House Rewiring & Knob-and-Tube Replacement in NH & MA
Upgrade outdated wiring to modern, safe electrical systems. Whole-house rewiring for older homes by a licensed Master Electrician with 25+ years of experience.
Does Your Home Need Rewiring?
Many homes in the Newburyport, Exeter, and Plaistow area were built decades ago with wiring that wasn't designed for modern electrical demands. If you notice any of these signs, your home's wiring may need attention. Some issues can be addressed with targeted repairs, while others indicate it's time for a full rewire.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
Lights that flicker when appliances turn on, or dim randomly, often indicate wiring that can't handle your home's electrical load.
Burning Smell or Discolored Outlets
A burning smell, warm outlets, or discoloration around switches and outlets are serious warning signs. These indicate potential fire hazards that need immediate attention.
Two-Prong Outlets Throughout
Two-prong outlets mean ungrounded wiring, which is a safety hazard and won't properly protect your electronics and appliances.
Knob-and-Tube or Cloth Wiring
If your home has knob-and-tube wiring (common in homes built before 1950) or cloth-covered wiring, it's past its safe lifespan and should be replaced.
Frequent Breaker Trips
If your breakers trip frequently, your wiring may be undersized for your home's needs or there could be underlying issues that require investigation.
Home Built Before 1970
If your home is more than 50 years old and hasn't been rewired, the electrical system likely wasn't designed for today's appliances, home offices, whole-home generators, and EV charging needs.
Why Do So Many Older NH and MA Homes Still Have Original Wiring?
The Seacoast and Merrimack Valley have some of the oldest housing stock in the country. A lot of it was wired long before central air, electric ranges, home offices, and EV chargers existed. Here is what Moore Electric runs into most across the region.
Historic Homes & Antique Districts
Newburyport's South End and downtown, the historic districts in Exeter and Amesbury, and older homes around Haverhill and Plaistow town centers were often wired with knob-and-tube and cloth-insulated conductors. Most is ungrounded, brittle with age, and well past its safe service life.
Postwar Capes, Ranches & Colonials
The postwar neighborhoods that fill out Plaistow, Salem, Haverhill, and the Seacoast suburbs were commonly built with two-wire ungrounded cloth circuits and 60-amp or 100-amp service. They were fine for the loads of that era and are stretched thin by a modern household.
Aluminum-Wired Homes
During the copper shortage of the late 1960s and early 1970s, many homes were built with aluminum branch wiring. It can loosen and overheat at outlets, switches, and splices over time, which is why it gets flagged by inspectors and insurers.
What Kind of Old Wiring Is in Your Home?
Not all old wiring is the same, and the type you have shapes the right fix. Here are the four kinds Moore Electric replaces most often, what they are, and why they matter.
Knob-and-Tube Wiring
Individual conductors run through ceramic tubes and supported on ceramic knobs, with no ground wire. The original insulation gets brittle, and the system was never designed to be buried in attic insulation or tapped into for added circuits. Both are common in older homes and both create heat and fire risk. The fix is a full rewire with modern grounded cable.
Cloth and Fabric-Insulated Wiring
Early branch wiring used rubber and woven cloth insulation. Decades of heat dry it out, so it cracks and flakes away from the conductor, leaving bare copper inside walls and boxes. It is usually ungrounded as well. Once the insulation is failing, targeted repairs are a stopgap and replacement is the real answer.
Aluminum Branch Wiring
Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper and oxidizes at connection points. Over time the connections at outlets, switches, and splices loosen and heat up. Remediation ranges from full replacement to installing approved connectors at every device, depending on what the inspection finds.
Two-Wire Ungrounded Circuits
Older homes often have only a hot and a neutral, with no equipment ground. That is why you see two-prong outlets throughout. Without a ground path, there is no safe route for fault current, and modern electronics and appliances are not properly protected. The fix is grounded circuits run back to the panel.
Not Sure What Kind of Wiring You Have?
We'll inspect your electrical system and give you honest answers. No pressure, no scare tactics - just a clear assessment of what your home actually needs.
Is Your Insurance Company Asking About Your Wiring?
For a lot of homeowners, the rewire conversation starts with an insurance letter, not a flickering light. Knob-and-tube and aluminum wiring are two of the most common reasons carriers in New Hampshire and Massachusetts decline, non-renew, or surcharge a homeowner's policy. The same issues come up at closing when a buyer's inspector or lender flags the wiring.
A permitted, inspected rewire by a licensed Master Electrician gives you the documentation carriers and buyers want to see. Moore Electric can assess what you have and lay out the path to getting your home insurable.
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Coverage denials and non-renewalsMany carriers will not write or renew a policy on a home with active knob-and-tube wiring.
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Higher premiums or required fixesSome insurers will bind a policy only if the wiring is remediated within a set window.
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Stalled home salesOld wiring flagged during a sale can hold up financing and send buyers back to the table.
