How Much Does it Cost to Wire a House?
Key Points
- The cost to wire a new house typically ranges from $4 to $9 per square foot, which means a 1,500 to 2,500-square-foot home would cost between $6,000 and $22,500.
- The final cost can vary based on factors like the size of your home, the complexity of the installation, the type of wiring, and the materials used.
- For older homes, signs that it may be time to rewire include frequent circuit breaker trips, flickering lights, old or damaged wiring, and outlets that feel warm or give off a burning smell.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Electrical Wiring
The electrical wire pricing depends on various factors that can affect your overall budget. Here’s what you need to consider:
Size of the House
If you’re wondering how to estimate electrical wiring for a house, keep in mind that the size of your house is one of the main factors.
Wiring costs are typically calculated per square foot, with prices ranging from $4 to $9 per square foot. Additionally, the cost of electrical wire per foot can vary based on the type and quality of wire used.
For a 1,000-square-foot home, the cost may be between $4,000 and $9,000, while a 3,000-square-foot home could cost anywhere from $12,000 to $27,000.
Larger homes need more wiring, outlets, switches, and labor, driving up the overall expense. Homes with complex layouts or multiple stories also require more labor, which can further increase costs.
Scope of the Installation
Whether you’re wiring a new house or rewiring an old one plays a major role in determining the cost. Here’s how:
Wiring a New House
Wiring a new home is usually simpler and more affordable because the open walls make it easier for electricians to install the wiring. As mentioned above, the cost can range from $4 to $9 per square foot.
The process involves installing outlets, switches, and circuits according to current building codes. Since there’s no need to deal with existing structures, new wiring installations are also quicker and require less labor.
Rewiring an Old House
Rewiring an old house tends to be more complex and costly because outdated electrical systems need to be updated. This is why, the cost of rewiring a house is more than that of wiring a new house.
The average cost of rewiring an old house is usually between $5 and $17 per square foot, depending on factors like the home’s size, number of circuits, and how easily the wiring can be accessed.
For example, the cost to rewire a 1000 sq ft home can be between $5,000 and $17,000, which is higher than the $4,000 to $9,000 it would cost to wire a new 1,000 sq ft home.
Electricians may need to cut into walls, replace old circuits, and ensure the home meets current safety standards. This labor-intensive process can also lead to extra costs for repairs and code compliance upgrades.
Wire Type
| Wire Type | Material Price per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Coaxial | $0.10 – $0.60 |
| Direct Buried | $0.50 – $3.00 |
| Metallic Sheathed (AC/BX) | $0.60 – $4.00 |
| Multiple-conductor | $0.20 – $1.00 |
| Non-metallic Sheathed (NM cable) | $0.50 – $3.00 |
| Ribbon | $0.80 – $1.80 |
| Twin-lead | $0.60 – $0.90 |
| Underground Feeder (UF) | $0.50 – $1.30 |
Materials
Permits and Inspections
Permit fees can range from $50 to $400, depending on the size of the project and local regulations. Inspections, which are required at various stages, usually cost between $100 and $200 each.
These steps are essential to ensure that the electrical work complies with safety standards and local building codes, helping to avoid future legal and safety problems. While they do increase upfront costs, getting the right permits and inspections is key for long-term safety and compliance.
Electrical Panel Installation
Electrical panels act as the control centers that distribute electricity throughout the home. Their size (amperage) and condition impact how much additional wiring or upgrades might be necessary.
If a home has an outdated or inadequate panel, like a fuse box, it will likely need an upgrade, which adds to the overall wiring cost.
Beyond the basic wiring expenses, panel upgrades can increase costs if new circuits, breakers, or subpanels are required to handle the home’s electrical needs. Relocating the panel or replacing old wiring to meet current standards can also lead to higher costs.
Most homes typically don’t need service panels over 200 amps, and panels ranging from 100 to 200 amps are pretty common.
| Panel Size | Installation Price | Replacement Price |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Amp. | $800 - $1500 | $1000 - $1,800 |
| 150 Amp. | $1,100 - $2,000 | $1,200 - $2,400 |
| 200 Amp. | $1,600 - $3,100 | $1,800 - $3,400 |
Signs You Need to Rewire a House
House Wiring Pricing Tiers
Budget Option
If you are rewiring only specific areas (like a single room), costs can start as low as $1,000. For a minimal approach, focusing only on the problem areas can save you money, but you'll still need to consult with a licensed electrician.
Mid-Range Option
Full house rewiring costs for homes around 1,500 to 2,500 square feet typically range from $6,000 to $22,500. This would include essential upgrades but may not involve replacing fixtures or the electrical panel unless necessary.
High-End Option
For a complete overhaul, including upgrading the electrical panel and replacing all outlets, switches, and wiring, the cost can go over $20,000, especially for larger homes or homes with complex electrical needs.
DIY House Rewiring vs. Hiring a Professional
Rewiring your house yourself can save money, but such electrical installations also carry serious risks, like electric shocks or not meeting building codes.
Hiring a professional is pricier, but they bring expertise, work faster, and guarantee the job is done safely and up to legal standards. Plus, they offer warranties and insurance, protecting you from future problems.
If you have the skills, DIY may be fine for small, simple jobs. However, for bigger or more complicated projects, it’s always safer and more reliable to go with a professional.
When hiring a professional, be sure to ask all your project-related questions, review their online ratings, and compare quotes from multiple contractors to get the best deal.
A tool like HomeBuddy can help you quickly find a local contractor for electrical panel and wiring services with over 13K successful projects under their belt.
Tips to Minimize Electrical Wiring Costs
Conclusion
The cost to wire a new house typically falls between $4 and $9 per square foot, but the final price depends on factors like the size of the house, type of wiring, required permits, and the complexity of the project.
While DIYing might seem like a way to save, it’s usually safer and more reliable to hire a professional. This helps avoid costly mistakes or safety hazards. Tools like HomeBuddy can help you easily find a local contractor and even get a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Wiring a new house involves several stages: installing temporary power, running electrical conduits, and completing rough-in wiring by routing wires through walls and ceilings. This is followed by installing outlets, switches, and fixtures, connecting circuits to the main panel, and passing inspections to ensure safety.
- Rewiring a house typically takes 3 to 10 days, depending on the size and complexity of the home. Larger homes or more extensive rewiring projects may take longer. Factors such as the number of rooms, accessibility, and whether the property is occupied can affect the timeline.
- Rewiring an old house is often worth it for safety and functionality. It reduces fire hazards from outdated wiring, ensures compatibility with modern appliances, and may increase the home’s value. While expensive and disruptive, it enhances safety and energy efficiency.
- The electrical wiring in a house typically lasts between 50 and 70 years, depending on factors like the type of wiring, installation quality, and environmental conditions. Copper wiring can last up to 100 years, but the insulation may degrade earlier, requiring replacement.
