Rewiring your home is one of the most important upgrades you can make to improve safety, efficiency, and long-term value—especially if you live in an older property in the Chicagoland area. But how do you know when it’s time? At Voltek Electric, we help homeowners across Arlington Heights, Glenview, and greater Chicago identify outdated or dangerous electrical systems and bring them up to modern code.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top warning signs that your home may need rewiring, how much it typically costs in 2025, and what the process involves.
Why Rewiring Matters
Old or damaged wiring isn’t just inefficient—it’s dangerous. According to the National Fire Protection Association, faulty wiring is a leading cause of residential fires in the U.S.
If your home is 40+ years old and has never been rewired, it may no longer meet modern electrical demands or safety codes.
⚠️ 7 Warning Signs Your Home Needs a Rewire
1. Flickering or Dimming Lights
This is often a sign of voltage drops or overloaded circuits.
2. Frequent Breaker Trips or Blown Fuses
Your electrical system may be struggling to keep up with modern power loads.
3. Discolored or Warm Outlets/Switches
Heat or burn marks on outlet plates indicate loose or failing connections.
4. Buzzing Sounds or Burning Smells
Wiring should never make noise. Buzzing = danger. Burning = urgent hazard.
5. Two-Prong (Ungrounded) Outlets
Homes built before the 1970s often lack grounding protection, increasing shock risk.
6. Cloth or Aluminum Wiring
Common in homes built before the 1960s, these materials are outdated and prone to failure.
7. Lack of GFCI or AFCI Protection
Modern codes require these in kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. No GFCI = time for an upgrade.
💰 Cost of Rewiring a Home in Chicago (2025)
The total cost depends on several factors, but here’s what homeowners in Chicagoland can expect:
Typical Price Range
$8,000 – $20,000
What Affects the Cost?
- Size of home (sq ft)
- Number of outlets/switches
- Whether walls are open or finished
- Need for panel/service upgrade
- Code requirements in your city
Example Scenarios
- 1,200 sq ft ranch w/ partial access: ~$9,000
- 2,000 sq ft two-story w/ drywall patching: ~$14,500
- Full gut rehab: ~$20,000+
✅ What’s Included in a Rewire?
- Replacement of all branch circuit wiring
- New grounded outlets
- GFCI + AFCI protection
- New breaker panel if needed
- Permits and city inspections
At Voltek Electric, we use Chicago Electrical Code–compliant materials, run everything in conduit (as required), and ensure every wire is tagged, labeled, and tested.
🏗️ Do You Need to Open All Walls?
Not always. We use strategic cuts and surface-mounted conduit when possible to minimize damage. Full rewires in finished homes may require patching, but we keep it minimal.
🚫 Why You Shouldn’t DIY a Rewire
- Illegal without a license/permit in most Chicago suburbs
- Major fire risk if done incorrectly
- Homeowners insurance may void coverage
Hiring a licensed contractor like Voltek Electric means your rewire is done to code, backed by warranty, and passes inspection on the first try.
Serving the Greater Chicago Area
We provide rewiring services in:
- Arlington Heights
- Glenview
- Mount Prospect
- Des Plaines
- Northbrook
- And surrounding Chicagoland suburbs
💡 Think You Might Need a Rewire?
If your home is older, lights flicker, or outlets feel hot—don’t wait for disaster to strike.
Call Voltek Electric today for a free quote or consultation.
We’ll inspect your system, explain your options, and deliver safe, code-compliant results that protect your home and your family.
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