Average Cost To Rewire A House

The average cost to rewire a house in the US typically ranges from $4,000 to $15,000+, with most homeowners spending $8,000 – $12,000 for a standard-sized home. However, costs vary significantly based on several key factors:

Key Cost Factors

1. House Size & Layout:

   • Small House/Apartment (1,000 sq ft or less): $4,000 – $8,000
   • Medium House (1,500 – 2,500 sq ft): $8,000 – $15,000
   • Large House (3,000+ sq ft): $15,000 – $25,000+
   • Complex layouts (multiple stories, additions) increase labor time and cost.

2. Accessibility:

   • Easy Access (Open walls, unfinished basement/attic): Lower cost.
   • Difficult Access (Plaster walls, finished ceilings, crawl spaces): Significantly higher cost due to labor-intensive fishing of wires and extensive wall repair work. Plaster repair is especially expensive.

3. Wiring Scope:

   • Full Rewire: Replacing all wiring (panel to outlets/switches/lights/appliances). Most expensive.
   • Partial Rewire: Updating only specific circuits (e.g., kitchen, bathroom, adding circuits). Less expensive but depends on scope.
   • Adding Circuits: For new appliances (EV charger, tankless water heater) or rooms.

4. Electrical Panel Upgrade:

   • Older homes often have insufficient or unsafe panels (e.g., 60-100 amp fuse boxes or outdated breaker panels).
   • Upgrading to a modern 200-amp panel typically adds $1,500 – $4,500+ to the total cost. Highly recommended during a full rewire.

5. Material Costs:

   • Copper wire prices fluctuate. Romex (NM-B) is standard for most residential wiring.
   • Number of outlets, switches, light fixtures, dedicated circuits, and wire gauge needed impact material costs.

6. Labor Rates:

   • Vary greatly by region (urban vs. rural) and the electrician/company’s experience.
   • Licensed and insured electricians are essential but cost more.

7. Permits & Inspections:

   • Required for rewiring work. Costs range from $100 to $800+ depending on location and project scope. This is non-negotiable for safety and insurance/legal reasons.

8. Wall & Ceiling Repair:

   • Significant additional cost often overlooked. Electricians typically only make access holes; repairing drywall or plaster is usually a separate contractor.
   • Budget $1,000 – $5,000+ depending on the number of holes and wall type (drywall repair is cheaper than plaster).

Additional Cost Considerations

• Upgrades: Adding modern features like USB outlets, smart switches, dimmers, GFCI/AFCI breakers, whole-house surge protection, or upgrading lighting fixtures will increase costs.
• Age of Home: Older homes (pre-1960s, especially knob-and-tube wiring) often require more extensive work and remediation (like removing old insulation contaminated by degraded wiring), driving up costs.
• Local Regulations: Some areas have stricter codes requiring additional work.
• Time of Year: Demand can affect pricing.

Important Advice

1. Get Multiple Quotes: Always obtain 3-5 detailed, itemized quotes from licensed, bonded, and insured electricians. Compare scope, materials, and labor costs.
2. Check References & Reviews: Verify the electrician’s reputation.
3. Understand the Quote: Ensure it includes permits, inspections, rough-in wiring, installation of outlets/switches/fixtures, panel work (if needed), and cleanup. Clarify who handles wall repair.
4. Permits are Mandatory: Never hire an electrician who suggests skipping permits. This is unsafe and can void insurance and cause issues when selling.
5. Not DIY: Rewiring a house is complex, dangerous, and requires expertise and permits. Hire a professional.

In summary: While $8,000 – $12,000 is a common range for a full rewire in a typical 1,500-2,500 sq ft home, the only way to get an accurate estimate is to get detailed quotes for your specific property. Factor in potential wall repair costs and panel upgrades for a realistic total budget.