Rewire the Room
Older homes often have undersized wiring, ungrounded outlets, and overloaded circuits that can't handle modern electronics and lighting demands. A renovation is the perfect time to bring your electrical up to code while walls are open, avoiding the far greater expense of fishing wires through finished spaces later.
Time Required
2-4 days
Cost
$2,000-$5,000
Difficulty
Hire a Professional
What Needs to Be Updated
Assess existing wiring condition
Have a licensed electrician inspect the current wiring. Homes built before 1970 may have knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring that must be replaced. Even newer homes may have undersized 14-gauge wire on circuits that need 12-gauge for modern loads. Document every outlet, switch, and junction box location.
Run new circuits from the panel
Modern code requires a living room to have at least two 20-amp general-purpose circuits. Add dedicated circuits for high-draw items like a media center or electric fireplace insert. Each circuit gets its own home run of 12/2 Romex back to the breaker panel.
Install grounded outlets and AFCI breakers
All living room outlets must be grounded (three-prong). Current NEC code requires arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers on all living room circuits. These detect dangerous arcing and cut power before a fire starts. Budget $30-$50 per AFCI breaker.
Upgrade the electrical panel if needed
If your panel is at capacity or outdated (Federal Pacific, Zinsco, or fuse boxes), upgrade to a 200-amp panel ($1,500-$3,000). This is especially important if you're adding recessed lighting, sconces, floor outlets, and smart home wiring in the following steps.
Code Requirements to Know
- Outlet spacing: Code requires an outlet every 12 feet along the wall and within 6 feet of any doorway. No point along a wall should be more than 6 feet from an outlet.
- Tamper-resistant receptacles: All 15- and 20-amp outlets in living areas must be tamper-resistant (TR) in new installations.
- AFCI protection: Required on all 15- and 20-amp branch circuits serving living rooms per NEC 210.12.
- Box fill calculations: Each junction box must be sized for the number of wires, connectors, and devices it contains. Overfilled boxes are a fire hazard and code violation.
- Permit required: Nearly all jurisdictions require an electrical permit for new circuit work. The inspector verifies proper installation before walls are closed.
Cost Breakdown
- New circuit run ($200-$400 each): Includes wire, breaker, and labor to run from panel to the room
- Outlet installation ($100-$200 each): New box, wiring, and receptacle at each location
- Panel upgrade ($1,500-$3,000): Full 200-amp panel replacement with new breakers
- Permit and inspection ($75-$250): Required by code, ensures safety compliance
- Electrician labor ($75-$150/hour): Most living room rewires take 16-32 hours of labor
Pro Tips
- •Do all electrical while walls are open: This is the single biggest cost saver. Running wire through open studs costs a fraction of fishing through finished drywall. Plan every outlet, switch, and light location now.
- •Plan for the next 20 years: Add more circuits and outlet locations than you think you need. An extra outlet costs $100 now versus $500 after the walls are closed.
- •Photograph everything before drywall: Take detailed photos of all wire runs, junction box locations, and the panel layout. This documentation is invaluable for future repairs or additions.