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Whole-Home Rewiring Cost in Los Angeles:
Complete Pricing Guide [2026]

Complete guide to whole-home rewiring costs in Los Angeles. Pricing by home size, knob-and-tube replacement, aluminum wiring, and permit info.

Whole-Home Rewiring Costs in Los Angeles

Whole-home rewiring is one of the most significant electrical projects a homeowner can undertake. It replaces all existing electrical wiring in your home with modern, code-compliant Romex or MC cable. Here's what to expect in 2026.

Rewiring Cost Breakdown by Home Size

Home SizeTypical Range
Under 1,000 sq ft$8,000 – $15,000
1,000 – 1,500 sq ft$12,000 – $22,000
1,500 – 2,000 sq ft$15,000 – $25,000
2,000 – 2,500 sq ft$18,000 – $30,000
2,500+ sq ft$25,000 – $40,000+

Knob-and-tube and aluminum wiring replacements typically fall at the higher end of these ranges. Free estimate provided.

What Affects Rewiring Cost

FactorImpact on Cost
Knob-and-Tube Replacement+30–50%
Aluminum Wiring Replacement+20–40%
Limited Wall/Attic Access+15–30%
Slab Foundation (vs crawl space)+20–35%
Number of Circuits (20+ typical)Varies
Drywall Repair After Rewiring$2,000–$8,000
Permit & Inspection Fees$300–$800

Types of Wiring That Need Replacement

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Knob-and-Tube Wiring

Found in homes built before 1940. Uses individual hot and neutral conductors through ceramic knobs. No ground wire. Fire hazard. Many insurers won't cover homes with active K&T wiring.

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Aluminum Wiring

Used in homes built 1965–1973. Prone to loose connections at outlets and switches, causing overheating and fire risk. Requires special COPALUM or AlumiConn connectors at every connection point.

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Ungrounded Romex (2-Wire)

Found in homes built 1940–1960. Has insulated conductors but no equipment ground. Limits outlet types and creates safety hazards for modern electronics and appliances.

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Undersized Wiring

Older homes with 14-gauge or undersized wiring on 20A circuits. Can't handle modern electrical loads, causing overheating and fire risk.

What to Expect During Whole-Home Rewiring

1
Inspection & Assessment

We inspect your entire electrical system, document existing wiring types, and develop a rewiring plan with you.

2
Permit Application

Whole-home rewiring requires an LADBS permit. We handle all paperwork and schedule the inspection timeline.

3
Wall Access

We access walls through attic, crawl space, or small openings in drywall. Minimal patching required when done by experienced electricians.

4
New Wiring Installation

All circuits are run with modern 12-gauge or 10-gauge Romex with proper grounding. New outlets, switches, and junction boxes installed.

5
Panel Upgrade

Old fuse boxes or undersized panels are replaced with modern 200A breaker panels during the rewiring process.

6
Testing & Inspection

Every circuit is tested for proper grounding, GFCI/AFCI protection, and load capacity. City inspector verifies code compliance.

Signs Your Home Needs Rewiring

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Burning Smell

A burning or hot plastic smell from outlets, switches, or your panel is an immediate safety concern. Stop using the circuit and call an electrician.

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Flickering Lights

Lights that flicker or dim when appliances cycle on indicate inadequate wiring capacity or loose connections.

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Two-Prong Outlets

Ungrounded two-prong outlets throughout the home signal outdated wiring that can't support modern electrical needs.

🧊

Frequent Breaker Trips

If breakers trip regularly under normal household loads, your wiring may be undersized or deteriorated.

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Insurance Requirements

Many homeowner insurance companies require rewiring of homes with knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring as a condition of coverage.

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Home Purchase

If you're buying a home with outdated wiring, rewiring before moving in avoids costly surprises and ensures code compliance.

How Long Does Rewiring Take?

Home SizeTypical Timeline
Under 1,000 sq ft3–5 days
1,000 – 1,500 sq ft5–7 days
1,500 – 2,000 sq ft7–10 days
2,000+ sq ft10–14 days

You will likely need to vacate for 2–5 days during the most invasive phase. Your electrician will provide a specific timeline for your home.

Is Whole-Home Rewiring Worth the Investment?

While whole-home rewiring is a significant investment ($8,000–$30,000+), it provides substantial returns:

  • Safety — Eliminates fire risk from outdated or deteriorated wiring
  • Insurance — May reduce homeowner insurance premiums by 10–20%
  • Home Value — Modern electrical system is a major selling point for buyers
  • Inspection — Passes home inspection without electrical objections
  • Capability — Supports modern appliances, EV chargers, and smart home systems
  • Code Compliance — Meets current California Electrical Code requirements

Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-Home Rewiring Costs

How much does whole-home rewiring cost in Los Angeles?
Whole-home rewiring in Los Angeles typically costs $8,000 to $30,000 depending on home size, wiring condition, and accessibility. A 1,000 sq ft home runs $8,000–$15,000, a 1,500 sq ft home costs $12,000–$22,000, and homes over 2,000 sq ft can range from $18,000 to $30,000 or more. Knob-and-tube and aluminum wiring replacements are at the higher end.
How long does whole-home rewiring take?
Most whole-home rewiring projects take 3 to 10 days depending on home size, wall accessibility, and whether drywall needs to be opened. Larger homes or those with limited attic/crawl space access may take up to two weeks. You may need to vacate the home for part of the project.
Do I need to move out during rewiring?
For most whole-home rewiring projects, you will need to vacate for at least 2 to 5 days during the most invasive phase when walls are open and circuits are being run. Some homeowners stay elsewhere for the full project. Your electrician can advise on a specific timeline for your home.
What are the signs my home needs rewiring?
Common signs include: frequent breaker trips, flickering or dimming lights, burning smell from outlets or panels, two-prong ungrounded outlets throughout the home, discolored or warm outlet covers, aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring, and insurance companies requiring rewiring as a condition of coverage.
Does rewiring increase home value?
Yes. Whole-home rewiring significantly increases property value and buyer appeal. A modern electrical system eliminates a major inspection objection, may reduce homeowner insurance premiums, and makes the home eligible for modern electrical panel upgrades, EV charger installation, and smart home systems.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact AMY Electric for a free estimate on whole-home rewiring. Our licensed, C-10 certified team serves all of Greater Los Angeles.

☎ Call (818) 302-5614 Free Estimate

Written by Amy

California C-10 Licensed Electrician · EVITP Certified · 15+ Years Experience

Amy is the founder and lead electrician at AMY Electric, serving Greater Los Angeles since 2012. He holds a C-10 Electrical Contractor License (#981578) and EVITP Certification (#4051604). All recommendations are based on first-hand experience from over 200 completed projects.

Amram is a California-licensed C-10 electrical contractor (License #981578) with 15+ years of hands-on experience and EVITP certification (#4051604) for EV charging infrastructure. He founded AMY Electric in 2012. Verify the license: CSLB license lookup.