How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House? A Homeowner’s Guide

How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House? A Homeowner’s Guide

Rewiring a house isn’t one of those upgrades you see every day—but it’s one of the most important investments you can make in your home’s safety, reliability, and long-term value. If you’re asking how much does it cost to rewire a house, the short answer is: it depends. The longer (and more helpful) answer involves your home’s size, age, electrical demands, and whether the system was built for modern living.

At PowerMeans Electric, we believe homeowners deserve clarity—not scare tactics or vague pricing. This guide breaks down what rewiring really costs, what affects the price, and how to know if your home needs it.

Average Cost to Rewire a House

Most homeowners can expect the cost to rewire a house to fall between $2,000 and $20,000, with the national average landing around $8,000–$12,000 for a full rewire.

A common pricing benchmark electricians use is $2–$4 per square foot, which includes labor and materials.

Typical cost ranges by home size:

These numbers give you a starting point—but rewiring costs are driven by more than square footage alone.

What Impacts the Cost of Rewiring a House?

1. Age of the Home

Homes built before the 1990s often weren’t designed for today’s electrical usage. Older wiring systems may include:

• Knob-and-tube wiring
  
• Aluminum wiring (common 1965–1973)
  
• Ungrounded outlets
  
• Undersized electrical panels
  

Replacing outdated systems often increases labor time and complexity—but it also eliminates serious fire risks.

2. Labor vs. Materials

Labor typically makes up 50–70% of the total cost, while materials account for 30–50%. Electrical work is detail-heavy, code-driven, and safety-critical—this isn’t an area where shortcuts are worth the risk.

3. Accessibility

Homes with accessible attics, crawlspaces, or unfinished basements are easier (and less expensive) to rewire. Limited access can increase labor costs by 20–30%, especially if walls must be opened and repaired.

4. Electrical Panel Upgrades

Many rewiring projects require a panel upgrade to handle modern loads.

200-amp panel upgrade: $1,500–$3,000
This ensures your new wiring can safely support appliances, HVAC systems, EV chargers, and home offices.

Partial vs. Full Rewiring Costs

Not every home needs a full rewire. Sometimes targeted upgrades make more sense.

Common partial rewiring projects:

• Kitchen rewiring: $1,000 – $3,500
  
• Bathroom rewiring: $800 – $2,000
  
• Garage rewiring: $1,000 – $2,500
  
• Detached buildings: $3–$12 per linear foot (plus trenching)
  

Kitchens and bathrooms cost more due to GFCI requirements, dedicated circuits, and high-draw appliances.

Hidden Costs Homeowners Often Miss

When budgeting for the cost to rewire a house, homeowners sometimes forget about:

• Permits & inspections
  
• Drywall repair and repainting
  
• Additional outlets required by modern code
  
• AFCI & GFCI protection
  
• Whole-home surge protection
  
• Smart home or EV charger readiness
  

At PowerMeans, we build these considerations into our estimates so you’re not blindsided later.

Signs Your Home May Need Rewiring

Your home usually gives warning signs before failure:

• Flickering or dimming lights
  
• Frequently tripped breakers
  
• Buzzing outlets or switches
  
• Warm outlet covers
  
• Burning smells
  
• Two-prong outlets
  
• Mild shocks from appliances
  

Homes over 30 years old—especially in Central Texas—should be professionally evaluated even if symptoms aren’t obvious.

Why Rewiring Is a Safety Investment (Not Just a Cost)

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, electrical failures cause tens of thousands of house fires annually. Outdated wiring is one of the most common contributors.

Delaying a needed rewire can lead to:

• Fire hazards
  
• Appliance damage
  
• Insurance complications
  
• Failed home inspections during resale
  

A modern electrical system protects your family, your property, and your investment.

Can a House Be Rewired Without Tearing Out Walls?

Sometimes—yes. But it depends on your home.

Electricians can often “fish” wires through walls using attics or crawlspaces, minimizing wall damage. However, older homes with plaster walls or complex layouts may still require access openings to meet code and safety standards.

A reputable electrician will explain where walls may need access and why, instead of promising unrealistic “no-mess” solutions.

How to Reduce the Cost of Rewiring a House (Safely)

There are smart ways to manage costs without cutting corners:

• Keep existing outlet locations when possible
• Combine rewiring with renovations
• Clear work areas ahead of time
• Rewire in phases if appropriate
• Choose standard fixtures instead of premium finishes

What not to do? DIY electrical work. Improper wiring creates serious safety risks and code violations.

Does Rewiring Increase Home Value?

While rewiring doesn’t always deliver a dollar-for-dollar return, it:

• Improves buyer confidence
• Prevents inspection deal-breakers
• Speeds up resale
• Reduces insurance risk

In many cases, updated electrical systems help homes sell faster and with fewer concessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a full rewire take?

Most projects take 3–10 days, depending on size and complexity.

How often should a house be rewired?

Wiring can last 50–70 years, but homes should be evaluated every 25–30 years.

Is rewiring covered by insurance?

Generally no—but insurers may require rewiring for coverage and may offer discounts after upgrades.

Final Thoughts: Is Rewiring Worth It?

Rewiring a house is about more than wires—it’s about peace of mind.

When done correctly, rewiring:

• Improves safety
• Supports modern living
• Protects electronics
• Increases long-term value

At PowerMeans Electric, we approach rewiring the same way we approach every project: honest recommendations, clean workmanship, and no pressure.

If you’re wondering whether your home needs rewiring—or just want clarity on costs—we’re happy to help.