2-3 weeks. All paperwork and inspections are handled for you.
Don’t let old electrical wiring in California compromise your safety or your property value. Start with a zero-obligation, AI-powered estimate and discover how simple, transparent, and affordable a complete rewire can be.
Replacing old electrical wiring in California can feel expensive, but thoughtful planning slashes labor hours while protecting finishes. Engineers map the shortest cable runs and reuse existing chases wherever code allows, saving an average 12 percent per project.
A 2,400 sf split-level presented limited attic access. Scanning the structure with LiDAR generated a 3-D route plan, and prefabricated raceway sections. Result: only 60 sq ft of drywall repair and a two-day schedule reduction worth $3,200 to the homeowner.
If “old electrical wiring California” brought you here, explore copper and aluminum-compatible solutions, then lock in your preferred start date directly from the quote dashboard. Dedicated project managers keep you informed from permit to final inspection—another reason homeowners rate the service five stars for peace of mind.
