How Long Does It Take to Rewire a House?

The Short Answer

On average, a full house rewire can take anywhere from 3 to 10 days, depending on the size of your home, its age, the complexity of the wiring, and whether or not you’re living in the house during the process.

But keep in mind—rewiring isn’t just about pulling out old wires and installing new ones. It involves planning, safety checks, permits, and working around the home’s structure. So while it might only take a few days of hands-on work, the entire process could stretch a bit longer when you factor in preparation and inspection.

Why Rewiring Might Be Necessary

Before jumping into how long it takes, it’s helpful to know why rewiring matters. Older homes (especially those built before the 1970s) often contain outdated electrical systems. These systems weren’t designed for the electricity needs we have today—think of all the smart devices, TVs, gaming systems, kitchen appliances, and charging stations we rely on daily.

Signs your home may need rewiring include:

• Frequent tripped breakers or blown fuses
• Flickering or dimming lights
• Burning smells or discolored outlets
• Two-prong (ungrounded) outlets
• Lack of GFCI protection in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens

If any of these sound familiar, it’s probably time to consider a full electrical upgrade.

What Affects the Timeline?

The following are the factors that can affect the timeline:

1. Size of the House

This is the biggest factor. A small two-bedroom bungalow will take less time than a sprawling multi-story home with five bedrooms and multiple bathrooms. More rooms mean more outlets, switches, and light fixtures to wire.

• Small homes: 3–5 days
• Medium homes: 5–7 days
• Large homes: 7–10+ days

2. Age and Layout of the Home

Older homes often present unique challenges. They might have plaster walls, outdated panels, or wiring that doesn’t meet current codes. Electricians may need to work around tight spaces, brittle materials, or even asbestos in some cases—all of which can add time.

3. Living In vs. Moving Out

Rewiring is much faster when the house is empty. If you’re living in the home during the process, work has to be done in stages to keep parts of the house safe and functional. Furniture also has to be moved around, which slows things down.

When a house is vacant, electricians can work more efficiently, cut into walls without delay, and complete the job in fewer days.

4. Permits and Inspections

A proper rewire involves getting the right permits and scheduling inspections with local authorities. This step ensures everything is up to code—but waiting on approvals or inspection dates can sometimes delay progress by a day or two.

5. Added Features and Upgrades

Many homeowners choose to add new circuits for a home office, smart lighting, security systems, or upgraded appliances during a rewire. These extras are worth it, but they do take extra time to install properly.

What’s Involved in a Rewire?

To give you a better idea of the time involved, here’s a rough breakdown of what electricians typically do during a rewire:

• Initial Assessment and Planning – Electricians walk through the home, review existing wiring, and map out what needs to be replaced. This step also includes gathering permits.

• Removing Old Wiring – Carefully removing outdated or unsafe wires from walls, floors, and ceilings.

• Running New Cables – Pulling new wire through the structure and routing it to outlets, switches, and the main electrical panel.

• Installing Fixtures and Boxes – Mounting electrical boxes, lights, outlets, and switches in new or upgraded locations.

• Testing and Inspection – The system is tested for safety and efficiency, and inspected by a local authority before everything is sealed up.

• Finishing Touches – Patching walls, cleaning up, labeling the panel, and making sure everything works just the way it should.

Can You Speed It Up?

While you can’t rush quality electrical work, there are a few things you can do to help keep the timeline on track:

• Clear the way: Move furniture away from walls, and take down wall hangings so electricians have easier access.
• Make decisions early: Know where you want outlets, light switches, and smart devices ahead of time.
• Communicate clearly: Stay in touch with your electrician, especially if you have last-minute changes or questions.
• Consider temporary relocation: If possible, moving out during the rewire can cut the total time by several days.

Why Hiring Professionals Matters

Rewiring a home isn’t a DIY project. It requires in-depth knowledge of building codes, safety procedures, and electrical systems. A licensed electrician not only does the job right, but also ensures your home is safe and energy-efficient for years to come.

Cutting corners or hiring unlicensed labor might seem like a money-saver, but it can lead to failed inspections, fire hazards, and expensive repairs down the line.

Final Thoughts

Rewiring a house might sound like a major project—and it is—but it’s also one of the smartest long-term investments you can make in your home. The peace of mind that comes with a safer, more reliable electrical system is well worth the time it takes.

Most homes can be rewired in under two weeks, and with the right planning and a skilled electrician, you can minimize disruption and enjoy a modern, up-to-date system that keeps your household running smoothly.

Your Trusted Electrical Services Partner

 

At Turnkey Electric, we provide reliable, professional, and high-quality electrical solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial needs. From troubleshooting electrical issues to upgrading panels, installing energy-efficient systems, and handling complex wiring projects, our team is dedicated to delivering safe and efficient results. Whether it’s a new installation, emergency repairs, or custom solutions like home automation and EV chargers, Turnkey Electric ensures your systems are up to code and built to last. Trust us to power your home or business with excellence.