House Rewiring Vancouver WA — Aluminum Wire Replacement & Knob and Tube Rewiring

The cost to rewire a house in Vancouver WA typically ranges from $8,000 to $15,000 depending on home size, existing wiring condition, panel requirements, and complexity. A standard 1,500 sq ft home averages around $10,000-$12,000 for a complete rewire. Aluminum wire replacement alone runs $3,500-$7,500, and knob and tube rewiring ranges $5,000-$12,000. All Crown Electric estimates include labor, materials, Washington State L&I permits, and inspection coordination with no hidden fees.

Aluminum wire replacement is recommended for homes built between 1965 and 1973 with aluminum branch circuit wiring. During the Vietnam War, copper shortages led builders across Clark County and nationwide to use aluminum, which expands and contracts more than copper and corrodes when in contact with copper devices. Warning signs include warm or discolored wall outlets, flickering lights, burning smells near switches, and tripped breakers. Many Washington State insurance providers require upgrades or won't insure homes with aluminum branch wiring.

Complete house rewiring typically takes 3-7 days depending on home size, accessibility, and complexity. A standard 1,200-1,500 sq ft single-story home usually takes about 4-5 days. Two-story homes or homes with limited crawl space access may take longer. Crown Electric coordinates the entire process including L&I permits, inspections, and Clark County PUD utility connections to minimize downtime.

Signs requiring knob and tube rewiring include: two-prong (ungrounded) outlets throughout your home, visible ceramic knobs or tubes in your attic or basement, cloth-wrapped wiring insulation that is crumbling or deteriorating, fuses that blow frequently, insufficient capacity for modern appliances, and insurance company requirements. Knob and tube wiring was standard in homes built before the 1940s and is common in historic Vancouver WA neighborhoods. It lacks grounding protection, which poses shock and fire risks with modern electrical loads.

Yes, under Washington State law (RCW 19.28), all electrical installations and alterations require permits and professional inspection. In Clark County, electrical permits are obtained through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Crown Electric handles all permit applications through L&I's Electronic Permit/Inspection System (EPIS), schedules all required inspections, and ensures your rewiring work fully complies with the Washington State Electrical Code. Unpermitted electrical work can result in fines and may void your homeowner's insurance.

Yes, Crown Electric specializes in minimally invasive rewiring techniques. Our electricians route new wiring through existing wall cavities, crawl spaces, basements, and attics using specialized fishing tools. For homes with plaster-and-lath walls (common in older Vancouver WA neighborhoods), we use techniques that avoid unnecessary demolition. When small access points are needed, we create them strategically and provide professional patching and restoration afterward.

The average cost to rewire an old house in Clark County ranges from $8,000 to $15,000 for a complete rewire. Key cost factors include square footage (a 900 sq ft home costs less than a 1,500 sq ft home), existing wiring type (knob and tube removal is more labor-intensive than aluminum replacement), wall construction (plaster vs. drywall), and accessibility. Crown Electric provides free, itemized estimates so you know exactly what your specific project will cost before any work begins.