Your house may need rewiring if it still has knob-and-tube wiring, has aluminum branch wiring from about 1965 to the mid-1970s, has mostly two-prong (ungrounded) outlets, or shows warning signs like frequent tripping, warm outlets or scorch marks. Many homes need only partial rewiring or targeted repairs, not a whole-house rewire. A licensed electrician can inspect the wiring and tell you what actually needs to change.
8 signs your wiring needs attention
- Knob-and-tube wiring. Found in many homes built before the 1940s. It has no ground wire, its insulation can become brittle, and it was not designed to be covered by building insulation. Many insurers ask about it.
- Aluminum branch wiring. Homes built about 1965 to the mid-1970s may have it. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has flagged it as a fire risk at connections. It can often be made safer with approved connection repairs; a full rewire is not always required.
- Two-prong outlets. These have no ground. Options include running a ground or adding GFCI protection with outlets labeled “No equipment ground.”
- Breakers that trip or fuses that blow often. Circuits may be overloaded or have a fault.
- Warm, discolored or buzzing outlets and switches. A sign of loose or failing connections. Stop using them and have them checked.
- Flickering or dimming lights across the house. Can point to loose connections in circuits or the panel.
- Cloth-covered or damaged wiring visible in the basement, attic or at the panel.
- Not enough outlets, leading to extension cords and power strips everywhere.
Partial rewire or whole-house rewire?
Depending on condition, we may replace only the problem circuits or recommend a full rewire. Common approaches include replacing the remaining knob-and-tube circuits, rewiring kitchens and bathrooms during a remodel, adding dedicated circuits for appliances, and upgrading the panel at the same time if it is undersized. A whole-house rewire makes the most sense when most of the original wiring is obsolete or damaged, or when walls are already open for a major remodel.
What to expect from a rewire
- Inspection first. The electrician maps what wiring you have and where the problems are.
- Permit. Rewiring needs an electrical permit and inspections from your city, town or county.
- Access. Electricians fish new wire through walls, attics and basements to limit openings; some drywall patching is usually needed.
- Room by room. Many rewires are done in sections so you can stay in the home.
Older homes in Northern Colorado
Older neighborhoods near downtown Loveland and Old Town Fort Collins include homes around a century old, where knob-and-tube and ungrounded outlets still turn up. One Loveland customer told us their 100-year-old house had knob-and-tube throughout before we updated it over the course of a week.
Selling or buying an older home?
Home inspection reports often flag knob-and-tube, ungrounded outlets, double-tapped breakers or an older panel. An electrician can tell you which items are safety issues, which are code updates that only apply when work is done, and what each repair costs, so you can negotiate or plan with real numbers. See electrical inspections.
Get your wiring checked
Every visit includes the $89 Eggers Safety Inspection: an 8-point check that includes the panel, grounding, GFCI protection, outlets and switches, and visible wiring, with each point marked Pass or Needs Attention. The $89 is credited toward the job when you go ahead. Eggers Electric is locally owned in Loveland since 1973. Call 7 days, 7am–8pm at 970-669-1883 or Schedule Service. More on wiring and rewiring.
Frequently asked questions
Is knob-and-tube wiring dangerous?
It is very old, has no ground, and its insulation can deteriorate. It should be inspected, and replacement is usually recommended where it is still in use.
Does aluminum wiring need to be replaced?
Not always. Approved connection repairs can address the main risk at connections; a licensed electrician can recommend the right fix.
How long does rewiring a house take?
It depends on the size of the home and how much is being rewired. Many rewires are done room by room; we give you a timeline with the estimate.
Do I need a permit to rewire my house?
Yes. Rewiring needs an electrical permit and inspections. We handle the permit.