How we wire and rewire
We start by tracing the problem—maybe it's a dead outlet, a flickering light, or a breaker that won't stay on. For rewiring, we pull new wires through walls and ceilings, often with minimal damage, and replace old outlets and switches. We use Romex for most jobs because it's safe and up to code. If your panel can't handle the load, we might add a subpanel or upgrade breakers. Every job ends with testing each circuit and a final check that everything works right.
Wiring in Asheville homes
Asheville's older houses often have knob-and-tube wiring, which isn't unsafe on its own but can't handle today's power needs. In newer builds, we find shortcuts—outlets wired in series or boxes not anchored right. Humidity here can make outdoor wiring corrode faster, so we use weatherproof boxes and GFCIs where they're needed. For rewiring, we know how to work around plaster walls or tight crawlspaces without tearing up your home.
Signs you need wiring work
Call us if breakers trip often, outlets feel warm, or lights dim when you turn on an appliance. We’ll check the panel first—it tells us a lot. Then we test outlets and look for hidden junction boxes or spliced wires. In older homes, we check for brittle insulation; in newer ones, loose connections. If you're adding an EV charger or a hot tub, we’ll see if your panel can handle it before running new lines.
Questions about wiring & rewiring
How do I know if my wiring is outdated?
If your home is over 40 years old and hasn't been rewired, it likely has outdated wiring. Signs include two-prong outlets, frequent breaker trips, or no GFCIs in bathrooms and kitchens. Aluminum wiring, common in the 60s and 70s, needs special attention because it loosens over time. We can test your system and show you where it falls short—no need to guess.
Will rewiring require tearing up my walls?
Not always. We can often fish new wires through walls with small access holes, especially in basements or attics. Plaster walls are trickier, but we match repairs to your finish. For a full rewire, we might need more openings, but we’ll talk through the plan first. The goal is to leave your home clean and working right, not a mess.
What’s the difference between a rewire and an upgrade?
A rewire replaces old or unsafe wiring throughout your home. An upgrade adds capacity, like a new panel or circuits for big appliances. Often, older Asheville homes need both—new wires to handle today's power and a panel to support them. We’ll explain what your home needs and why, so you’re not paying for work that doesn’t help.