A full house rewire typically costs $8,000-$20,000, with an average near $13,000 for a standard 1,500- to 2,000-square-foot home. House size, access behind walls, local labor rates, and electrical panel or code upgrades can move the estimate substantially.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full rewire, total | $5,000 | $13,000 | $30,000+ | Small, accessible home to large or difficult project |
| Per square foot | $3 | $7 | $12+ | Labor and finish repair affect rate |
| Typical project duration | 4 days | 1-2 weeks | 3+ weeks | Occupied homes may take longer |
What a full rewire costs by home size
For a straightforward project using standard copper wiring, a small 1,000-square-foot home may cost $5,000-$10,000. A 1,500-square-foot home often runs $8,000-$16,000, while a 2,500-square-foot home can reach $15,000-$30,000 or more. These estimates generally cover replacement branch-circuit wiring, outlets, switches, and labor, but may not include extensive drywall finishing or major service upgrades.
For many average-size homes, budgeting $10,000-$18,000 is a practical starting point. Older homes with plaster walls, limited attic or basement access, or outdated systems often land above the midpoint. Assumptions: standard copper conductors, typical fixture count, ordinary access, and mid-range U.S. labor rates.
How wiring, electrician labor, and repairs shape the quote
A contractor’s estimate combines materials, skilled labor, permits, and restoration work. Materials are only part of the bill: opening and routing through finished walls can make labor and patching the largest expenses. Ask whether painting, new fixtures, and panel work are included or listed separately.
| Quote component | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper wire and boxes | $1,500-$4,000 | $1-$3 per sq ft | Circuit count, gauge, copper prices |
| Electrician labor | $4,000-$12,000 | $75-$150 per hour | Crew size, access, local rates |
| Panel replacement | $1,500-$4,500 | Per panel | Capacity and service changes |
| Permits and inspection | $200-$1,000 | Per project | Municipality and scope |
| Wall repair and disposal | $500-$4,000 | Per project | Wall type and finish quality |
Confirm that the quote separates wiring, labor, permits, panel work, and wall repair. A 60-hour job billed at $100 per hour, for example, represents $6,000 in labor before materials and other charges.
Why square footage and wall access change the price
Square footage is a useful first estimate, but the number of circuits and the route to each room matter just as much. A 1,200-square-foot home with an unfinished basement may be less costly to wire than a smaller home with plaster walls and no attic access. Replacing knob-and-tube wiring, adding grounded outlets, or correcting unsafe connections can expand the scope.
Limited access can add roughly 20%-50% to labor and repair costs. Projects above 2,000 square feet commonly need more circuits and wire; homes with 100-amp service may also require a panel or service upgrade, while 200-amp capacity may be adequate depending on the load. Local code requirements determine the final work.
How long electricians need to rewire an occupied home
A typical crew of two or three electricians may spend 5-10 working days on a 1,500- to 2,000-square-foot house with reasonable access. Difficult routing, multiple stories, occupied rooms, and inspection scheduling can extend the job to two or three weeks. Labor rates often fall around $75-$150 per electrician-hour, with higher charges in costly metro areas.
Temporary power arrangements and room access can affect both schedule and labor charges. Ask how many workdays are included, whether the crew will move furniture, and when power will be shut off. Drywall patching and painting may be scheduled separately from electrical inspection.
Regional labor rates make the same rewire cost more
Quotes in high-cost coastal cities and major metros can run 15%-35% above the national midpoint. Rural and lower-cost Midwestern or Southern markets may come in 10%-20% below it, although travel distance and contractor availability can erase some savings. Permitting fees and inspection rules also vary by city and county.
Compare at least three local, itemized bids rather than judging a quote against a national average alone. Each electrician should price the same circuit count, outlet scope, panel work, and wall-repair responsibility. A low bid that excludes permits or patching may not be less expensive overall.
When panel upgrades and wall repairs add charges
A 100-amp panel replacement or upgrade commonly adds $1,500-$4,500, and complicated service work can cost more. Adding dedicated circuits for an electric range, dryer, or HVAC equipment may add $200-$1,000 per circuit, depending on distance and capacity. Drywall or plaster repair can add $500-$4,000 when electricians must open many finished surfaces.
Get separate prices for required code work and optional improvements. Permit fees are often $200-$1,000, while lead-safe practices in older homes, concealed damage, or utility coordination can create additional charges. Recessed lighting, upgraded switches, and premium outlets are not automatically part of a basic rewire.
Three rewire estimates for common house scenarios
| Home and scope | Estimated labor | Approximate total | Assumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft, open basement | 40-60 hours | $5,000-$9,000 | Basic wiring, existing panel usable |
| 1,600 sq ft, mixed access | 70-100 hours | $10,000-$18,000 | Standard outlets and limited patching |
| 2,400 sq ft, plaster walls | 120-180 hours | $20,000-$35,000 | Extensive access work, possible panel upgrade |
These examples are budgeting ranges, not fixed bids. Material quantities, electrician rates, permit requirements, and finish restoration can shift a project beyond the listed totals. Verify whether the labor estimate covers inspection corrections.
Which scope choices can lower a rewire bill
Keep the written scope focused on unsafe or outdated wiring and required code corrections. Reuse a service panel only if an electrician confirms it is safe, adequately sized, and compliant; avoid adding decorative fixtures or premium devices during the base project unless they are needed. Completing furniture removal and clearing attic or basement access can reduce paid preparation time.
Compare equivalent bids and ask for optional work to be priced separately. Schedule before an emergency when possible, since urgent service can carry premium charges. Do not cut costs by skipping permits, inspection, grounding, or qualified labor; those shortcuts can create fire risks, failed inspections, and expensive corrections.