Rewiring a house can be a big job. Understanding the cost is important before you start.
On average, rewiring a home typically costs between $1,800 and $4,500, depending on the size of your house and the complexity of the work. This price usually includes both the wiring and labor.
Knowing what affects the cost can help you plan better. Factors like the age of your home, how much wiring needs replacing, and the local labor rates all play a role in the final price.
If your electrical system is outdated or causing problems, rewiring may be a smart choice to keep things safe and working well. Before you decide, get an estimate from a trusted electrician.
That way, you can avoid surprises and make sure your home’s wiring upgrade fits your budget.
Average Cost to Rewire a House
Rewiring costs vary depending on where you live, the size of your home, and how much work you need done. Knowing the typical prices can help you plan your budget.
National Averages
The cost to rewire a house in the U.S. usually falls between $3,000 and $8,000. This range comes from factors like labor rates, material prices, and how complicated the wiring is.
Electricians often charge more for older wiring or if you have many outlets and fixtures. Urban areas tend to have higher costs than rural ones due to labor and permit fees.
Smaller or simpler jobs usually cost less. Bigger homes or projects needing a full electrical panel upgrade may push the cost higher.
Cost Per Square Foot
Many electricians price rewiring by the size of the home, usually between $1.50 and $5 per square foot. A small 1,000 sq ft house could cost around $1,500 to $5,000.
Larger homes will cost more. This price usually includes new wiring, outlets, switches, and possibly updating the electrical panel.
Complex layouts or multi-story homes can increase labor time and material costs. If you are doing the work during new construction, costs might be lower because walls are open and easier to access.
In existing homes, electricians must work around finished spaces, which adds time and cost.
Cost by Home Size
Here’s a quick look at average rewiring costs by typical home sizes:
| Home Size (sq ft) | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| 1,500 | $4,500 – $7,500 |
| 2,000 | $6,000 – $8,000+ |
Smaller homes usually cost less because they have fewer rooms and less wiring. Larger homes require more materials and labor.
If you upgrade to a higher amp electrical panel, the cost may increase. Running wires through hard-to-reach areas or adding special wiring for appliances can also raise the price.
Factors Influencing Rewiring Costs
Several factors affect how much it will cost to rewire your house. These include the type and quality of wiring used, your home’s age, and how easy it is to reach the wiring.
Type of Wiring
The kind of wiring you choose plays a big role in the cost. Modern wiring like copper is more expensive but lasts longer and is safer than older materials like aluminum.
Some homes may also require special wiring for high-power appliances or smart home systems. Upgrading to thicker wires can cost more, as they handle more electricity.
Different wiring types also need specific installation skills, which can add to labor costs. Using higher quality wires generally means fewer problems later on.
Age of the Home
Older homes often cost more to rewire. Their wiring may need a full replacement to meet current safety rules.
Sometimes, old wires run through tricky spots like plaster walls, making the job harder. If your home has knob-and-tube or cloth-covered wiring, expect the price to be higher.
These systems are considered unsafe and require special removal and disposal. Homes built many decades ago may lack enough outlets, so extra wiring work might be needed.
Accessibility of Wiring
How easy it is to get to your wires makes a difference. If wiring is hidden behind drywall or plaster, electricians must cut and patch walls, which adds to the labor and material costs.
Open spaces like basements and attics are easier and cheaper to work in. If your house has multiple floors or complicated layouts, rewiring takes longer.
You might also face extra charges if you need to move or protect furniture and flooring. Clear access means faster work and lower costs.
Room-by-Room Cost Breakdown
The cost to rewire different rooms in your house varies based on their size, electrical needs, and the number of outlets and fixtures. Knowing these details helps you budget better.
Kitchen Wiring Costs
Kitchens need more wiring work because they use many appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves. You’ll likely need multiple dedicated circuits to handle these safely.
This means more materials and labor, raising the cost. Expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 for a full kitchen rewire.
This includes adding extra outlets, hardwiring large appliances, and updating light fixtures. If you have special equipment or a kitchen island with outlets, your cost could be higher.
Upgrading to GFCI outlets protects against shocks near water and might add to your price but improves safety.
Bathroom Electrical Updates
Bathrooms usually have fewer outlets but need special wiring for safety due to water exposure. You’ll need GFCI outlets and often a dedicated circuit for things like electric heaters, fans, or whirlpool tubs.
A bathroom rewire typically costs between $500 and $1,500. Since bathrooms are smaller, the cost is lower, but safety upgrades are necessary.
If you want heated floors or stronger lighting, expect to add more to the bill. Make sure wiring meets local codes for water safety.
Living Room and Bedroom Circuits
Living rooms and bedrooms are simpler to rewire but still need enough outlets and lighting circuits for your devices and fixtures. You might need multiple circuits if you have many electronics.
The average cost here is around $1,000 to $3,000 per room. This covers replacing old wiring, adding new outlets, and ensuring circuit breakers can handle your needs.
If you plan for things like ceiling fans or smart home systems, costs might rise a bit.
Additional Expenses to Consider
When rewiring a house, the total cost may be higher than just the wiring materials and labor. Extra costs can come from permits, fixing walls, and possibly upgrading your electrical panel to handle new power loads.
Permit Fees
Before starting rewiring, you usually need a permit from your local building department. This fee varies by location but typically ranges from $100 to $500.
Permits ensure your work meets safety codes and is inspected properly. Skipping a permit can cause problems when selling your home or if any electrical issues happen later.
