Understanding the potential rewire house cost is important for homeowners considering an electrical upgrade. Rewiring a home can enhance safety, increase efficiency, and add value. However, it also represents a major investment. This article will break down the average expenses along with the many variables that impact the total project cost.
The average rewire house cost is $10,000 to $15,000, according to most estimates. However, prices can range from as low as $1,000 for a small home needing minor upgrades to over $30,000 for a complete overhaul of a large house with complex wiring issues. The final amount depends on several key factors.
Size and Age of the House
| Key Takeaway | Description |
|---|---|
| Inspect electrical systems every 10 years | The CPSC recommends having a professional inspect home electrical systems at least once every 10 years to check for issues and prevent fires. |
| Address warning signs like dimming lights | Signs of electrical issues like flickering lights, buzzing sounds, or hot outlets indicate potential wiring problems and fire risks. |
| Use extension cords properly | Extension cords should be used sparingly and not as permanent solutions. Overloading outlets with too many cords can cause fires. |
| Install smoke alarms | Smoke alarms can provide early warning of electrical fires that may smolder before igniting into flames. |
| Upgrade to GFCI outlets | Kitchens, bathrooms and other areas prone to water require GFCI outlets to prevent shocks and electrocution hazards. |
The size of the home directly correlates to the amount of wiring needed. Therefore, square footage plays a major role in rewiring costs. The average price per square foot is $3 to $8. A 2,000 square foot home could cost between $6,000 and $16,000 to rewire. Meanwhile, a 5,000 square foot mansion might run $15,000 to $40,000 or more.
Additionally, older homes often have more obsolete wiring that requires replacement. Rewiring a newer home with modern electrical systems may only involve upgrading specific areas. However, century-old homes with knob and tube wiring could require a full electrical overhaul costing tens of thousands.
Type of Wiring
| Type of Wiring | Description | Average Cost to Rewire |
|---|---|---|
| Knob and Tube | Early 20th century wiring with cloth insulation and ceramic knobs. Not grounded. | $20,000 – $25,000 |
| Aluminum | Used in some homes prior to the 1970s. Prone to overheating. | $15,000 – $20,000 |
| Copper | Modern standard for home wiring. Durable and efficient conductor. | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Smart Home | Sophisticated connected home electronics, appliances and lighting. | $25,000+ |
| Audio Visual | Home theater, intercoms, speakers and advanced A/V wiring. | $15,000+ |
| Backup Generator | Automatic standby generator and transfer switch wiring. | $5,000+ |
If the existing wiring is severely outdated or hazardous, rewiring prices surge due to more extensive replacement needs. For example, homes with original knob and tube wiring from the early 1900s average around $20,000 to rewire. This type of ungrounded, cloth-wrapped wiring lacks safety compared to modern systems. Furthermore, insurance companies may not cover homes without grounded wiring.
Meanwhile, homes built prior to the 1970s may contain aluminum wiring prone to overheating issues. Rewiring homes with aluminum rewire house cost $15,000 to $25,000 on average. Copper wiring reduces fire risks and lasts longer than aluminum alternatives.
Rooms Being Rewired
Rewire house cost fluctuate substantially depending on the rooms involved. Wiring for lighting and outlets in living spaces is simpler than for the high-power appliances found in kitchens and laundry rooms. Complex wiring for hot tubs, air conditioners, home theater systems, and sophisticated electronics can also escalate costs.
On average, basic bedroom rewiring may start around $2,000. In comparison, kitchen rewiring often runs $3,000 to $6,000 depending on size and specific needs. Upgrading a master bathroom with GFCI outlets and ample lighting averages $2,500 to $4,500. Overall, critical rooms like kitchens and bathrooms cost 50-100% more on average than simpler bedrooms and living areas.
Materials and Labor
On most electrical rewiring jobs, labor accounts for 50-70% of the total price. An experienced electrician charges $40 to $100 per hour on average. Therefore, complex projects requiring 500 hours could cost $20,000 to $50,000 in labor alone. The remaining 30-50% covers materials like wiring, conduits, breakers, outlets, and electrical panels.
Other variables also impact the overall price, ranging from permit fees to the need for drywall repair. Costs may rise if challenging access issues require extensive demolition work. However, discounts from electrical suppliers or rebates from local municipalities can partially balance these extra expenses.
Geographical Location
Where the home is located also affects rewiring costs. In expensive urban areas like San Francisco or New York City, the average prices per square foot run significantly higher. Rural low-cost areas may charge less for materials and hourly electrician fees.
Nationwide, homeowners pay around $3 to $8 per square foot as mentioned previously. But exact rates range widely from $2 per square foot in some regions to over $15 in elite neighborhoods. Carefully researching local electrician rates provides the most accurate estimate.
