Electrical Infrastructure
Electrical Infrastructure | Whole Home Rewires | Electrical | Philadelphia
From Fairmount’s historic rowhouses to the Main Line’s sprawling estates, Philadelphia homes hide miles of aging wires behind plaster and brick. If your breakers trip for no reason, outlets feel warm, or you still rely on knob-and-tube circuits, it’s time to think bigger than a quick fix. HEP’s certified electricians specialize in whole home rewires, replacing every outdated conductor with modern, code-compliant copper that can power today’s high-demand lifestyles—EV chargers, smart thermostats, gourmet kitchens, and all. We pull the permits, protect your plaster, and keep you informed at every step, so the only surprise is how smoothly it all goes.
A full rewire is more than new wire; it’s an investment in safety, efficiency, and resale value. HEP uses thermal imaging to map hidden hazards, installs tamper-resistant receptacles and arc-fault breakers, and labels every circuit for future convenience. Most projects are wrapped in days, not weeks, thanks to our organized crews and dust-containment systems that let you live comfortably during the work. When we’re done, you’ll have a clean panel, grounded outlets in every room, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home’s electrical backbone is ready for the next century of Philly living.
FAQs
Why might my Philadelphia home need a complete electrical rewire?
Many city houses still rely on knob-and-tube or cloth-insulated wiring installed before modern safety standards. These systems lack grounding, can’t handle today’s appliance loads, and often have deteriorated insulation that poses a fire hazard. A full rewire brings your property up to the current Philadelphia Electrical Code, adds grounded circuits, arc-fault and ground-fault protection, and provides the capacity required for HVAC upgrades, EV chargers, and home offices.
What is involved in a whole-home rewire and how long does it usually take?
A licensed electrician creates a circuit-by-circuit plan, obtains permits, and schedules PECO disconnects if needed. Crews then fish new NM-B or MC cable through walls, install new receptacles, switches, and fixtures, replace the service panel, and label every circuit. Drywall cutting is kept to a minimum by using attic, basement, and closet runs, but some patching and repainting are unavoidable. In Philadelphia’s typical two-story rowhouse, the process takes 5–10 working days; larger single-family homes can run 2–3 weeks.
Do I need a permit and inspection for a rewire in Philadelphia?
Yes. The Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) requires an Electrical Permit for any rewire that adds or alters branch circuits. Your contractor will submit drawings, load calculations, and the electrician’s Philadelphia Master License number. Rough-in inspections occur before walls are closed, and a final inspection is completed after devices are installed. When all items pass, L&I issues a Certificate of Approval, which you’ll need for resale or insurance purposes.
How much does a whole-house rewire cost and what factors affect the price?
In the Philadelphia area, complete rewires typically range from $8 to $15 per square foot. Variables include: • Square footage and number of stories (rowhouse vs. detached) • Accessibility of crawl spaces, attics, and basements • Quantity of new outlets, dedicated appliance circuits, and low-voltage drops • Panel and service upgrades (many homes need 200-amp service) • Required plaster or drywall repairs. A 1,600-sq-ft rowhouse might cost $12,000–$18,000, while a 3,000-sq-ft twin could reach $25,000+.
Can I stay in my house while it’s being rewired?
Usually, yes. Electricians rewire one area at a time and set up temporary power so essential circuits (refrigerator, heat, internet) stay energized. You’ll experience occasional shut-offs and will need to move furniture away from walls. For extensive plaster repair or if you work from home and can’t tolerate interruptions, you may prefer short-term lodging, but most Philadelphia homeowners remain in place during the project.
Will a rewire increase my property value and help with insurance?
Definitely. Modern wiring, grounded receptacles, and a new panel are major selling points in Philadelphia’s competitive real-estate market. Appraisers note updated electrical systems, and insurers often deny or surcharge policies on homes with knob-and-tube or fuse boxes. After a rewire you can secure standard homeowners coverage without the premium penalties and confidently add smart devices, HVAC equipment, or an EV charger in the future.