Residential Complete Electrical Rewiring in Santa Monica

Signs include flickering lights, frequent breaker trips, outlets not working, burning smells, cloth or knob-and-tube wiring, or a panel over 40 years old. Many Santa Monica homes built before 1970 near Montana Avenue, near the Pier, or in Sunset Park have outdated wiring that cannot handle modern loads (air conditioning, electric vehicles, home offices). If you're planning renovations or additions, rewiring is the right time. A complete inspection reveals problems invisible to the eye. Older wiring poses fire risk and limits your ability to sell or refinance. Modern wiring is safer, supports smart home features, and future-proofs your home for EV charging or solar.

Costs vary: a 1,000-1,500 sq ft Santa Monica home typically costs $8,000-15,000 for complete rewiring depending on panel location, structural complexity, and code requirements. Timeline is usually 5-10 days. Permits add 1-2 weeks. We minimize disruption by planning routes carefully and completing work in phases. Rough-in (walls open) and final (after drywall) inspections are separate. For condos or historic homes near Montana Avenue or downtown, permitting may take longer due to HOA approval or Landmarks Commission review. Transparent pricing upfront and regular communication keep projects on schedule.

Yes, but be aware of limitations. Partial rewiring (kitchen, bathroom, addition) works when your existing service and panel are adequate. However, if your main panel is outdated or your service is undersized, a full system upgrade is safer and more efficient. Santa Monica coastal properties benefit from complete rewiring to address salt-air corrosion. For condos, HOA approval may require consistent upgrades. We assess your situation and recommend the most cost-effective solution. Sometimes partial rewiring today leads to full rewiring in 5 years anyway, so planning wisely saves money long-term.

California Electrical Code (based on NEC) plus Santa Monica amendments apply. All rewiring requires permits, plan review (typically 5-10 days), rough and final inspections, and approval by City of Santa Monica Building and Safety Division. Title 24 requires AFCI/GFCI protection, arc-fault breakers in bedrooms, surge protection, and proper grounding. For condo HOAs, additional board approval is needed. Historic properties may require Landmarks Commission review. We handle all documentation, coordinate inspections, and ensure compliance. Santa Monica's strict standards protect safety and property values, and our local experience keeps projects moving smoothly.

We plan routes to minimize wall opening, often running new wiring alongside existing runs where possible. We coordinate with your schedule—starting early, working around occupied areas, finishing each section before moving next. We protect floors, walls, and furnishings from dust and damage. Communication is key: we explain each phase, timelines, and what to expect. For families living in the home during rewiring, we can work in zones (bedrooms, living areas, kitchen) sequentially so you maintain basic access. Once complete, we patch and finish drywall (or coordinate with your contractor). Most Santa Monica rewires cause minimal disruption with good planning.

Absolutely—this is the ideal time. We design your new panel and circuits to support EV charging (dedicate 40-60A circuits), solar PV (backfeed-ready breakers), and smart home systems (dedicated neutral for smart breakers, control conduit for low-voltage wiring). Lutron or Leviton smart switches integrate with voice assistants. Whole-home surge protection is standard. Smart thermostats and monitoring systems wire in during rough-in. Building these capabilities into new wiring costs less than retrofitting later. For Santa Monica homes with EV adoption and renewable energy goals, future-ready rewiring is a smart investment that supports your lifestyle and property value.