It all depends on what exactly you're trying to do, you don't say. Are you trying to add new circuits, are you wanting a total rewire of all existing receptacles, light fixtures and switches. What is your exact purpose here?
You can notch out the studs behind the baseboards for a new cable to be run, but then a nail plate must be installed covering the notch to protect the cable. This may or may not save time depending on what your objective is. An easier way to run new cables in an older place would be to install a product called wiremold. This installes on the wall to house the cables and can be painted over to blend in with the wall without any destructivness. Here's a link that'll show you the details.
http://www.wiremold.com/www/consumer/index.asp?bhcp=1