If you’re planning a remodel in Sacramento, you’re probably thinking about layouts, finishes, and fixtures, not what’s behind your walls. But here’s the thing: before you start tearing down drywall or adding new lighting, you need to ask one important question, does my house need rewiring first?
I’ve been an electrician in the Sacramento area for over 15 years, and I’ve seen remodels grind to a halt because electrical systems weren’t updated when they should’ve been. Sometimes, it’s just a few outdated circuits. Other times, it’s unsafe wiring that could put your whole project, and your home, at risk.
So let’s break it down: when rewiring is necessary, what signs to look for, and how to plan it smartly before your next renovation.
Why Electrical Rewiring Matters During a Remodel
When you remodel, you’re not just changing how a space looks — you’re changing how it works. That means new electrical loads, new lighting, and new code requirements.
Sacramento homes, especially those built before the 1980s, often have wiring that just can’t keep up with modern needs. Think about what’s changed:
- LED lighting, smart devices, and EV chargers weren’t even a thought back then.
- Older wiring like knob-and-tube or aluminum isn’t designed for today’s high-demand appliances.
- Outdated panels may not handle new circuits safely.
In my experience, the biggest issues pop up when homeowners try to “work around” old wiring during a remodel. It might save a little money upfront, but you’ll pay for it later — either in code violations or costly rework.
Common Signs Your Sacramento Home Might Need Rewiring
Before you commit to tearing into walls, take stock of what’s already there. Here are the red flags that usually tell me a home needs electrical attention before any remodel:
1. Frequent Breaker Trips
If your breakers trip when you run the microwave and toaster at the same time, your circuits are overloaded. That’s a clear sign your home’s wiring can’t support modern electrical use.
2. Flickering Lights or Dimming
When you turn on appliances and the lights dim, that’s not normal. It usually means voltage fluctuations caused by aging wiring or bad connections.
3. Two-Prong Outlets
If you still see two-prong outlets (without the grounding hole), your home’s wiring is likely outdated — and unsafe by today’s standards.
4. Original or Outdated Electrical Panel
Older panels, like Zinsco or Federal Pacific brands, are notorious for failure and even fire risk. If you’ve got one, replacing it before your remodel is a must.
5. Aluminum or Cloth-Covered Wiring
Many older Sacramento neighborhoods — especially areas like East Sacramento, Land Park, and parts of Carmichael — still have aluminum or cloth wiring. Both should be replaced before adding new loads.
When You Don’t Need a Full Rewire
Not every remodel requires a complete overhaul. If your home was built or rewired in the past 20–30 years and passes inspection, you might only need minor upgrades like:
- Adding circuits for new appliances
- Replacing outlets and switches with grounded ones
- Updating GFCI and AFCI protection in kitchens, baths, and outdoor areas
- Installing dedicated lines for HVAC or EV chargers
A licensed electrician can test your system’s capacity and condition before any remodel work begins. That small step can save you thousands later.
Local Building Codes and Permits in Sacramento County
Here’s something homeowners often overlook — Sacramento County (and most surrounding cities like Elk Grove, Roseville, and Folsom) require electrical permits for remodels involving new wiring, panels, or added circuits.
Inspections ensure your system meets the latest NEC (National Electrical Code) standards. But each city may have its own nuances. For example:
- City of Sacramento requires a service upgrade permit if you’re replacing a panel.
- Roseville has separate requirements for kitchen remodels involving GFCI protection.
- Folsom often requests load calculations for larger remodels or additions.
Skipping the permit process might save time upfront, but it can delay your final inspection — or worse, cause problems if you sell your home later.
Cost Breakdown: Rewiring Before a Remodel
Every home’s wiring needs are different, but here’s a rough cost range based on Sacramento market averages:
| Service | Typical Cost (Sacramento) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical inspection | $150 – $300+ | Often credited toward work if you proceed |
| Partial rewire | $3,000 – $7,500+ | Common in remodels under 2,000 sq ft |
| Full home rewire | $8,000 – $18,000+ | Depends on size and accessibility |
| Panel upgrade (100A to 200A) | $2,000 – $4,000+ | Recommended for major remodels |
| Permit & inspection fees | $150 – $500+ | Varies by city |
Keep in mind — these numbers can shift with labor, materials, and access. Homes with plaster walls, tight crawlspaces, or historic status often take longer (and cost more).
Real Example: Midtown Sacramento Remodel
A few years ago, we worked on a 1930s craftsman in Midtown Sacramento. The homeowners wanted to open up the kitchen and add recessed lighting throughout. At first glance, everything looked fine — but once we opened a wall, we found brittle cloth wiring and spliced connections hidden in the ceiling.
Rewiring wasn’t in the original budget, but skipping it wasn’t an option. We rewired the kitchen and main living area, installed a new subpanel, and upgraded the service to 200 amps. The project passed inspection the first time — and now their home runs efficiently with no flickering lights or tripping breakers.
Moral of the story? Remodeling is the best time to fix what’s hidden. You only open those walls once — make it count.
Electrical Upgrades That Pair Well with Remodeling
If you’re already planning to open up walls or ceilings, it’s smart to consider a few future-proof upgrades while you’re at it:
- Dedicated circuits for kitchen appliances, laundry, or HVAC.
- USB and smart outlets for charging and automation.
- Recessed and under-cabinet lighting for better visibility.
- Whole-home surge protection to guard against power surges.
- EV charging prep — even if you don’t have an electric vehicle yet.
These small additions are far cheaper to do during a remodel than after everything’s finished.
Sacramento’s Weather and Electrical Load
Hot summers in Sacramento mean A/C units and fans are running nonstop. If your system is already strained, adding new circuits without rewiring could push it past its limit.
Likewise, older homes in shaded or cooler neighborhoods like Fair Oaks or Citrus Heights may still have panels undersized for today’s load. Checking your capacity before a remodel prevents overloads and ensures your investment runs safely year-round.
How to Know for Sure: Schedule a Pre-Remodel Electrical Evaluation
If you’re unsure whether you need to rewire before remodeling, start with a professional evaluation. A licensed electrician will:
- Inspect existing wiring for safety and capacity
- Test for grounding and GFCI compliance
- Review your remodel plans and projected electrical load
- Provide a written report with recommendations
At Old Town Electric, we do this every week for homeowners across Sacramento and nearby cities. Whether you’re remodeling a 1920s bungalow in East Sac or a newer home in Elk Grove, we’ll tell you exactly what needs updating — and what can safely stay as-is.
Final Thoughts: Make the Smart Call Before You Build
Electrical systems aren’t glamorous, but they’re the foundation of a safe, functional remodel.
If you ask me, rewiring isn’t about chasing perfection — it’s about peace of mind. Knowing your home meets code, handles today’s power demands, and won’t leave you in the dark down the road? That’s worth every penny.
Before you start your remodel, get your wiring evaluated. You’ll thank yourself later.
Serving: Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, Folsom, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, and surrounding areas.
Ready to plan your remodel the right way?
Contact Old Town Electric today for a full electrical safety evaluation before construction begins.
