Few home improvement projects are as invasive as having your home totally rewired. It is a lengthy, messy, and tedious undertaking.
Speaking of undertaking, this home improvement job is absolutely NOT a DIY project. While you may know something about electricity, there are a slew of codes to follow and a few rules that, if not clearly understood, could cause your house to burn down and possibly you and your family as well.
Even if you think you're up for the task, there is a very good chance that local codes and laws (and your insurance company) will only allow a licensed electrician to rewire your house. Not only are there building codes to follow, but your city will also likely require a permit. This allows the city to inspect your contractor's work, and, more importantly, fill their coffers by cashing in on your home improvement.
You might think it is as easy as hiring an electrician just to get the job done. It's not likely to be that simple. It is a trying time that, if you are not prepared, can make renting a condo seem like a life change worth looking into. If you are hellbent on having all of your wiring replaced, here are some tips to make it less painful.
If you have the old "knob and tube" wiring in your house, then the answer is easy; yes, you need an entire rewire. Also know that while aluminum wiring used in the mid 20th century is not ideal, and it does increase your chances of an electrical fire, it is not a ticking time bomb. Educate yourself on aluminum wiring if it comes up in the conversation with your electrician. Get at least three quotes with a list of what needs to be replaced or updated. If all three claim you need a complete rewire, then you probably do.
Over the years, the owners have been adding new sockets for household appliances, as well as making alterations. No one knows who performed the electrical work and how. Usually, during the inspection, you can count dozens of nuances in connection with which it is necessary to do a reviring of the whole house, and all these points are a violation of electrical safety rules.
