Electrical System
Electrical System | Whole Home Rewires | Electrical | Charleston
From historic bungalows on the peninsula to coastal retreats on Daniel Island, Charleston’s homes each tell a story—yet many still rely on outdated, overloaded wiring that can’t keep up with today’s tech-hungry lifestyles. HEP’s licensed electricians specialize in whole home rewires, artfully threading new, code-compliant circuits behind plaster and shiplap without disturbing the Lowcountry charm you love.
We start with a thorough inspection and clear, no-surprise estimate, then move room by room to upgrade panels, replace unsafe aluminum or knob-and-tube lines, and add the surge protection and smart-device capacity modern living demands. With flexible scheduling, spotless clean-up, and a workmanship warranty that’s as solid as our Southern hospitality, HEP makes it easy to trade worry for wattage—and keep the lights of Charleston shining bright for decades to come.
FAQs
What is a whole-home rewire, and why might Charleston homeowners need one?
A whole-home rewire involves removing outdated branch circuits and installing new copper wiring, modern breakers, outlets, and grounding throughout the house. Many Charleston homes were built before the mid-1980s and still rely on knob-and-tube, cloth-insulated, or aluminum wiring that no longer meets today’s National Electrical Code (NEC 2020) or local amendments. A rewire eliminates fire hazards, adds the capacity required for HVAC upgrades, EV chargers, and smart-home devices, and ensures your insurance company continues to cover electrical losses.
How can I tell if my Charleston house needs a complete rewire?
Common warning signs include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, warm or discolored outlets, two-prong receptacles without grounding, or circuits that lack GFCI/AFCI protection. If your home was built before 1975 and has never been rewired, there’s a strong chance it still contains obsolete conductors. During a free in-home assessment, our licensed electricians open sample outlets, check the panel, and use thermal imaging to confirm wire conditions before recommending a full or partial rewire.
What is the rewire process and how long will it take?
1. Permit & planning – We pull the required City of Charleston electrical permit and map new circuit layouts (1–3 days). 2. Rough-in – Our crew fishes new NM-B or MC cable through walls, ceilings, and crawlspaces, installs nail-on boxes, and lands homeruns in a new 200-amp panel (3–7 days for a 2,000-sq-ft home). 3. Rough inspection – City inspectors verify stapling, conductor size, and grounding (1 day). 4. Device & trim-out – We mount tamper-resistant receptacles, LED-compatible switches, and new fixtures (1–2 days). 5. Final inspection & cleanup – After approval, we patch small drywall openings and vacuum debris. Total time averages 5–10 working days, though larger historic homes on the peninsula can run 2–3 weeks.
Will rewiring increase my home’s value and safety?
Yes. A documented rewire typically offers up to a 30 % return on investment during resale because buyers gain peace of mind and reduced insurance premiums. Safety gains are immediate: modern copper conductors, AFCI/GFCI protection, and proper grounding cut the risk of electrical fires by more than 70 %. You’ll also enjoy cleaner power for sensitive electronics and more circuits for kitchen or bath renovations.
Do I need permits and inspections, and do you handle them?
The City of Charleston and Charleston County require an electrical permit and two inspections (rough-in and final) for any whole-house rewire. Our master electrician files all paperwork through the Building Inspection Services portal, schedules inspections, and is present to walk the inspector through the project. All work is completed to NEC 2020 and South Carolina Building Code amendments, ensuring you receive a Certificate of Completion for your records.
How much does a whole-home rewire cost in Charleston, and what affects the price?
For most 1,500–2,000 sq ft homes, a turnkey rewire—including new 200-amp panel, devices, permits, and drywall repair—ranges from $8,000 to $18,000. Variables include square footage, number of stories, attic/crawlspace accessibility, historic plaster walls, required service-panel upgrade, and any added options (USB outlets, surge protection, EV charger circuits). We provide a fixed, itemized quote after an on-site evaluation, and financing plans are available.