How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House? Key Factors Explained

Rewiring your home isn’t just a project—it’s a turning point. Maybe your lights flicker like a nervous firefly, or your fuses blow at the worst times. Maybe you’re planning a renovation and want peace of mind that your wiring is up to code. Whatever brings you here, you’re not alone. At Lew Sader Electric, we know homeowners want answers—fast, clear, and honest.

Let’s break down what goes into the cost to rewire a house, what you should watch for, and how to set a budget without unwelcome surprises. Whether you’re in an emergency or just planning ahead, this guide will help you take the next step with confidence.

Typical Cost Ranges ⚡

Let’s start with what everyone wants to know: What will it cost? The price to rewire a house can feel like a moving target. On average, homeowners can expect anywhere from $8,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the size of the house and complexity. That’s a big swing—so what’s behind it?

• Smaller homes or condos (under 1,500 sq ft): Typically fall on the lower end.
• Average family homes (1,500–3,000 sq ft): Land in the middle.
• Larger homes or older houses: Can tip the scale, especially if there are tricky access issues or outdated panels.

Keep in mind, this includes labor, materials, safety upgrades, and patching up walls or ceilings. If you need more than basic wiring—like new outlets, EV chargers, or smart home upgrades—costs will tick upwards.

What Factors Affect Rewiring Prices?

Think of your home’s wiring like the veins in your body. Some are easy to reach; others are buried deep. Here’s what can drive up (or down) the cost:

1. Labor and Time

Labor is usually the biggest slice of the pie. Experienced electricians—especially those available 24/7 for emergency situations—charge for their expertise, skill, and time. Jobs that require Fault Finding near you, or after-hours work, can cost more.

2. Materials and Quality

Copper wire, circuit breakers, outlets, switches, and safety devices all add up. If your project calls for high-grade or specialty components, the bill grows. Upgrading to safer, code-compliant materials is non-negotiable.

3. Accessibility

Is your wiring easy to reach, or hidden behind layers of drywall, insulation, or brick? The more walls and floors electricians need to open up, the longer—and costlier—the job becomes.

4. Home Age and Layout

Older homes often have surprises lurking behind the paint—knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum circuits, or outdated fuse boxes. Rewiring these takes more care and sometimes, more repair after the wires are run.

5. Permits and Inspections

Local codes require permits and inspections for major electrical work. These fees are a must, but they also protect your family by ensuring everything meets National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.

6. Hidden Expenses

• Repairing drywall or plaster
• Upgrading outdated panels
• Adding GFCIs, AFCIs, or surge protection
• Dealing with asbestos or lead paint in older homes

Every house is unique. A walk-through by a certified electrician is the single best way to get an accurate, transparent quote.

Signs Your Home Needs Rewiring 🏠

Don’t wait for sparks to fly. If you spot any of these warning signs, it’s time to call a certified electrician, not just for a quote but for your safety:

• Flickering or dimming lights
• Frequent blown fuses or tripped breakers
• Buzzing outlets or switches
• Outlets that feel hot to the touch
• Burning smells or scorched marks on outlets
• Two-prong (ungrounded) outlets
• Your home is over 40 years old and hasn’t been inspected recently

If you notice these issues, don’t ignore them. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Electrical Safety Foundation International both stress the importance of timely electrical upgrades for home safety.

How to Budget for an Electrical Upgrade

Rewiring your home is a big investment, but it can save you from even bigger headaches down the road. Here’s how to build a realistic budget and avoid sticker shock:

• Request a detailed, written quote. This should break down labor, materials, and any patching or repairs.
• Ask about permit and inspection costs. These are required and ensure the job is legal and safe.
• Plan for patching and painting. Rewiring can leave holes in your walls and ceilings.
• Set aside 10–20% extra. Unexpected issues (like hidden water damage, or old, unsafe wiring) can crop up mid-job.
• Get more than one estimate. But always compare apples to apples—scope, quality of materials, and experience.

Practical Tips

• Schedule an electrical safety inspection first. This helps pinpoint exactly what needs to be done.
• Ask about phased work. If your budget is tight, some jobs can be split over time.
• Check if your insurance will cover any of the work. Sometimes upgrades are required after storm damage or fire.

Why Hire Certified Electricians?

DIY electrical work might seem tempting, but the risks are real—shock, fire, injury, or a failed home sale down the line. Certified electricians know the latest code requirements, use the right materials, and are insured in case something goes wrong.

Lew Sader Electric’s team is licensed, insured, and trained to handle everything from Fault Finding near you to full-scale rewiring. We follow NEC guidelines to the letter. This means safer homes and fewer headaches.

What Happens During a Rewire?

Curious about what to expect? Here’s a quick timeline:

1. Inspection & Planning: Walk-through to map out circuits, outlets, and panels.
2. Permits Pulled: Required for major electrical changes.
3. Old Wiring Removed: Carefully, to minimize mess.
4. New Wiring Installed: Includes outlets, switches, lights, and safety devices like smoke detectors.
5. Inspections: Local authorities check the work for code compliance.
6. Repairs: Walls, ceilings, and finishes patched up.
7. Final Testing: Every circuit is tested for safe operation.

Most full-house rewires take 5–10 days, depending on home size and complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to stay in the house during rewiring?
Often, yes—but expect some disruption. Circuits may be shut off, and areas of your home sealed off for work. For families with small children or anyone working from home, you might want to stay elsewhere for a few days.

Can I rewire just one room?
Yes. Kitchens, bathrooms, and additions are common candidates for partial rewiring, especially when remodeling.

How long does new wiring last?
Modern copper wiring, installed to code, can last 50 years or more. Regular safety checks are still important.

What about older homes with plaster walls?
Rewiring is possible, but might take longer (and cost more) because extra care is needed to avoid damaging fragile materials.

Keeping Your Home Safe for the Long Haul

Electrical safety isn’t a one-time job. Schedule regular inspections—especially if you add new appliances or notice any warning signs. Installing surge protection, smoke and CO detectors, and GFCI outlets in wet areas adds priceless peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Rewiring is a major step, but it’s also an investment in your family’s safety, comfort, and the value of your home. If you’re seeing warning signs, planning a renovation, or just want the peace of mind of up-to-date wiring, Lew Sader Electric is ready to help—24/7, every day of the year.

Call Lew Sader Electric now — or reach us anytime at  888-851-5284 .