10 Tips For House Rewires for Older Homes

rewire older homeOlder homes are usually the ones that benefit the most from a whole house rewire. This is due to the fact that the electrical systems found in old homes are not up to date with modern technology and might not be able to handle to loads that are thrown at them. With today’s new appliances, gadgets, and tech, more and more pressure is put on a home’s electrical system.

Computers, 3D televisions, newer refrigerators – these weren’t around when historically homes were built and wired. Upgrading an older home’s electrical system is definitely a task one must take on to bring it up to date. It’s important to do an electrical system update with care to not damage an older, historically home or building.

How can an older home be rewired while still keeping the history intact? Below are some tips that will ensure your home will still feel the same after a rewire. These tips will help reduce the number of holes in the floors, ceilings or walls and make the whole process of a house rewire a little more smooth.

1. Create a list of everything you’ll be using in your home that requires electricity. Call this an “electrical inventory”. Make sure to list where you will be using these items as well. This will help to match your electrical system with your electrical needs. When you make a list of items and where you’ll be using them, you’ll help the electrician with the framework of the job.

2. Check with your city about local codes and pull the necessary permits. Electrical code will tell you how many outlets you can put in each room as well as what kind of wiring you need. An electrician may be able to help you with this.

3. Now is the time to decide if you are okay with just running the electrical wiring or if you should run other things such as data or security. With modern wiring, you get more than just electricity. Keep in mind too that wireless systems are getting more cheaper as well as become more sophisticated.

4. Use the list you created in step one to set a plan of action. This will help your electrician greatly. Take stock and decide what you want to be done, how you want it done, and when it should be completed.

5. Make sure to keep an eye out for existing infrastructure. Check it twice and drill once. Avoid any plumbing or existing wiring in your home to prevent damage.

6. Be sure to get everything in writing. From the city officials all the way to your electrician, get everything you talk about in writing so the job gets finished and finished correctly.

7. Find a good electrician. A good electrician will know what they’re doing when it comes to a house rewire for an older home. It may be a more difficult job, but finding the right electrician for your house rewire is very important.

8. Be sure to remember the cleanup process. A house rewire can be a messy job. Including the demolition and reconstruction process in your plans is very important in order to scope out the whole job.

9. When you are adding an outlet in an area that is going to get a lot of use or a large appliance is going to be there – such as a refrigerator – be sure to use a dedicated circuit. This is where the wire run right from the circuit breaker to the outlet and it is not shared with any other items. This will help to reduce the load on the electrical system and will stop tripping from happening.

10. Keep the feel of your historic home be integrating plates and switches that match the feel of your home. There are many places that will supply hardware to match your home’s atmosphere.

These are just ten tips to keep in mind when rewiring your older home. An electrician can better prepare you for the job when the time comes. If you have any questions, you can reach out to a local electrician to get answers.

The Electric Connection has been supplying the Los Angeles area with electrical support for over 30 years. House rewires and panel upgrades are our specialty. If you think your older home needs a house rewire, please give us a call at (818) 446-0888.