Rewiring an old house typically costs between $8,000 and $20,000 and takes 3 to 10 days for a licensed electrician to complete, depending on the home’s size and the condition of the existing wiring. This article walks you through every stage of the rewiring process, from the initial inspection all the way to the final permit sign-off.
Whether you own a 1940s bungalow in Glendale, a postwar ranch in Burbank, or a craftsman in Pasadena, older homes across the Los Angeles area share many of the same wiring challenges. Understanding the full process helps you ask better questions, plan your budget, and avoid surprises.
Understand Why Old Wiring Becomes a Safety Hazard
Homes built before 1970 often contain knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum wiring. Both pose serious fire and shock risks when left in service. Knob-and-tube lacks a ground wire entirely, and aluminum wiring expands and contracts with heat in ways that loosen connections over time.
In areas like Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Downtown Los Angeles, a large percentage of housing stock dates back to the 1920s through 1960s. Many of these homes still carry original wiring behind the walls.
- Knob-and-tube wiring cannot support modern appliance loads safely.
- Aluminum wiring is linked to a higher rate of electrical fires compared to copper.
- Old wiring insulation becomes brittle and cracks, exposing live conductors.
- Two-prong outlets indicate an ungrounded system that does not meet current code.
- Flickering lights, tripped breakers, and burning smells are warning signs you should never ignore.
California building codes and Los Angeles County regulations require all new or replacement wiring to meet current NEC (National Electrical Code) standards. Kirk Star Electrical handles permit applications and code compliance for every rewiring project we take on.
Start With a Full Electrical Inspection
Before any wire gets pulled, a licensed electrician needs to assess what you have. This inspection typically takes two to four hours for an average single-family home. The goal is to document the existing system and identify exactly what needs to be replaced.
During the inspection, the electrician will check the panel, examine accessible wiring in the attic and crawl spaces, test all outlets and switches, and review the service amperage entering the home. Most older homes have 60-amp or 100-amp service, which is undersized for modern use.
- Inspect the main electrical panel for age, brand, and capacity.
- Identify any Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels, which are known safety hazards.
- Test every outlet for proper grounding and polarity.
- Check wiring in attic, basement, and crawl spaces for visible damage.
- Review smoke detector and GFCI outlet placement against current code.
After the inspection, you receive a written scope of work. This becomes the foundation for your permit application and your project budget.
Compare the Scope of Work: Partial vs. Full Rewire
Not every old house needs a complete rewire. The right scope depends on how much of the original wiring remains, how the home has been updated over the years, and what your goals are. Here is how the two main approaches compare.
| Factor | Partial Rewire | Full Rewire |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Specific circuits or rooms | Entire home from panel outward |
| Typical Cost | $2,000 to $6,000 | $8,000 to $20,000+ |
| Timeline | 1 to 3 days | 3 to 10 days |
| Drywall Disruption | Minimal to moderate | Moderate to significant |
| Permit Required | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Homes with mixed wiring history | Homes with all-original wiring |
Homes in Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, and Encino often fall into a mixed category. Previous owners may have updated kitchens or bathrooms while leaving older wiring in bedrooms and hallways. A thorough inspection reveals exactly where the boundaries are.
Pull Permits and Plan the New Circuit Layout
Permits are not optional. In Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles, rewiring work requires a building permit and electrical inspection sign-off before walls are closed. Skipping permits can void your homeowner’s insurance and create problems when you sell the home.
Your electrician submits the permit application to the local building department. In Pasadena, Glendale, and Burbank, processing times vary but are generally two to five business days for standard residential projects. Some jurisdictions offer same-day over-the-counter permits for straightforward jobs.
While permits are being processed, your electrician develops the circuit layout plan. Modern homes require dedicated circuits for major appliances. The plan will include the following.
- Dedicated 20-amp circuits for kitchen appliances and the refrigerator.
- Dedicated circuits for the washer, dryer, dishwasher, and HVAC equipment.
- GFCI-protected circuits in all bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor locations.
- Arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers for bedroom and living area circuits as required by current California code.
- Panel upgrade to 200-amp service if the existing service is undersized.
