Written by Jimco Electric | Published on June 2025
Whole-home rewiring typically takes 3 to 10 days for most residential properties. Larger homes, older construction, or houses with knob-and-tube wiring can push that timeline closer to two weeks. In this guide, we cover what affects the timeline, what happens each day on the job, and what Chicago-area homeowners specifically need to know.
Understand What Whole-Home Rewiring Actually Involves
Rewiring is not just swapping out outlets. It means replacing every wire, circuit, and often the electrical panel throughout your entire home.
Electricians must run new wire through walls, ceilings, and floors. They disconnect old wiring, install new circuits, update the panel, and restore everything before the final inspection.
This is skilled labor that requires permits, inspections, and coordination. The size and age of your home are the two biggest factors that determine how long the job takes.
Compare Rewiring Timelines by Home Size and Type
Every home is different, but project timelines follow a predictable pattern based on square footage and construction era. Here is a general breakdown:
| Home Size | Estimated Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1,000 sq ft | 2 to 4 days | Small bungalows, condos, coach houses |
| 1,000 to 1,800 sq ft | 4 to 6 days | Most Chicago bungalows and ranch homes |
| 1,800 to 2,500 sq ft | 5 to 8 days | Two-story colonials, larger two-flats |
| 2,500 to 4,000 sq ft | 7 to 10 days | Larger suburban homes in Oak Park, Naperville area |
| Over 4,000 sq ft | 10 to 14 days | Large estates, multi-story older homes |
These are working day estimates, not calendar days. Permits, inspections, and weather delays can add extra time between phases.
Identify the Factors That Make Rewiring Take Longer
Several conditions specific to Chicago and the surrounding suburbs can extend your rewiring timeline significantly.
- Knob-and-tube wiring: Very common in homes built before 1950 throughout Chicago neighborhoods like Logan Square and Bridgeport. Removing it carefully adds days to the job.
- Aluminum wiring: Found in many homes built during the 1960s and 1970s in suburbs like Cicero, Berwyn, and Calumet City. Special handling and connectors are required.
- Finished walls and ceilings: When walls are fully drywalled, electricians use fish tape techniques to pull wire without tearing everything out. This takes longer but preserves your finishes.
- Older panel locations: Panels in difficult spots, like tight basements or utility closets common in Chicago two-flats, take more time to access and replace.
- Multi-unit buildings: Two-flats and three-flats require coordinating around tenants and separating circuits properly per Illinois code.
- Permit and inspection scheduling: Chicago city permits and suburban municipality inspections can add 1 to 3 days to the overall timeline depending on the local inspection calendar.
At Jimco Electric, we factor all of these conditions into our project estimates upfront so you are not surprised mid-job.
Walk Through a Typical Rewiring Project Day by Day
Understanding the daily flow helps you plan your schedule and know when to expect disruptions. Here is what a standard week looks like on a mid-size rewiring project.
| Day | Work Completed | Power Status |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Permit pull, panel assessment, start circuit mapping | Power on |
| Day 2 to 3 | Old wiring removal, new wire rough-in begins | Partial outages by circuit |
| Day 4 to 5 | Wire rough-in continues, panel replacement or upgrade | Outages during panel work |
| Day 6 | Rough-in inspection by local inspector | Power restored after inspection |
| Day 7 to 8 | Device installation, outlets, switches, fixtures | Power on, circuits live as completed |
| Day 9 | Final inspection and sign-off | Full power restored |
You will need to be without power for short windows, not days at a time. Good electricians minimize disruptions and communicate the schedule clearly ahead of each phase.
Explore How Chicago Building Codes Affect Your Timeline
Chicago has its own electrical code amendments that differ from the standard National Electrical Code. These rules directly affect how long your rewiring project takes.
Chicago requires metal conduit (rigid or EMT) for all wiring inside walls instead of the non-metallic sheathed cable (Romex) used in most suburbs. Running conduit takes more time and skill than pulling Romex.
This is why a Chicago bungalow rewiring job often takes one to two days longer than the same-size home in a suburb like Joliet, Downers Grove, or Tinley Park.
Suburban municipalities generally follow the standard National Electrical Code, which allows Romex in residential construction. The permit process also varies by town.
- Chicago city permits: Pulled through the City of Chicago Department of Buildings. Can take 1 to 2 business days for standard residential work.
- Cook County suburbs: Each municipality issues its own permit. Oak Park, Evanston, and Skokie each have separate processes and inspection schedules.
- DuPage and Will County: Generally faster permit turnaround. Towns like Naperville and Bolingbrook often schedule inspections within 48 hours of request.
Jimco Electric handles permit applications for all projects in the Chicago metro area and within 40 miles of the city. We know each municipality’s process and build that time into your project schedule.
Recognize Signs Your Home Needs Rewiring Sooner Rather Than Later
Rewiring is not always something you can plan years ahead. Some warning signs mean you need to act now for safety reasons.
- Breakers that trip repeatedly even under normal loads
- Outlets or switches that feel warm to the touch
- Lights that flicker when appliances run on the same circuit
- Burning or electrical smell coming from walls or the panel
- Outlets with only two prongs and no ground throughout the home
- A fuse box instead of a circuit breaker panel
- Visible knob-and-tube or cloth-wrapped wiring in the basement or attic
Chicago-area homes built before 1960 are especially likely to have at least one of these issues. Many homes in neighborhoods like Pilsen, Humboldt Park, and Avondale still have original wiring that is decades overdue for replacement.
If you spot any of these signs, do not delay. The longer outdated wiring stays in place, the higher the risk of electrical fire.
FAQs on How Long Does Home Rewiring Take
Do I need to move out during a rewiring project?
Most homeowners stay in their homes during rewiring. Power outages are temporary and limited to specific circuits or rooms at a time. Your electrician will give you advance notice before any full-service shutoff is required.
How long does rewiring take for a Chicago two-flat?
A Chicago two-flat typically takes 8 to 12 days. The two-unit layout doubles the circuit count, and Chicago’s conduit requirement adds time compared to suburban projects. Coordinating around tenants can also extend the schedule slightly.
Will rewiring my home damage my walls?
Some wall access is usually required, but skilled electricians minimize damage. Techniques like fishing wire through finished walls reduce the number of holes. Your electrician should walk you through what to expect before work starts.
Does a whole-home rewiring include the electrical panel?
In most cases, yes. If the existing panel is outdated, undersized, or contains a recalled brand like Federal Pacific or Zinsco, replacing it is part of the rewiring project. A modern 200-amp panel is standard for today’s electrical loads.
How long does rewiring take for a 1960s ranch home in the Chicago suburbs?
A 1,200 to 1,500 square foot ranch from the 1960s typically takes 4 to 6 days. Aluminum wiring is common in homes from this era, which requires additional time to address safely. Suburban permit and inspection scheduling is usually straightforward.
Can I get a firm timeline before the project starts?
Yes. A reputable electrician will provide a written scope of work and estimated timeline after an on-site assessment. Jimco Electric provides detailed project estimates before any work begins so you know what to expect.
Wrap Up and Next Steps
Most whole-home rewiring projects take between 3 and 10 working days. Chicago city homes tend to run longer due to conduit requirements and permit timelines, while suburban homes outside the city limits are often faster.
The best way to get an accurate timeline is to have a licensed electrician assess your home in person. Every house is different, and an on-site visit gives you real numbers instead of guesses.
Jimco Electric serves Chicago and all communities within 40 miles of the city. Call us at 708-304-8687 to schedule your home assessment and get a clear project timeline before work ever begins.