Whole Home Rewire

Circuit Science Inc

Full Service Electrical
Solutions

Serving West GTA and Niagara Regions

ESA/ECRA# 7007167
Home electrical service upgrades often encompass a variety of requirements to ensure safety, efficiency, and the accommodation of modern electrical demands. These typically include upgrading outdated electrical panels to handle higher amperage, replacing old wiring to meet current safety standards, and installing new circuit breakers. Additionally, homeowners might need to add more outlets and circuits to support increased usage of appliances and electronic devices, upgrade lighting systems for better energy efficiency, and incorporate surge protection to safeguard against power surges. These upgrades not only enhance the safety and functionality of a home’s electrical system but also prepare it for future technological advancements. 
 

Whole House Rewiring

What to Expect

Open Framing

Assessment and Planning:
The electrician first assesses the layout, determining the best paths for running new wires. A detailed plan is made, including where outlets, switches, and fixtures will be installed.
Running Wires and Installing Boxes:
When rewiring in an open framing situation, where the walls are exposed, the process is generally more straightforward and less invasive:
Connecting and Labeling:
Wires are connected to the appropriate outlets, switches, and fixtures according to the plan. Each circuit is labeled to ensure clarity during the final connection to the electrical panel.
Inspection and Completion:
Inspection: Before the walls are closed up, an inspection is conducted to ensure the wiring meets local building codes and safety standards.
Completion: Once the wiring is approved, the walls are insulated and finished (drywall, plaster, etc.), and the final connections are made at the electrical panel.
Depending on the age and condition of your wiring, some circuits may need to be upgraded or rewired to handle the increased capacity safely.

Existing Homes

Rewiring a home with finished surfaces is more complex and requires careful planning to minimize disruption:
Initial Assesment:
The electrician conducts a thorough assessment of the existing electrical system, identifying the circuits that need to be replaced and planning the new wiring routes.
Cutting access holes and device boxes:
To access the wiring behind walls, small holes are strategically cut in the drywall or plaster near outlets, switches, and light fixtures. In some cases, baseboards or crown molding may need to be temporarily removed.
Running New Wires:
The electrician carefully threads new wires through the walls, floors, and ceilings, using the existing pathways whenever possible to reduce the need for additional cutting. This may involve fishing wires through the walls using specialized tools.
Replacing Outlets and Switches:
Old outlets, switches, and fixtures are replaced with new, updated versions. Each connection is carefully made, and circuits are labeled as the wiring progresses.
Patching and Repairs Surfaces ( walls and ceilings):
Once the new wiring is in place, the access holes are patched, and any removed baseboards or molding are reinstalled. The areas are then prepared for repainting or refinishing.
Final Connections and Inspection:
The new wiring is connected to the electrical panel, and the system is tested to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Once the new wiring is in place, the access holes are patched, and any removed baseboards or molding are reinstalled. The areas are then prepared for repainting or refinishing. The entire system is then inspected to ensure it complies with safety standards and local codes.

Impact on Occupancy

In an open framing situation, the work is relatively quick, and since it’s typically part of a larger construction or renovation project, the impact on occupants is minimal.
In a finished home, rewiring can be more disruptive. Occupants may need to plan for limited access to certain rooms and temporary loss of power during the rewiring process. However, electricians strive to minimize disruption by working room by room and scheduling work around the occupants' needs.
Overall, rewiring ensures your home’s electrical system is safe, up-to-date, and capable of handling modern electrical demands, providing peace of mind and adding value to your property.

Why it Costs

The costs involved in upgrading your homes wiring really boils down to how much of a rewire is needed. The code does not make the same requirements for a rewire done with existing walls as opposed to open framing. Once a wall is remove the code will apply to that wall or any other wallthat is removed, or ceiling for that matter.
Permit and inspection Fees:
ESA permits are required for a complete rewire, and the cost can range from $250to $750, depending on the totla amount of devices neededto be replaced and or added.  Generally speaking it can range from $80 a point ( device ) to $130. A typical home contains around 50 receptacles, 25 switches, 2 out door recepatacles, 2 out door lights. At $110/device approximately $9000. Add to that special circuits: AC , heating, hot water tanks, 1 stoves, 1 dryer, and the total will easily reach $10,000. Patching and painting can cost 30% of the electrical on top. An d of course TAXES.
Materials:

Wire

Many 150m rolls of cables : 14/2, 14/3, 10/3, 8/3, 12/2

Boxes

ceiling boxes, wall boxes, specialty boxes for dryer and range

Miscallaneous Materials:

Additional materials, such as breakers, connectors, and conduit, can add another $250 to $1200. Although much effort will be directed to reusing as much of the existing equipment as is possible such as breakers, most other equipment is concidered recyclable and will be removed unless requested by owner.
Labour:
Labor is the most significant cost component. Electricians generally charge between $50 to $150 per hour, depending on the region and their level of expertise. A rewire may take two weeks or as little as one week.
Additional Costs:
Disposal and Recyling of removed equipment. Some materials require special handling and disposal.
Utility Fees:
In some cases, the utility company may charge a fee for disconnecting and reconnecting power or for upgrading the service drop to your home. This can range from $600 to $750, depending on the utility provider. Areas affected include Toronto, Oakville and other remote areas.

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Contacts

905 616 2987

info@circuitscience.ca

Circuit Science Inc

2011