Rewire House Cost: Other Factors
| Cost Factor | Description | Impact on Rewiring Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Scope | The extent of the rewiring project. Upgrading a few rooms costs less than rewiring an entire house. But piecemeal upgrades may use incompatible wiring. | More extensive projects increase costs but comprehensive upgrades enhance safety. |
| Accessibility | Rewiring homes with open attics/basements costs less than working through finished walls and closed spaces. Fishing wires is time-consuming. | Challenging access can add demolition expenses and electrician hours, raising overall costs. |
| Specialty Systems | Smart home tech, generators, home theaters require certified technicians at premium rates. | Specialized wiring skills demand higher labor costs. Complex electronics can also require expensive proprietary wiring. |
| Insurance Requirements | Providers may require electrical upgrades, or cancel policies based on wiring hazards. | Though expensive, avoiding policy cancellation provides financial protection. Rewiring may also lead to discount. |
Several other considerations influence the total expense:
- Overall Scope: Upgrading a couple of rooms costs less than rewiring an entire house. But piecemeal upgrades may result in incompatible wiring systems.
- Accessibility: Conduit installation costs more in homes with closed wall interiors versus open attics/basements. Fishing wires through finished walls also takes much longer.
- Specialty Systems: Smart home electronics, backup generators, and sophisticated wiring for audiovisual systems require certified technicians demanding premium rates.
- Insurance Requirements: Many providers mandate electrical system upgrades as a condition of continued coverage based on old wiring hazards. Non-compliance risks policy cancellation.
While rewiring costs may seem high, this major investment in a home’s safety and infrastructure pays dividends for years to come.
Benefits of Rewiring a House
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Improved Safety | Rewiring eliminates potential fire hazards from outdated, damaged wiring. It ensures compliance with modern electrical codes. |
| Added Capacity | New wiring supports today’s higher electrical loads from more appliances and devices operating simultaneously. |
| Energy Efficiency | New wiring enables new ENERGY STAR certified appliances and lighting that reduce electric bills. |
| Added Value | Rewiring can boost a home’s value by 3-5% typically. Buyers want updated electrical systems. |
| More Convenience | Additional outlets can be added in helpful locations during the rewiring process. |
| Insurance Savings | Some carriers require electrical updates and offer discounts for modernized wiring systems. |
| Peace of Mind | Homeowners gain confidence from safer, more reliable wiring protecting their family and property. |
Beyond pure aesthetics, upgrading home electrical wiring provides many tangible benefits:
Fire Prevention – Outdated wiring causes an estimated 30,000 house fires annually according to the National Fire Protection Association. Modern wiring significantly reduces electrical fire risks.
Added Value – Updated wiring can increase a home’s worth by 3-5% on average. Moreover, buyers gravitate toward homes meeting modern safety standards.
Electricity Savings – Newer wiring enables homeowners to leverage modern high-efficiency appliances and lighting systems that reduce electric bills.
Safety & Reliability – Grounded wiring prevents shock hazards. And sufficient wire gauge capacities support heavier household electrical loads without risk of failure.
Insurance Savings – Many carriers offer premium discounts for homes with updated wiring. Avoiding fire risks also means lower payouts for providers.
Peace of Mind – Perhaps most importantly, homeowners gain confidence knowing their family lives within a safer, more reliable, and resilient electrical infrastructure.
Ways to Save Money on Rewiring
| Way to Save | Description | Estimated Savings |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Rewiring | Take on basic tasks like opening walls, fishing wires yourself | 10-30% labor costs |
| Shop Multiple Suppliers | Compare prices on wiring and materials at big box stores | 5-15% on materials |
| Negotiate Electrician Rates | Offer off-peak schedules for potential discounts | 5-10% on labor |
| Seek Rebates | Check for local/state rebates on electrical upgrades | Up to $1000 |
| Finance Over Time | Use loans or HELOCs to spread payments out | Varies |
While rewiring costs are largely fixed due to labor rates and material expenses, homeowners can still take proactive measures to control expenses:
DIY Rewiring – Homeowners willing to learn basic electrical skills can save thousands in labor charges. However, DIY projects require securing permits/inspections.
Shop Multiple Vendors – Price shopping wiring materials from various supply warehouses like Home Depot and Lowes helps minimize component costs.
Negotiate Rates – Agreeing to off-peak schedules can secure discounts from electricians happy to fill slower periods with reduced-rate work.
Seek Rebates – Many municipalities offer rebates up to $500-$1000 for upgrading aging electrical wiring as part of local safety initiatives.
Finance the Project – Lengthy payment terms via home improvement loans allow homeowners to complete necessary upgrades cost-effectively over time.
Conclusion
Rewiring a home represents a major financial investment, with costs ranging from $1,000 to over $30,000 depending on the scope of work. While not inexpensive, necessary electrical upgrades pay dividends through enhanced safety, efficiency, and value. Moreover, homeowners may recoup thousands in insurance savings over time by reducing fire risks.
Understanding all the cost variables – including the wiring’s age/type, home size, rooms involved and local electrician rates – paints a realistic picture of the total rewiring budget. Ultimately however, protecting one’s family and property provides the top motivation for taking on such a vital project. By following some rewire house cost-saving tips, homeowners invest wisely to reap the rewards of modern, resilient wiring for decades to come.