To avoid fines or delays, check with your city or town about the exact cost and requirements for electrical permits.
Wall Repair and Restoration
Rewiring often means opening walls to run new wires, which can cause damage like holes or broken drywall. After the wiring, you’ll likely need to repair and paint these areas.
The cost for this depends on how much work is needed but expect to pay between $300 and $1,200. Larger jobs, like repairing plaster or matching old paint, may cost more.
Upgrading Electrical Panels
Your current electrical panel might not support the new wiring or increased power demand. Upgrading to a higher capacity panel (like from 100-amp to 200-amp or more) can cost $1,500 to $4,000.
This includes labor and new equipment. The upgrade may also involve extra work like adding new circuits or improving grounding systems.
It’s important to consider this cost if your home is older or if you plan to use more electricity.
DIY vs Professional Rewiring
Rewiring a house is a big job with many details to consider. Know the dangers involved if you do it yourself and the benefits of hiring a trained electrician.
Risks of DIY Rewiring
Rewiring on your own can be risky. If you make mistakes, it can cause electrical shocks or fires.
You might not know all the rules or how to connect wires safely. Wiring work often needs permits and inspections.
Without them, your insurance might not cover accidents, and your home could fail safety tests. Fixing errors later can cost much more than hiring a pro at first.
DIY rewiring requires tools and skills you may not have. Incorrect work can increase your electric bills because bad wiring wastes energy.
If you’re not confident, it’s safer to avoid rewiring yourself.
Benefits of Hiring an Electrician
A professional electrician has the experience and training to do the job right. They handle permits and inspections, so your home meets all safety codes.
Electricians use proper tools and materials, which lowers the chance of problems later. They can spot hidden issues before they become dangerous.
Hiring a pro saves time and can protect your budget from costly mistakes. Professionals usually provide warranties on their work, giving you peace of mind.
Key benefits of electricians:
- Experience with complex wiring systems
- Proper permits and safety checks
- Use of correct materials and tools
- Faster, more reliable work
- Warranty and insurance coverage
How to Save Money on House Rewiring
You can save money on rewiring your home by planning carefully and making smart choices. Reduce costs by combining repairs and picking the right materials without sacrificing safety or quality.
Bundling with Other Electrical Projects
When you schedule rewiring, consider combining it with other electrical work you need done. For example, if you want to upgrade your electrical panel, replace light fixtures, or add outlets, doing everything at once can cut labor costs.
Electricians charge by the hour, so bundling jobs means fewer visits and less time spent on your home. Combining projects helps you avoid paying separate service fees multiple times.
By planning these tasks together, you can often get a better deal and a smoother workflow.
Choosing Materials Wisely
The materials you pick for your wiring affect your total bill. Standard copper wire is reliable and usually cost-effective.
Higher-quality insulation may last longer and prevent problems. Ask your electrician about materials that balance durability with price.
Buying your own supplies can save money, but only if you know exactly what you need. Otherwise, buying through your electrician might be safer because they can ensure the materials meet local codes.
Avoid the cheapest options, as low-quality components can lead to costly repairs later on.
| Material Type | Cost Factor | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Copper | Moderate | High |
| Aluminum | Lower cost, less used | Medium |
| High-grade Insulation | Higher cost | Longer lifespan |
Choosing the right mix of materials helps you control costs without risking future expenses.
How to Get an Accurate Estimate
When you plan to rewire your house, getting a clear estimate is important. Start by finding licensed electricians in your area.
They can inspect your home and give you a detailed quote. Be ready to provide information about your home’s size and age.
This information helps the electrician understand the work involved. The complexity of the wiring and the number of outlets or fixtures also affect the price.
Ask for multiple quotes. Comparing at least three estimates helps you find a fair price.
Make sure each quote lists labor, materials, and any extra fees. Here’s a simple checklist for your estimate request:
- Size of your home (in square feet)
- Type of wiring needed
- Number of rooms and outlets
- Age and condition of existing wiring
- Specific upgrades or repairs you want
Ask about labor costs. These can vary depending on the electrician’s experience and your location.
Confirm if the electrician will handle permits and inspections. This can save you time and stress during the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rewiring a house can cost different amounts based on the size of your home, where you live, and how old your house is. Certain parts of the job, like labor and wall types, can affect the price too.
What’s the average cost to rewire different sizes of homes?
Smaller homes usually cost a few thousand dollars to rewire. Larger homes or those with many rooms can cost tens of thousands.
The bigger the house, the more materials and labor you will need. This increases the total cost.
Can the cost of rewiring my house be covered for free, and if so, how?
In most cases, rewiring is not free. If you have insurance and the rewiring is due to damage covered by your policy, it might help pay for some costs.
You should check your insurance policy carefully.
What factors influence the labor cost when rewiring a house?
Labor costs depend on how difficult the job is and how long it takes. If your home has tricky wiring or hard-to-reach spots, the work could take longer.
Electricians with more experience often charge higher rates.
Does the type of walls affect the cost of rewiring a house?
Yes, it does. Some walls, like plaster or brick, are harder to work with than drywall.
This means it might take more time and effort, causing the cost to go up.
Is there a difference in rewiring costs based on location, such as in California?
Yes, prices can vary based on where you live. States like California often have higher labor and permit costs compared to other states.
You may want to get local quotes to see the exact prices.
Are there any cost variations when rewiring older homes compared to newer ones?
Older homes often cost more to rewire. Their wiring and building styles can be outdated or harder to access.
Newer homes may have simpler wiring systems. This makes the job quicker and less expensive.