Question 1

How much does it cost to rewire a house?

Accepted Answer

Whole-house rewiring costs vary by home size, accessibility, and local labor rates. For a typical home: 1,000 sq ft home costs $3,000-$8,000 total ($3-$8 per sq ft). 1,500 sq ft home costs $5,000-$12,000 ($3.50-$8 per sq ft). 2,000 sq ft home costs $6,000-$16,000 ($3-$8 per sq ft). 2,500 sq ft home costs $8,000-$20,000 ($3-$8 per sq ft). These estimates include: New wiring throughout, updated electrical panel (100-200 amp), new outlets and switches, GFCI and AFCI protection where required, basic light fixtures, labor, permits, and inspections. Costs vary by: Ease of access (finished vs unfinished basement/attic), number of circuits needed (kitchens and bathrooms require more), panel upgrade requirements (knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring homes often need full upgrades), local permit and inspection fees ($200-$1,000), and whether drywall repair is needed. Prices are higher in older homes with limited access requiring more wall opening and repair. Emergency service adds 20-30%. Multi-story homes cost more due to fishing wires between floors.

Question 2

What are the signs that my electrical system needs upgrading?

Accepted Answer

Warning signs indicate your electrical system needs professional evaluation and potential upgrade. IMMEDIATE RED FLAGS (Call electrician immediately): Frequent breaker trips or fuses blowing, burning smell from outlets or panel, outlets or switches hot to touch, flickering lights throughout house (not just one fixture), sparks when plugging in devices, discolored or charred outlets/switches, buzzing or humming from panel or outlets. UPGRADE INDICATORS: Home built before 1970 with original wiring, knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring present, 60-amp or 100-amp service (inadequate for modern homes), fuse box instead of breaker panel, two-prong outlets throughout (ungrounded), insufficient outlets requiring extensive power strips, lights dim when major appliances run, inability to add new circuits (panel maxed out), insurance company requires upgrade for coverage. AGE CONCERNS: Pre-1940 homes likely have knob-and-tube wiring (fire hazard, uninsurable). 1960s-1970s homes may have aluminum wiring (connection failure risk). 1980s homes often adequate but may need panel upgrade for added load. MODERN NEEDS: Today's homes need 200-amp service minimum (150-amp acceptable for smaller homes). Electric vehicles, hot tubs, central AC, electric heat, and modern appliances demand significantly more power than older systems provide. PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION: Licensed electrician inspection costs $150-$300 and provides detailed assessment of: Panel capacity, wiring condition, grounding adequacy, code compliance, safety hazards, and upgrade recommendations. Worth investment for any home 30+ years old or showing warning signs.

Question 3

How long does electrical work take and do I need to move out?

Accepted Answer

TIMELINE BY PROJECT: ELECTRICAL PANEL UPGRADE - 1-2 days. Power off 4-8 hours during installation. PARTIAL REWIRE (one room) - 2-5 days depending on room size and access. WHOLE-HOUSE REWIRE - 3-10 days for occupied home (electricians work around you). 5-7 days if vacant (faster, easier access). Large or complex homes may take 2-3 weeks. PROJECT PHASES: Day 1-2: Planning, marking circuits, initial opening of walls (if needed). Days 3-7: Running new wiring, installing boxes and outlets. Days 8-9: Connecting circuits, installing fixtures and switches. Day 10: Testing, inspection, drywall repair (if needed). LIVING DURING REWIRING: STAYING HOME FEASIBLE - Most rewiring can be done while occupied. Electricians typically work on one area at a time, maintaining power to most of home. Expect noise, dust (from drilling through studs), exposed wiring temporarily, and workers present 8-10 hours daily. POWER OUTAGES - Plan for 4-8 hours without power during panel connection/testing. Refrigerator/freezer contents at risk - use coolers or off-site storage. No cooking on electric stove during outages. Have flashlights ready. MINIMAL DISRUPTION - Room-by-room approach allows continued use of most spaces. One bathroom remains functional. Kitchen available except during its specific work period. MOVING OUT HELPS IF: Major structural work required, working around schedule problematic, young children or sensitive individuals, you want fastest completion, or combining with other major renovation (might as well leave). DRYWALL REPAIR: If walls opened, expect 2-5 additional days for drywall repair, mudding, sanding, priming, and painting. Can extend total timeline to 2-3 weeks. PERMITS/INSPECTION: Add 3-7 days for permit approval before work and 1-2 days for final inspection after completion.

Question 4

Do I need a permit for electrical work?

Accepted Answer

Electrical permits are required for almost all electrical work beyond minor repairs/replacements. REQUIRES PERMIT: Installing new circuits, upgrading electrical panel, rewiring any portion of home, adding outlets or switches (new locations), installing electric vehicle charger, installing hardwired appliances (range, dryer, AC), any work involving opening walls to access wiring, installing outdoor wiring or service, and any work on main service entrance. USUALLY NO PERMIT: Replacing existing outlet or switch (same location), replacing light fixtures, replacing circuit breaker (same amp rating), replacing damaged wire in junction box (like-for-like repair). CHECK LOCAL CODES as requirements vary by jurisdiction. Some areas require permits for everything, others more lenient. PERMIT COSTS: $100-$500 depending on project scope and location. Panel upgrade typically $200-$400. Whole-house rewire $300-$1,000. Small additions $100-$200. WHY PERMITS MATTER: SAFETY - Inspection ensures work meets current electrical codes, protecting your family from fires, shocks, and electrocution. INSURANCE - Work without permits can void homeowners insurance. Claims denied for electrical fires from unpermitted work. RESALE - Unpermitted work must be disclosed. Buyers often require bringing work to code ($2,000-$10,000+) or reduce offers by cost of correction. LEGAL LIABILITY - You're liable for any damages from unpermitted work, even if selling home. TYPICAL PROCESS: Pull permit before starting work ($100-$500). Schedule rough-in inspection after wiring installed ($0, included in permit). Schedule final inspection after completion ($0). Receive approval and certificate. AVOID UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS offering to "save money" by skipping permits - liability falls on homeowner if something goes wrong. LICENSED ELECTRICIANS handle permitting as part of service, know requirements, and guarantee code compliance. Worth investment for safety and legal protection.

Electrical Rewire Cost Estimator

Electrical Project Details

Panel Upgrade

Circuits & Devices

Typical Home Needs

When to Rewire

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rewire a house?

What are the signs that my electrical system needs upgrading?

How long does electrical work take and do I need to move out?

Do I need a permit for electrical work?