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Documentation that satisfies carriersA permitted, inspected rewire gives you paperwork to show your insurer or a buyer.
What's Included in a Moore Electric Rewiring Project
Rewiring your home is a significant project. We handle every step so you don't have to worry about the details.
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Complete Electrical Inspection
We assess your entire electrical system, identify all issues, and create a detailed plan before any work begins.
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All Permits & Inspections
We pull all required permits and coordinate inspections. Your project will be fully code-compliant.
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Modern Wiring Throughout
All new wiring meets current electrical codes with proper grounding, GFCI/AFCI protection where required, and capacity for modern electrical demands.
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Panel Upgrade If Needed
If your electrical panel or service entrance needs upgrading to support the new wiring, we handle that as part of the project.
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Clean Worksite & Minimal Disruption
We protect your home, clean up daily, and work efficiently to minimize disruption to your household.
Rewiring Services We Provide
Every home is different. We'll assess your specific situation and recommend the right approach for your needs and budget.
Whole-House Rewiring
Complete replacement of all wiring throughout your home. This is the most comprehensive solution for older homes with outdated or unsafe electrical systems. If you're building new, see our new construction electrical services.
Knob-and-Tube Replacement
Removal of old knob-and-tube wiring and replacement with modern, grounded wiring. Essential for homes built before 1950 that still have original electrical.
Partial Rewiring
Targeted rewiring of specific areas, like a kitchen or bathroom remodel, or sections of your home where wiring has failed inspection.
Addition & Renovation Rewiring
Home additions and whole-house renovations often expose outdated wiring in existing walls. We handle the electrical scope for the new addition and can upgrade the circuits throughout while walls are open. See our home additions electrical services.
Aluminum Wiring Remediation
Older homes may have aluminum wiring, which can be dangerous. We can replace it entirely or install approved connection methods to make it safe.
How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House?
It is the first question almost everyone asks, and the honest answer is that it depends on your specific home. Two houses the same size can land far apart on price. These are the factors that move the number up or down.
Square Footage & Circuits
A larger home has more wire to run, more devices to replace, and more circuits to land back at the panel. Size is the single biggest driver.
Wiring Accessibility
Open walls, an unfinished basement, or a walk-up attic make runs fast. Finished plaster walls, balloon framing, and tight crawl spaces take longer.
Type of Old Wiring
Pulling out knob-and-tube is different work than remediating aluminum connections device by device. What you have affects the scope.
Whole-House vs. Partial
A full rewire costs more than targeting the failed or unsafe sections. The inspection tells us which one your home actually needs.
Panel or Service Upgrade
Old wiring usually comes with an undersized panel. If your panel or service needs upgrading too, that adds to the project.
Finishes & Restoration
Where we need wall access, plaster is more involved to open and patch than drywall. We coordinate restoration so your home is put back right.
Why We Don't Post a Flat Price
A one-size price online would be a guess, and a rewire is too big a job to guess on. After a walkthrough, Moore Electric gives you a detailed written quote with the full scope spelled out, so you know exactly what you're paying for before any work starts.
One way to save: if you're already planning a renovation or addition, that's the most cost-effective time to rewire. The walls are open, so the labor that usually goes into access and patching is largely off the table.
How Permitting Works for Rewiring in NH and MA
Rewiring is permitted, inspected work in every community we serve, and it has to be done by a licensed electrician. Moore Electric handles the paperwork and the inspector coordination in each jurisdiction so you don't have to.
Plaistow & Southern NH
We pull the electrical permit from the Town of Plaistow Building Department, or the building department in your town, and the local inspector signs off at completion. New Hampshire requires a licensed electrician for the work. Moore Electric holds NH Master Electrician license #14511.
Haverhill & Northern MA
In Massachusetts the wiring permit is filed with the city or town's wiring inspector, such as the City of Haverhill, and the municipal inspector performs the inspection. The state requires a licensed electrician. Moore Electric holds MA license #22825.
Newburyport & the Seacoast
For Newburyport and the surrounding Seacoast communities, we file with the local wiring or building inspector and coordinate the final inspection. Same standard everywhere: licensed, permitted, and inspected before the job is closed out.
Why Homeowners Trust Moore Electric
Rewiring is a significant investment in your home. Here's why families throughout NH and MA trust us with their projects.
Owner-Supervised on Every Job
Brenden Moore personally oversees every rewiring project. You're not handed off to random subcontractors - you get the expertise you're paying for.
25+ Years of Experience
We've rewired older homes across the Seacoast and Merrimack Valley for more than 25 years. From Victorian-era knob-and-tube to 1970s aluminum wiring, we've seen and solved it.
Licensed in Three States
Fully licensed and insured in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. Every job is permitted and inspected - no shortcuts.
Family-Owned, Not a Franchise
We're your neighbors, not a corporate operation. Our reputation is built one job at a time, and we treat your home like it's our own.
