Comprehensive Upgrade
Comprehensive Upgrade | Whole Home Rewires | Electrical | Charleston
Transform your historic Charleston charm or contemporary coastal haven into a safer, smarter space with HEP’s comprehensive upgrade electrical service. Our licensed electricians specialize in whole home rewires, meticulously replacing outdated, hazardous wiring with modern, code-compliant systems that power today’s technology while safeguarding tomorrow’s peace of mind. From the moment we step onto your porch until the final breaker is labeled, you’ll experience transparent pricing, spotless job-site etiquette, and a crew that treats your house like the Lowcountry treasure it is.
Whether you’re renovating a century-old single in the French Quarter or preparing a new build on Daniel Island, HEP delivers tailored solutions that boost energy efficiency, support high-demand appliances, and add value to your property. Let us weave reliability into every outlet, switch, and fixture—so storms, surges, and the growing list of smart devices never leave you in the dark. Schedule your free assessment today and feel the confidence of power perfected.
FAQs
Why might a Charleston home need a whole-home electrical rewire?
Many Lowcountry houses—especially those built before 1980—still rely on outdated knob-and-tube, cloth-covered, or aluminum branch-circuit wiring. These older systems are not designed for today’s appliance loads, can overheat in Charleston’s humid climate, and often lack proper grounding and AFCI/GFCI protection. A comprehensive rewire brings the dwelling up to the current National Electrical Code (NEC) and City of Charleston amendments, reduces fire risk, eliminates nuisance breaker trips, and provides the capacity for modern HVAC, kitchen, EV-charger, and smart-home technologies.
What warning signs indicate my home may need rewiring?
Common red flags include frequently tripping breakers, blown fuses, dimming or flickering lights, warm or discolored outlets, a burning odor from panels or receptacles, two-prong (ungrounded) outlets, lack of GFCIs in kitchens/baths, aluminum branch wiring, and a service panel smaller than 100 amps. If your home is over 40 years old and has never been inspected, scheduling a licensed electrician for an evaluation is strongly recommended.
What does a whole-home rewire involve?
1. Detailed load calculation and code compliance plan. 2. Secure City of Charleston building/electrical permits. 3. Isolate and de-energize old circuits. 4. Strategic drywall/ plaster access cuts to fish new copper NM-B or MC cable. 5. Install new breaker panel (typically 150–200 amps) and service equipment. 6. Add grounded tamper-resistant receptacles, AFCI/GFCI protection, and surge suppression. 7. Label circuits, restore wall surfaces, and clean work areas. 8. Coordinate city and SCE&G (Dominion Energy) inspections before final energization. Throughout the process we protect flooring and furnishings, maintain daily site cleanup, and keep critical circuits (refrigerator, internet, medical devices) powered via temporary feeders if needed.
How long will the rewire take, and do I have to move out?
A typical 1,800–2,500 sq ft Charleston home takes 5–10 working days, depending on access, ceiling height, and finish materials. Historic homes with plaster/lathe or downtown row houses may require 2–3 weeks. Most clients remain in the home; we stage work room-by-room, provide temporary power, and restore basic lighting and HVAC at the end of each day. If you work from home or have health/safety concerns, we can arrange a phased schedule or recommend short-term lodging for the most disruptive days.
Are permits and inspections required, and who handles them?
Yes. The City of Charleston Building Department mandates an electrical permit, plan review, and rough-in/final inspections for any whole-house rewire. If the dwelling is in a historic district, the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) may require additional approvals for exterior service changes. Our licensed master electrician pulls all permits, coordinates BAR paperwork, schedules inspections, and meets on-site with city officials and the utility to ensure full compliance and safe energization.
How much does a comprehensive rewire cost in the Charleston area?
Pricing depends on square footage, number of circuits, service upgrade size, wall/ceiling accessibility, and finish level. As a general range, most single-family homes fall between $6 and $10 per square foot, or roughly $12,000–$25,000 for an average residence. Historic restorations with plaster, brick, or limited attic/crawl access can exceed $15 per square foot. The investment increases resale value, lowers homeowners-insurance premiums, and provides a safer, code-compliant electrical system backed by our 5-year workmanship warranty.