House rewiring: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering house rewiring

House rewiring is a long, detailed job where the survey, the phasing and the inspection record matter as much as the wire. Electricians who do it well survey carefully, explain the phasing in plain terms, and document every change.

What customers ask

  • Do I need to replace the panel, or can you work with the one I have?
  • How long will each area of the house be without power?
  • What happens to the old wiring, and does all of it have to come out?
  • Will you patch the walls, or do I need a drywall crew?
  • How do I know the new system is grounded and safe?

How to win the job

  • Do a full walkthrough with the customer and photograph the existing panel, wiring and devices before you quote.
  • Bring a written phasing plan that shows which rooms lose power and when, so the customer can plan around it.
  • Quote the panel work, rough-in, finish and patch as separate lines, so the customer can see the full scope.
  • Show a sample circuit map and explain the grounding approach for each room type, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Set the inspection dates in writing and tell the customer when each one happens.
  • Explain how the old wire will be removed and what will stay in place, so the homeowner has no surprises.

What to put on your profile

  • Before and after photos of rewire projects, including panel changes and finished rooms
  • Photos of grounding and labeling work inside the panel
  • A short description of the phasing approach you use for occupied homes

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Offer a labeled circuit map and panel directory as part of the handoff, so the homeowner can find every circuit
  • Suggest a surge protection device for the new panel, and explain what it does and does not protect
  • Offer a plan for circuits the homeowner may need later, such as an EV charger or a workshop

Licenses and permits

House rewiring is commonly done under an electrical contractor license, and permits and inspections are often required. Check with your state or local licensing agency and building department before you accept the job.

Questions

How should I set the schedule?

Commit to phase dates only after the panel work and inspection times are confirmed. Permit timing and inspector availability control the schedule more than the wire pull does.

Can I leave some old wiring in place?

Only where it is in safe condition and the inspector accepts it. Document the decision in writing, with photos, and tell the customer exactly what remains.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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