Clear Communication
We explain everything in plain English so you understand what we're doing and why. No surprises, no jargon, no unanswered questions.
We Stand Behind Our Work
We take pride in every rewiring project we complete. If something isn't right with our work, we come back and address it.
How a Rewiring Project Works
We make the process as smooth as possible. Here's what to expect when you work with Moore Electric.
Inspection & Assessment
We thoroughly inspect your existing electrical system and discuss your needs. You'll get a clear picture of what's required.
Detailed Quote
We provide a written quote with the full scope of work. No hidden fees, no surprises - you'll know exactly what to expect.
Permits & Scheduling
Once approved, we pull all necessary permits and schedule the work around your needs. We'll keep you informed every step of the way.
Professional Installation
Our crew completes the rewiring efficiently while protecting your home. We clean up daily and minimize disruption.
Inspection & Completion
We coordinate the final inspection and walk you through everything. Your home's electrical is now safe, modern, and code-compliant.
What Our Customers Say
Don't just take our word for it. Here's what homeowners say about working with Moore Electric.
"I've been in the trades most of my life. I've worked with, for and have employed many trades guys. Brenden and his crew are among the best I've done business with. Reliable, communicative, fair, honest, and the list goes on."
"Moore Electric did a fantastic job! They were efficient, responsive, and reasonably priced. They make you feel comfortable knowing they will do a great job. I highly recommend!"
"Great job at a good price! Kind and easy to do business with. Their communication made the entire process smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend Moore Electric to anyone looking for a trustworthy, professional electrician."
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about house rewiring and what to expect.
It depends on a handful of things: your home's size and circuit count, how accessible the wiring is, the type of old wiring being replaced, whether it's a whole-house or partial rewire, and whether your panel or service needs upgrading too. A small home with open walls sits at the low end, while a large historic home with finished plaster and difficult access sits much higher. Rather than post a flat number that would just be a guess, Moore Electric gives you a detailed written quote after a walkthrough. If you're already renovating, that's the most cost-effective time to rewire because the walls are open.
Often, yes. Knob-and-tube and aluminum wiring are two of the most common reasons insurers in NH and MA decline coverage, decline to renew, or charge higher premiums. The same wiring frequently gets flagged during a home sale. A permitted, inspected rewire gives you the documentation carriers and buyers want to see. We'll assess your specific situation and lay out what's needed.
Rewiring projects typically take 2 to 4 weeks, with some shorter or longer depending on complexity. We'll provide a realistic timeline during the quoting process and keep you updated throughout the project.
In most cases, yes. We work room by room and maintain power to as much of the home as possible throughout the project. There may be brief periods when power needs to be shut off, but we plan around your schedule and communicate clearly about any disruptions. For smaller issues that don't require full rewiring, our repair services cause even less disruption.
Some drywall access is typically needed, but we minimize it as much as possible. We discuss this during the planning phase so you know what to expect. Many homeowners coordinate rewiring with renovations and additions to reduce the impact - it's one of the most cost-effective times to upgrade wiring since walls are already open. We don't do drywall repair ourselves, but we can recommend trusted contractors if needed.
Yes, electrical rewiring requires a permit and inspection in NH, MA, and ME. We pull the permit from your local building or wiring department - the Town of Plaistow, the City of Haverhill, and so on - and coordinate the inspection. This ensures your work is done to code and properly documented for insurance and resale purposes.
Knob-and-tube wiring itself isn't inherently dangerous when installed correctly and left alone. However, it's ungrounded, often deteriorated after 70+ years, and can be a fire hazard if insulation has been installed over it or if it's been modified improperly. Many insurance companies won't insure homes with active knob-and-tube, or charge higher premiums. We'll assess your specific situation and give you honest advice.
Often, yes. Homes with outdated wiring usually have undersized panels too. If you're rewiring, it often makes sense to upgrade your electrical panel at the same time to handle modern electrical demands like EV chargers, heat pumps, and home offices. We'll assess your panel during the inspection and include any necessary upgrades in your quote.
House Rewiring by Location
Looking for rewiring in a specific town? Start with your local page for area-specific detail.
Plaistow, NH Rewiring
Knob-and-tube replacement and whole-house rewiring for Plaistow and the surrounding southern NH towns.
Plaistow rewiring servicesHaverhill, MA Rewiring
Older-home rewiring and aluminum wiring remediation for Haverhill and the northern MA Merrimack Valley.
Haverhill rewiring servicesServing Southern NH, Massachusetts & Southern ME
We provide house rewiring services throughout the Seacoast and Merrimack Valley regions.
MA License #22825 • NH License #14511 • ME License #MS60023064
Ready to Make Your Home's Electrical Safe?
Get a clear assessment of your wiring and a detailed quote. No pressure, no obligation - just honest answers from a Master Electrician.