Rewiring a house is necessary to avoid any electricity problems or hazards. Whether you’re dealing with old, outdated wiring or planning a renovation, understanding the costs involved is important.
This guide will give you the average cost to rewire a house according to the size of the house. You will also get insight into different materials used in the rewiring of the house. It is also necessary to understand the signs of rewiring a house. So, do not waste any time and learn why you need to rewire your house.
Average Cost To Rewire A House
If you’re experiencing flickering lights or breaker trips in the house, you need to check your wiring. Maybe it only needs some upgrading. But if the issue isn’t solved on time, you may need to rewire your house.
The average cost to rewire a house can range between $5,000 to $20,000. It usually takes $5 to $15 per square foot. However, the total cost will depend upon the size of the house, the type of wiring, the installation of additional features, and labor costs.
Here are some general estimates:
- Small house (1,000-1,500 square feet): $5,000 to $10,000
- Medium house (1,500-2,500 square feet): $10,000 to $20,000
- Large house (2,500+ square feet): $20,000 or more
Cost To Rewire A House Per Sq Ft
While electrical wiring is priced by linear foot, you can still use the total square footage of your home to estimate the amount of wire you’ll need. The average cost of rewiring a house ranges between $5 to $15 per square foot.
In the US, a standard house consists of 2,500 square feet. If you plan to rewire this house, you’ll need at least 2,500 liner feet of wiring material.
| Size Sq ft | Average Cost |
| 500 | $2,500 – $8,500 |
| 1,000 | $5,000 – $17,000 |
| 1,500 | $7,500 – $25,500 |
| 2,000 | $10,000 – $34,000 |
| 2,500 | $12,500 – $42,500 |
| 3,000 | $15,000 – $51,000 |
These costs include both the fees of material and labor.
Cost To Rewire A House Per Project
Rewiring a house consists of multiple tasks. It may include replacing some old wires. It can also include installing new equipment, such as electrical panels, circuit breakers, switches, or fixtures. Following are some tasks that may be done while rewiring a house.
Upgrade Electrical Panel
If your existing electrical panel is old or does not support the amount of power your house uses, it may be needed to upgrade it. The cost of installing a new electrical panel depends upon the type of panel and power usage.
Opening Walls And Running Wires
To rewire a house, electricians often need to open walls to get access to old wiring. This allows them to get rid of existing wires and run new ones in your home. This step can be labor-intensive. Because it requires more work and time.
Install Electrical Outlet Or Switch
As part of the rewiring procedure, you may additionally want new electrical outlets or switches installed. Adding or changing these switches ensures your property is up to modern safety standards. Each outlet or switch adds a small price, however it improves the functionality and safety of your electrical system.
Installing Circuit Breakers
Upgrading or installing new circuit breakers is another common task during a rewiring project. Circuit breakers protect your home from electrical overloads. It’s essential to make sure they’re running effectively. New circuit breakers can cope with more power, which is especially beneficial in case you’re including new appliances.
| Cost Factor | Cost Per Sq Ft |
| Upgrade electrical panel | $2.50 – $5.00 |
| Opening walls and running wires | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Install electrical outlet or switch | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Installing circuit breakers | $0.50 – $1.00 |
Note: These costs include both the fees of materials and labor.
Different Materials Used To Rewire A House
There are types of materials used to rewire a house. Each material has its uses and benefits. Understand these features to choose the perfect for you according to your needs.
| Material | Features | Per Sq Ft |
| THHN or THWN Wire | Heat resistant, wire resistant, single conductor, an extra layer to protect the wire | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| NM Cable | Use in accessory dwelling units, have multiple conductors, not suitable for high heat | $0.75 – $1.50 |
| UF Cable | Designed for moist, high heat, outdoor situations, install underground | $1.00 – $2.00 |
Signs You Need To Rewire A House
- Frequent blown fuses or tripped breakers: This may mean your wiring is overloaded and needs an upgrade.
- Flickering or dimming lights: Wires may be faulty or not able to handle the current electrical demand.
- A burning smell or discolored outlets: Any burning smell or marks on outlets are signs of dangerous wiring issues.
- Old wiring: Homes with wiring older than 30-40 years may not meet today’s safety standards.
- Two-pronged outlets: If your home still has two-pronged outlets, it could be time to rewire for modern, grounded outlets.
Conclusion
The average cost to rewire a house can range between $5,000 to $20,000. It usually takes $5 to $15 per square foot. Remember to keep in mind the costs of different tasks that you want to do while rewiring your house. Identify the costs of materials and equipment before planning a budget.
Planning in advance help you to complete rewiring your house without any unexpected expenses and issues.
