Wiring & Rewiring
Whole-home rewiring, knob-and-tube replacement, and aluminum wiring upgrades. Bring your Marietta home up to modern safety standards.
Why Your Older Home Needs Modern Wiring
If you own a home built before 1970 in Marietta or Cobb County, your wiring may be dangerously outdated. Homes from the 1920s through 1960s were often wired with materials and methods that no longer meet safety standards. Old wiring systems lack grounding, are prone to insulation failure, and cannot safely support modern electrical loads (air conditioning, heating, kitchen appliances, EV chargers).
Whole-home rewiring is one of the most important safety investments you can make. It modernizes your electrical system, increases home safety, improves resale value, and enables you to use modern appliances and technologies without constant electrical problems.
Insurance companies often require rewiring before providing coverage for older homes, and home inspectors flag outdated wiring as a serious deficiency. Modern wiring also ensures code compliance, proper grounding, and protection against arc faults and ground faults.
Common Wiring Problems in Older Homes
Knob-and-Tube (K&T) Wiring (1920s–1940s)
What it is: Two separate wires (hot and neutral) suspended through air on ceramic knobs and tubes. No ground wire. Cloth or rubber insulation deteriorates over decades.
Safety issues: Fire risk from overheating, no ground protection, insulation breakdown, open splice connections, inability to safely handle modern appliance loads.
Solution: Complete replacement with modern NM-B Romex wiring and panel upgrade.
Aluminum Wiring (1960s–1970s)
What it is: Aluminum wire was used briefly as a copper substitute during shortage periods. It was cheaper but created serious problems.
Safety issues: Aluminum oxidizes, creating loose connections and heat buildup. Expands/contracts more than copper, loosening connections. Cannot be safely spliced to copper. Fire hazard at switch/outlet connections.
Solution: Replace with copper Romex or add pigtails to convert connections to copper (more cost-effective).
Cloth-Covered & Degraded Insulation
What it is: Wiring from the 1920s–1960s used rubber or cloth insulation that hardened and crumbled over time.
Safety issues: Bare wires exposed, arcing, shock hazard, fire risk.
Solution: Replace with modern PVC-insulated NM-B wiring.
Undersized Wiring & Insufficient Capacity
What it is: Old homes often have 60A or 100A service instead of modern 200A, with limited circuits and outlets.
Safety issues: Frequent breaker trips, overloaded circuits, no capacity for modern appliances.
Solution: Panel upgrade to 200A service with properly sized wiring (typically 12 AWG for 20A circuits, 10 AWG for 30A).
Modern Wiring Standards: NM-B Romex
When we rewire your home, we use NM-B (Romex) wiring, the industry standard for residential branch circuits. Here's what makes it safe:
- Three-wire construction: Hot (black), Neutral (white), and Ground (bare copper or green)
- PVC insulation: Durable, flame-resistant plastic covering
- Proper gauge: 14 AWG or 12 AWG copper wire rated for household loads
- Ground fault protection: GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas
- Arc fault protection: AFCI breakers on bedroom and living area circuits
We use Southwire brand NM-B wiring—a trusted American manufacturer meeting UL and NEC standards. Every wire is properly sized, bonded, and protected per NEC 334 and NEC 310.
The Rewiring Process
1. Inspection & Assessment
We evaluate your current wiring, identify hazards, assess panel capacity, and plan the optimal rewiring route. This determines cost, timeline, and whether a panel upgrade is needed.
2. Permit & Code Review
We apply for permits with Cobb County, detailing the rewiring plan, panel specifications, and code compliance. Permits typically take 1–2 weeks. We coordinate inspections at rough-in and final stages.
3. Wiring Runs & Panel Work (3–5 days)
We run new NM-B circuits through existing walls, attics, and crawl spaces whenever possible to minimize drywall patching. For each room, we:
- Remove old dangerous wiring
- Run new circuits with proper spacing and support
- Install new outlets, switches, and fixtures
- Label all circuits clearly
Panel work includes installing a new main breaker (if upgrading), circuit breakers for each circuit, proper bonding and grounding, and a surge protector device (SPD).
4. Rough-In Inspection
Cobb County inspector verifies all wiring is properly installed and code-compliant before drywall is closed. This typically takes 1–2 business days.
5. Wall Patching & Cosmetics (1–2 days)
Our team patches drywall holes, spackles, and prepares surfaces for paint. We offer basic patching; if you prefer, we coordinate with painters or drywall contractors for finishing.
6. Final Inspection & Energization
Inspector approves final installation; utility energizes the new service. You now have a safe, modern electrical system!
Cost & Timeline Estimate
Whole-home rewiring costs vary significantly by home size and complexity:
| Home Size | Typical Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 900–1,200 sq ft (small) | $3,500–$5,500 | 3–4 days |
| 1,500–2,000 sq ft (average) | $5,500–$9,000 | 4–6 days |
| 2,500–3,500 sq ft (large) | $9,000–$15,000+ | 6–8 days |
| Add: 100A→200A panel upgrade | +$1,500–$3,000 | Included |
What's included: Labor, materials, permits, inspections, basic wall patching, and cleanup. Not included: painting, drywall finishing, or appliance connections (you arrange separately).
Minimally Invasive Techniques
We minimize disruption by using smart routing strategies:
- Attic runs: Run wiring through the attic when possible, dropping down interior walls
- Crawl space runs: Use existing crawl spaces to avoid wall openings
- Existing wall cavities: Route wires through stud cavities with minimal cutting
- Basement/garage runs: Exposed wiring in basement/utility areas avoids walls
- Selective drywall cutting: Only cut where necessary; patch all openings
For historic or plaster-wall homes, we take extra care to preserve wall integrity and use time-tested patching techniques.
Cobb County Permitting & Inspection Process
Whole-home rewiring requires permits and must pass inspections before work begins and after completion.
Permit Application
We submit detailed plans showing existing wiring, proposed NM-B circuits, panel specifications, and code compliance documentation. Cobb County reviews and typically approves in 1–2 weeks. Cost: $100–$250 depending on project scope.
Rough-In Inspection
Inspector verifies all wiring is properly run, sized, and labeled before drywall is closed. Typically passes same day or next business day.
Final Inspection
After walls are closed and fixtures installed, inspector verifies panel installation, grounding, bonding, and all connections. Once approved, Georgia Power energizes the service.
Benefits of Modern Wiring
- Safety: Eliminates fire hazards from deteriorated insulation and overloaded circuits
- Resale value: Modern wiring increases home appraisal and appeal to buyers
- Insurance: Many insurers require modern wiring; you may see premium reductions
- Modern appliances: Support air conditioning, heating, electric water heaters, EV chargers
- Code compliance: Full compliance with NEC and Georgia electrical standards
- Reliability: No more frequent breaker trips, outlet failures, or electrical problems
- Ground fault & arc fault protection: Modern safety devices prevent shock and arc-related fires
Signs Your Home Needs Rewiring Now
Contact us immediately if you notice:
- Burning smells from outlets or walls
- Frequent circuit breaker trips
- Outlets that are warm to the touch
- Flickering lights, especially when appliances turn on
- Cloth-covered, rubber, or deteriorated wiring visible in the attic
- Knob-and-tube wiring (ceramic knobs and tubes)
- Insurance requirements for rewiring
- Home built before 1970
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Why Choose Us?
- ✓Licensed & Insured
- ✓24/7 Emergency Service
- ✓Fast, Professional Work
- ✓Upfront Pricing
Price Range
$3,500–$15,000+
Exact pricing depends on your specific needs.