Updating wiring in an old house typically costs $4,000-$15,000 for a partial upgrade and $8,000-$25,000 for a whole-house rewire. House size, wall access, existing wiring condition, and local labor rates have the largest effect on the estimate.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partial wiring update | $1,500 | $5,500 | $10,000 | Selected circuits, outlets, or rooms |
| Whole-house rewire | $8,000 | $16,500 | $25,000 | Typical 1,500-2,000 sq ft home |
| Panel replacement | $1,300 | $2,500 | $4,500 | Usually 100-200 amps |
| Rewiring rate | $4 | $8 | $15 | Per sq ft, depending on access and scope |
What a 1,500-square-foot house rewire usually costs
A full rewire in a 1,500-square-foot home commonly falls between $8,000 and $20,000, with many straightforward projects near $12,000-$16,000. Larger homes around 2,500 square feet can reach $20,000-$35,000 when wiring, devices, and panel work are included. Prices generally assume copper branch-circuit wiring, standard outlets and switches, and licensed electrician labor.
A targeted update may cost $1,500-$6,000 for one or two rooms or a few unsafe circuits. Replacing knob-and-tube wiring throughout the home, adding grounded receptacles, and bringing affected work up to current code can raise the total. Ask whether the estimate covers patching, painting, devices, permits, and panel work. Assumptions: U.S. mid-market labor, standard materials, typical access, and no major structural repairs.
How electrician labor and materials shape the quote
Labor is often the largest share of a rewire because electricians must trace circuits, route cable, install boxes, and test the finished work. Typical electrician rates are $75-$150 per hour; crew size and project duration vary with access and home layout.
| Quote component | Typical price | What it may cover |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician labor | $3,000-$12,000 | Rough wiring, device installation, testing |
| Cable and boxes | $600-$2,500 | Copper cable, junction boxes, staples |
| Outlets and switches | $300-$1,500 | Standard devices and replacement plates |
| Panel and breakers | $1,300-$4,500 | Panel replacement or capacity upgrade |
| Permits and inspection | $100-$800 | Local filing and required inspections |
| Wall repair | $500-$4,000 | Drywall patching; painting may cost extra |
Not every project needs every item. Some quotes combine materials and labor, while others list them separately. Compare the included tasks and allowances, not just the bottom-line number.
Which wire type, square footage, and access conditions raise prices?
House size gives a useful starting point, but wiring paths matter as much as floor area. A 1,000-square-foot house with open basement and attic access may cost less than a smaller home with finished plaster walls and limited access. Rates of $4-$15 per square foot are broad estimates, not a substitute for a site visit.
Knob-and-tube removal can add roughly $2,000-$8,000 or more, especially when wiring is buried behind finished walls or insulation. Homes with aluminum branch wiring may need targeted repairs or replacement; the right approach depends on its condition and connections. A 100-amp panel replacement may cost $1,300-$2,800, while a 200-amp upgrade can run $2,000-$4,500 if service changes are needed. Get the wiring type and panel capacity recorded in the written scope.
How to lower the rewiring bill without cutting safety
Limit the project to documented hazards and needed circuits when a licensed electrician confirms that a partial update is safe. Rewiring a kitchen, adding grounded outlets in frequently used rooms, or correcting damaged connections may be less expensive than opening every wall. However, a patchwork of old and new wiring may not be appropriate for every house or local code situation.
Coordinate wiring with planned remodeling so walls are already open, which can reduce access and patching expenses. Keep standard device locations and avoid adding optional lighting or smart controls during the same job unless they are part of the budget. Request at least three itemized bids based on the same circuit list and finish expectations.
Why old-house wiring prices differ across U.S. regions
Labor markets can shift a comparable rewire by 15%-30% or more. Dense, high-cost metro areas may charge above the national middle, while some rural markets have lower hourly rates but add travel or scheduling fees. Local permit rules, electrician availability, and the age and construction of the housing stock also affect bids.
For a typical 1,500-square-foot home, a quote might land near $10,000-$14,000 in a lower-cost market and $15,000-$22,000 in a high-cost metro, assuming similar scope. These are planning ranges, not fixed regional price lists. Use local bids for budgeting and compare what each contractor includes.
How long a full rewire takes and what disrupts the home
A straightforward rewire may take a crew of two or three electricians about 3-7 working days, while complex projects can stretch to two weeks or longer. The home may need temporary power interruptions, and access to rooms, attics, basements, and closets can be necessary. Occupied homes often require more careful scheduling and protection.
Some electricians price labor as a project total rather than an hourly rate. If an estimate lists hours, compare the assumed crew size and tasks; a lower hourly rate does not guarantee a lower final bill. Confirm the expected workdays, power shutoffs, cleanup, and who repairs opened walls.
When panel upgrades, permits, or wall repairs add extra charges
Changing a panel, adding circuits for large appliances, or correcting grounding and bonding can increase the project total. A utility service upgrade may add $1,000-$5,000 or more when the service entrance, meter, or utility coordination requires work. Permit costs often range from $100-$800, but local requirements vary.
Wall openings and restoration are frequently excluded from electrician bids. Drywall repair may cost $500-$4,000 depending on the number of openings and finish quality; plaster repair can be higher. Ask for separate prices for electrical work, permit fees, utility work, and finish repairs. A clear breakdown helps distinguish necessary code-related work from optional improvements.