What to Expect During a Whole Home Electrical Rewire from a Licensed Contractor

chris darr • November 23, 2025

What to Expect During a Whole Home Electrical Rewire from a Licensed Contractor

Aging wiring is one of the most common and overlooked safety risks inside older homes. Outdated electrical systems can lead to flickering lights, unreliable outlets, frequent breaker trips, and in some cases serious fire hazards. When electrical problems become persistent or when a home renovation requires modern power demands, a whole home rewire becomes the safest and most effective solution. Ashley River Wired works with homeowners throughout Maryland to ensure their electrical systems are modern, safe, and built to support today’s appliances and technology.


A whole home rewire may sound overwhelming, but understanding the process helps you feel prepared and confident. From the initial inspection to the final walkthrough, here is what you can expect when working with a licensed contractor.


1. A Detailed Evaluation of Your Current Electrical System

The first step in any rewiring project is a thorough assessment of the existing system. A licensed electrician will evaluate the condition of the wiring, outlets, switches, grounding, panels, and protective devices. They will check for outdated materials such as aluminum wiring, cloth-wrapped wires, or deteriorated connections that can create hazards.


This evaluation allows your contractor to determine the scope of work and identify any immediate concerns. It also ensures the upcoming project meets modern electrical standards and local safety codes.

2. A Clear Plan for Project Scope and Timeline

Once the initial inspection is complete, your electrical contractor will outline the full plan for the rewire. This includes how many circuits the home needs, where new outlets will be placed, how walls or ceilings may be accessed, and what steps will minimize disruption during the project.


Rewiring is a detailed process that takes time and coordination, but a clear plan ensures the work is organized and efficient. Homeowners receive a timeline that explains each phase, including preparation, wiring removal, new circuit installation, and testing.


3. Safe Removal of Old Wiring and Outdated Components

During the early stages of the project, the contractor will systematically remove old wiring and unsafe components. This is a critical step because outdated materials can fail without warning. Removing them prevents electrical hazards and ensures the new system performs reliably.


Because whole home rewiring requires access to walls, ceilings, and sometimes crawlspaces, your contractor will take careful measures to protect your home and minimize disruption. Dust control, covering furniture, and strategic access points make the process cleaner and more manageable.

4. Installation of a Modern, Code Compliant Wiring System

Once the old wiring is removed, the new system can be installed. This includes updated circuits, safer grounding, new switches and outlets, and improved pathway organization. Modern wiring improves safety and ensures your home can support today’s technology.


A full electrical wiring upgrade often includes new GFCI and AFCI protection, which helps prevent electrical shocks, arc faults, and fire risks. These modern safety devices are now recommended or required in many areas of the home.

Electrical wires, various colors, run through a wall. Foam seals the top, wooden frame visible.

5. Upgrades to Panels and Electrical Capacity When Needed

Many older homes were built before modern power demands existed. Today’s kitchens, HVAC systems, home offices, and entertainment setups require significantly more power. As part of the rewiring plan, your contractor may recommend an electrical panel upgrade to give your home a safer and more reliable power supply.


A new panel supports additional circuits, reduces overloads, and distributes electricity more efficiently. It also extends the lifespan of your electrical system and helps prevent future issues.


6. Testing, Inspection, and Final Walkthrough

After installation, your contractor will test every circuit, outlet, and switch to ensure proper operation. A professional home electrical inspection ensures the entire system meets safety requirements and local codes.


Once everything is approved, the contractor will walk you through the new system, explain any new features or devices, and answer questions about lighting, outlets, or future upgrades you may want to consider.


Many homeowners begin researching projects like this by searching for an electrician near me when they want a trustworthy expert who can handle every detail with care.

Why Professional Expertise Matters

Whole home rewiring is not a project that should ever be handled by an inexperienced contractor. It requires deep knowledge of codes, safe wiring practices, and how electricity flows through a home. A skilled local electrician ensures the job is performed safely, neatly, and built to last.


DIY attempts or unlicensed work can result in fire hazards, overloaded circuits, and expensive repairs later. That is why homeowners rely on professional electrical services for projects of this scale.


If issues arise during the process, reliable electrical repair services ensure your system stays protected and functions properly.


Upgrade Your Home Safely With AR Wired

A whole home electrical rewire is one of the most important investments you can make in your property. It improves safety, reliability, and energy efficiency while preparing your home for future technology. Ready to update your electrical system and want a team you can trust? Contact AR Wired to begin your electrical rewiring plan.

Ceiling with recessed lights in a kitchen, cabinets below, neutral color scheme.
By chris darr January 10, 2026
Learn about common recessed lighting issues homeowners experience and how professional installation improves safety, comfort, and performance.
Doorway with frosted glass transom and panel door, painted light gray, and overhead lighting.
By chris darr December 23, 2025
Learn how to self-audit your home’s electrical system for efficiency, safety, and common problems, with guidance on when to call a local electrician.
Living room with fireplace, TV, white sofa, rug, and artwork.
By chris darr December 21, 2025
Learn how to evaluate electrical efficiency in newly purchased or newly built homes and why inspections help protect safety and performance.
licensed electrician wiring electrical outlet with pliers on a dark gray wall.
By chris darr December 14, 2025
Learn the most important questions to ask before hiring an electrical contractor and how to choose a trusted professional for your home.
Spacious living room with tan leather furniture, white walls, fireplace, and light wood floors.
By chris darr December 7, 2025
Start the new year with a safer and more efficient home. Ashley River Wired shares electrical upgrades, repairs, and safety steps for Charleston homeowners.
More Posts

The Blog By The River

Ceiling with recessed lights in a kitchen, cabinets below, neutral color scheme.
By chris darr January 10, 2026
Learn about common recessed lighting issues homeowners experience and how professional installation improves safety, comfort, and performance.
Doorway with frosted glass transom and panel door, painted light gray, and overhead lighting.
By chris darr December 23, 2025
Learn how to self-audit your home’s electrical system for efficiency, safety, and common problems, with guidance on when to call a local electrician.
Living room with fireplace, TV, white sofa, rug, and artwork.
By chris darr December 21, 2025
Learn how to evaluate electrical efficiency in newly purchased or newly built homes and why inspections help protect safety and performance.
More Posts