The answer to 'rewiring vs' is that rewiring a home is generally more comprehensive and costly than simply updating or replacing electrical components. Rewiring involves completely replacing the home's electrical system, including the main service panel, wiring, outlets, and switches. This is often necessary for older homes with outdated or unsafe electrical infrastructure. In contrast, updating or replacing specific electrical components like outlets, switches, or light fixtures is a more targeted and less expensive approach.
The key benefits of rewiring are improved safety, increased capacity and efficiency, and the ability to add new electrical features like smart home technology. However, rewiring can be disruptive and costly, often requiring drywall repair and requiring the homeowner to temporarily relocate. Updating individual components is a more affordable option that can still provide safety and efficiency upgrades, but may not address underlying electrical issues.