How long does it take to rewire a whole house?

A complete house rewire typically takes 3-7 days for most Ottawa homes, depending on the size, accessibility, and whether you're living in the home during the work. The timeline can extend to 2-3 weeks for larger homes or when significant complications arise with older construction.

Factors That Affect Timeline:

The size of your home is the biggest factor - a 1,000 square foot bungalow might be completed in 3-4 days, while a 2,500 square foot two-story home could take a full week. Accessibility plays a huge role in Ottawa's older homes. Houses with finished basements, multiple floors, or limited attic access take significantly longer since electricians need to fish wires through walls and may need to open drywall in multiple locations.

Living in the home during rewiring adds 1-2 days to the project since electricians must work around your schedule and restore power each evening. Many Ottawa homeowners choose to stay elsewhere during rewiring to speed up the process and avoid the inconvenience of intermittent power outages.

The ESA Inspection Process also affects timing. In Ontario, rewiring requires ESA permits and inspections, which must be scheduled after rough-in work is complete. ESA typically inspects within 3-5 business days, and any deficiencies must be corrected before final connection. This can add several days if scheduling doesn't align perfectly.

Ottawa-Specific Considerations:

Many Ottawa homes built before 1950 have knob and tube wiring that requires complete removal, often adding complexity when it's mixed with newer wiring systems. Homes in areas like the Glebe, Westboro, or Sandy Hill frequently have plaster walls and unique construction that requires more careful wire routing.

Winter weather can also impact timelines if any exterior work is required, such as upgrading the service entrance or installing new meter bases. Hydro Ottawa connections may face delays during peak winter demand periods.

Safety and Legal Requirements:

Complete rewiring must be done by ESA-licensed electricians - this isn't a DIY project. The work involves shutting off power to entire sections of your home, working with the main electrical panel, and ensuring all circuits meet current Ontario Electrical Safety Code requirements. Attempting this work yourself is illegal in Ontario and extremely dangerous.

For a typical Ottawa home rewire (1,500 square feet), expect to budget $8,000-$15,000 and plan for 5-7 days of work. Want to discuss your specific timeline and get a detailed project schedule? We offer free consultations to assess your home's unique requirements and provide accurate timing estimates.