Review the Step-by-Step Rewiring Process
Once permits are approved and the plan is finalized, the physical work begins. Here is how a professional rewire unfolds from day one through completion.
| Phase | What Happens | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Power Shutoff | Utility disconnects service at the meter for panel work | Half day |
| 2. Panel Removal | Old panel removed and new panel box mounted | 1 day |
| 3. Old Wire Removal | Knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring pulled from walls and attic | 1 to 2 days |
| 4. New Wire Rough-In | NM-B copper cable run through walls, floors, and ceilings | 2 to 4 days |
| 5. Rough Inspection | City inspector reviews wiring before walls are closed | 1 day |
| 6. Wall Repair | Drywall patched and finished (by electrician or separate contractor) | 1 to 3 days |
| 7. Device Installation | Outlets, switches, fixtures, and panel connections completed | 1 to 2 days |
| 8. Final Inspection | City inspector signs off on completed work | 1 day |
Kirk Star Electrical coordinates every phase of this process, including scheduling the utility shutoff and both inspections. You do not need to manage those steps yourself.
Know What to Expect in Older Homes Across the LA Area
Houses in Covina, West Covina, and Whittier tend to be larger ranch-style homes from the 1950s and 1960s. These often have full attic access, which makes running new wire significantly faster and reduces drywall damage.
Craftsman bungalows in Pasadena and older Spanish-style homes in Hollywood are a different story. Plaster walls and unusual framing methods make fishing wire through walls more time-consuming. Budget an additional 15 to 25 percent in labor for these property types.
Hillside homes in Studio City, Universal City, and parts of West Hollywood present their own challenges. Steep slopes, post-and-beam construction, and limited crawl space access all add complexity. An on-site estimate is essential for properties like these before any pricing is confirmed.
Culver City and North Hollywood have seen significant renovation activity in recent years. In many cases, kitchens and baths have already been updated, but original wiring still exists in older sections of the home. A targeted approach can save money while still bringing the entire system up to code.
FAQs on Rewiring an Old House
How long does it take to rewire an old house?
Most full rewires on single-family homes take between 3 and 10 days of active work. The total project timeline including permits and inspections is typically two to four weeks. Larger homes or those with difficult access can take longer.
Do I need to move out during a rewiring project?
You do not always need to vacate, but expect the home to be without power for portions of each workday. If the panel replacement requires a full-day shutoff, many homeowners choose to stay elsewhere that night. Your electrician will give you a clear schedule in advance.
Will rewiring my house damage my walls?
Some drywall cutting is unavoidable, but a skilled electrician minimizes openings by fishing wire through existing cavities wherever possible. Small patches are typically required at outlet and switch locations. Full plaster homes in older neighborhoods may require more extensive patching.
Is a permit really required for rewiring in Los Angeles?
Yes. All rewiring work in Los Angeles County requires a permit and a final inspection by the city or county building department. Work done without permits is illegal, can void your insurance, and creates liability when selling the property. Kirk Star Electrical handles the permit process for you.
How do I know if my home needs a full rewire or just a panel upgrade?
A panel upgrade addresses capacity issues but does not fix dangerous wiring behind your walls. If your home still has knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, a panel upgrade alone is not sufficient. A licensed inspection will tell you exactly what is needed.
What is the cost of rewiring a 1,500 square foot house in the Pasadena area?
A full rewire for a 1,500 square foot home in Pasadena or Glendale typically runs between $9,000 and $14,000, including a panel upgrade to 200-amp service. Costs vary based on wall construction, accessibility, and the number of circuits required. Contact Kirk Star Electrical for a detailed on-site estimate.
Wrap Up and Next Steps
Rewiring an old house is one of the most important investments you can make in safety and long-term home value. The process involves inspection, permitting, old wire removal, new circuit installation, and two rounds of city inspection, all coordinated by your electrician.
Kirk Star Electrical has helped homeowners across Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Hollywood, Van Nuys, Encino, Culver City, and the wider Los Angeles area bring their older homes up to current electrical code. If your home was built before 1970 or you are seeing warning signs like flickering lights or tripped breakers, it is time to get a professional assessment.
Call Kirk Star Electrical at (626) 677-0923 to schedule your electrical inspection and get a written estimate for your rewiring project. Our team will walk you through the scope, timeline, and cost before any work begins.