How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House? Essential Budget Guide

Is your house whispering signs of aging wires? Flickering lights, warm outlets, or old fuse boxes can be a red flag—one you can’t afford to ignore. Rewiring isn’t just a box to check; it’s about keeping your home, your family, and your investment safe.

At Heintz Electric, we know the leap from “maybe we should…” to actually planning a whole-house rewire can feel overwhelming. Let’s break it down, step by step, so you know exactly what to expect, what’s worth your money, and how to avoid surprises.

Why Rewiring Matters: More Than Just New Wires

Worn-out electrical systems are like old shoes—comfortable, but risky when the sole (or insulation) starts to give out. Faulty wiring is a leading cause of residential fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Modern life demands more from your wiring: bigger appliances, more gadgets, and higher safety standards.

Rewiring isn’t just about safety, though. It’s about future-proofing your home for smart tech, EV chargers, and energy savings.

What Exactly Is Involved in Rewiring?

Rewiring means replacing old wires, outlets, switches, and sometimes electrical panels. It’s not just a matter of pulling out the old and popping in the new. Think of it like open-heart surgery for your house.

• Old wires out, modern wires in: Copper wiring, safer insulation.
• New outlets and switches: More, and safer, in every room.
• Upgraded panels: Sometimes needed for today’s power-hungry homes.
• Hidden improvements: Replacing junction boxes, correcting past shortcuts, and grounding upgrades.

What Drives the Cost to Rewire a House?

Let’s talk brass tacks. Several main factors shape your budget:

1. Home Size

A 1,200 sq. ft. bungalow is a different beast from a 3,000 sq. ft. two-story. More square footage means more wire, more labor, and more time.

2. Accessibility 🧰

Is your house single-story with an unfinished basement? Or is every wire tucked behind plaster, under floors, or in tight crawlspaces? Easy access means less labor. Hard-to-reach areas add hours.

3. Wire Type & Materials

Standard copper wiring is the norm, but some homes need heavier gauge or specialty wires—especially for kitchens, laundry rooms, or high-power devices like EV chargers. Modern codes require safer, more robust materials than what you’ll find in homes built before the 1970s.

4. Permits & Code Requirements

Every city or county has its own rules. Some require detailed inspections. Others have strict limits on how wiring is run. Paying for permits is non-negotiable—and vital for insurance, safety, and resale value.

5. Regional Cost Differences

Labor rates vary. Material prices shift. Some code requirements are stricter in certain areas.

Full Rewire vs. Partial Rewire: Which Do You Need?

Sometimes, you only need a few rooms rewired. Maybe the kitchen and bathroom. Other times, the whole house needs an overhaul.

• Full rewire: All wires replaced, all outlets and switches updated, panel checked or upgraded.
• Partial rewire: Only targeted areas—like an addition, remodel, or after water/fire damage.

Partial rewires cost less, but mixing old and new wiring isn’t always ideal. It’s like patching a leaky roof instead of replacing all the shingles.

The Typical Rewiring Process

So what’s it really like? Here’s the usual roadmap:

1. Assessment: A licensed electrician inspects your home, sizing up the job and checking for safety hazards.
2. Detailed Quote: Transparent pricing—materials, labor, permit fees, and any special needs—so there are no surprises.
3. Planning & Permits: Applications are filed, plans are drawn, and the city is looped in.
4. Demo & Install: Old wiring is removed, new wires are routed, outlets and switches replaced.
5. Inspection: Local authorities inspect the work, ensuring it meets today’s codes.
6. Final Touches: Patching walls, cleaning up, and walking you through new features.

How Long Does It Take to Rewire a House?

A typical house takes anywhere from 3 to 10 days, depending on size, access, and complexity. For large or historic homes with tricky layouts, expect a bit longer. Partial rewires can sometimes wrap up in just a day or two.

Life gets disrupted, yes—but a pro keeps it efficient and tidy.

Labor, Materials, and Hidden Fees: What’s Real?

With something as big as rewiring, clarity is key:

• Labor: Usually the largest cost. Licensed electricians are trained, insured, and accountable.
• Materials: Wires, outlets, switches, breakers, and panels. Prices fluctuate, but your quote should break these down.
• Permits: An essential, not an extra.
• Hidden fees: Sometimes, unexpected issues pop up—think old knob-and-tube wiring, hidden junction boxes, or outdated panels. A thorough initial inspection can minimize these surprises.

Why You Should Always Hire a Licensed Electrician

This is not a DIY project. Cutting corners with unlicensed work risks fire, shock, and insurance nightmares. Licensed electricians follow the National Electrical Code (NEC), ensuring your home is safe, legal, and ready for the future.

They carry insurance, pull permits, and know how to find and fix issues you may not even know exist.

Budget Ranges: What to Expect

Costs vary, but here’s a ballpark for typical residential jobs (excluding major surprises):

• Partial rewire: $2,000–$7,000, depending on scope.
• Full rewire: $8,000–$30,000+ for average homes. Large or historic houses may run higher.

Remember, these numbers cover labor, materials, permits, inspections, and the “surprise” fund. Every home is unique—your actual number could land anywhere in that range.

Tips to Minimize Costs Without Sacrificing Quality

• Bundle projects: If you’re remodeling, add rewiring now. Saves time and labor.
• Stay organized: Move furniture, clear access, and prepare questions before the electrician arrives.
• Don’t skip on permits: It’s tempting, but it’ll cost more if you need to redo work for insurance or resale.
• Ask for an itemized quote: You deserve to know where your money goes.
• Consider future needs: If you plan to add smart tech, EV chargers, or extra outlets, let your electrician know upfront.

Signs Your House Needs Rewiring

Still unsure? Watch for:

• Flickering lights
• Frequent blown fuses or tripped breakers
• Outlets or switches that feel warm
• Burning smells or buzzing noises
• Two-prong outlets in older homes
• Aluminum wiring (common in homes from the late 1960s and 1970s)

If you spot these, schedule a professional safety inspection.

What to Expect During the Rewiring Project

• Some dust: Walls and ceilings may be opened.
• Temporary outages: Power will be off in sections during the work.
• Professional cleanup: At Heintz Electric, we treat your home with respect and leave it tidy.
• Communication: You’ll get daily updates and clear timelines.

Rewiring and Your Home’s Value

Updated electrical systems boost resale value, insurance eligibility, and peace of mind. It’s an investment that pays off in safety and future-proofing.

For those looking for an electrician company in the area, our team at Heintz Electric is always ready to help—no matter the size of your project. If you’re in the region, see our Rewiring page for more details.

When Is Rewiring an Emergency?

If you smell burning, see smoke, or lose power to a section of your house, call for emergency service immediately. Faulty wiring can escalate fast.

We provide 24-hour emergency response for urgent electrical safety issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I live at home during rewiring?
Usually, yes. There may be some inconvenience, but we plan to minimize disruption.

Do I need to upgrade my panel, too?
Sometimes. If your panel is outdated or undersized, it’s safest to upgrade during rewiring.

Will insurance cover my rewiring?
Rarely, unless damage is caused by a covered event. But many insurers require up-to-date wiring for coverage.

Can I choose where outlets and switches go?
Absolutely. During planning, you’ll work with your electrician to customize locations for convenience and future-proofing.

How to Get Started

Ready to take the next step? Reach out for a thorough, transparent quote, and get peace of mind from a licensed electrician. For more details or to schedule an assessment, explore our re-wiring service page.

Call Heintz Electric now — or reach us anytime at  877-315-8745 .