Outdated Wiring
Outdated Wiring | Whole Home Rewires | Electrical | McDonald
When you live in one of McDonald’s charming older homes, period details shouldn’t come with period-specific wiring hazards. HEP’s licensed electricians specialize in tracking down brittle cloth-covered conductors, overloaded fuse boxes, and unsafe aluminum splices, replacing them with modern code-compliant circuits designed for today’s appliances and tomorrow’s tech. Our process is clean, organized, and respectful of your décor—so you get peace of mind without the mess.
Whether you’re renovating, adding smart devices, or simply tired of flickering lights, our whole home rewires service brings dependable power and higher resale value in one expertly managed project. From the first inspection to the final panel label, we handle permits, coordinate with local inspectors, and leave every room safer than we found it. Schedule a free estimate today and let HEP deliver the secure electrical foundation your McDonald home deserves.
FAQs
How do I know if my McDonald home needs a complete rewire?
Some of the most common warning signs include frequently tripped breakers, flickering or dimming lights, warm or discolored outlet covers, two-prong (ungrounded) receptacles, and wiring that is cloth-covered, knob-and-tube, or aluminum. Homes built before the mid-1960s often have wiring that is no longer considered safe or code-compliant. If you are planning a major renovation or adding heavy-duty appliances, a licensed electrician can perform a detailed inspection and load calculation to determine whether a full rewire is the safest option.
What are the main risks of keeping outdated knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring?
Aging wiring can have cracked insulation, loose connections, and undersized conductors that overheat under today’s higher electrical loads. Knob-and-tube lacks a grounding conductor, increasing shock risk, while aluminum branch-circuit wiring is prone to oxidation that can cause arcing and fire. Insurance companies may raise premiums or decline coverage on homes with these systems, and upgrading to modern copper Romex with proper grounding eliminates these safety and insurance concerns.
How long does a whole-home rewire typically take, and will I have to move out?
For an average 1,500- to 2,000-square-foot house in McDonald, a rewire usually takes 5–10 working days. We schedule work in phases so you can often remain in the home, although you may be without power in certain rooms while circuits are being replaced. For extensive plaster repair or if you work from home and need uninterrupted power, some homeowners choose to stay elsewhere for a few days. We’ll outline a detailed timeline and daily power-shutdown plan before work begins.
Will a rewire damage my walls and finishes, and how is cleanup handled?
We use a combination of attic/basement access, existing chases, and minimally invasive wall fishing techniques to reduce the amount of drywall or plaster we need to open. Any holes we do make are neatly cut, labeled, and patched after the wiring is installed. Our electricians place protective coverings on floors and furniture, use dust-containment vacuums, and haul away all debris at the end of each day. Final finish painting can be included in your estimate or left for your own contractor, whichever you prefer.
Do I need permits and inspections for a rewire in McDonald, and do you arrange them?
Yes. The Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and Allegheny County ordinances require an electrical permit and rough-in and final inspections for whole-house rewires. As a fully licensed and insured electrical contractor, we handle all permitting, schedule each inspection with the local authority having jurisdiction, and provide you with the final approved sticker or certificate for your records. This documentation is crucial for home resale and insurance purposes.
How much does a whole-home rewire cost, and are financing options available?
Prices vary with home size, accessibility, and the number of new circuits, devices, and service-panel upgrades required. In McDonald, recent projects have ranged between $8–$14 per square foot, or roughly $12,000–$25,000 for most single-family homes. After a no-cost on-site assessment, we provide a fixed-price proposal that itemizes labor, materials, permit fees, and patching. We partner with several lenders that offer low-interest financing and same-as-cash options to spread the investment over 12–60 months.