How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House in 2023?
Introduction
If you live in an old house or notice signs of faulty wiring, such as flickering lights, buzzing sounds, burning smells, or frequent circuit breaker trips, you may need to rewire your house. Rewiring a house is not only essential for safety and functionality, but also for increasing the value and efficiency of your home. However, rewiring a house can be a major undertaking that involves many factors, such as the size of your house, the type of wiring, the complexity of the job, and the labor rates of the electrician.
The average cost to rewire a house in 2023 is $8,500, but it can range from $500 to $30,000 depending on these factors. The cost is typically calculated per square foot, with most homeowners spending between $6 and $10 per square foot on materials and labor. In this article, we will break down the cost to rewire a house by different criteria and provide some tips on how to save money on this project.
Cost to Rewire a House Per Square Foot
One of the main factors that affects the cost to rewire a house is the square footage of your house. The larger your house is, the more wiring you will need and the more labor it will take to install it. The table below shows the average cost to rewire a house per square foot based on the size of your house.
- Installing new outlets or switches: $100 to $300 per outlet or switch. This job involves adding new electrical outlets or switches to your house or replacing old ones. You may need to install new outlets or switches if you want to increase the convenience and functionality of your electrical system or if your existing ones are worn out or damaged.
- Installing new light fixtures: $150 to $800 per fixture. This job involves installing new light fixtures to your house or replacing old ones. You may need to install new light fixtures if you want to improve the lighting and aesthetics of your house or if your existing ones are outdated or broken.
- Installing a whole-house surge protector: $300 to $600. This job involves installing a device that protects your electrical system and appliances from power surges caused by lightning, utility problems, or other sources. You may need to install a whole-house surge protector if you want to prevent damage and fire hazards from power surges.
The cost per job may vary depending on the complexity and location of the job, the type and quality of the materials, and the labor rates of the electrician. For example, if you need to install new outlets or switches in hard-to-reach areas, such as attics, crawl spaces, or walls, the cost may be higher than if you need to install them in easy-to-access areas, such as floors, ceilings, or cabinets.
Cost to Rewire a House Per Material
Another factor that affects the cost to rewire a house is the type and quality of the wiring material. Some common rewiring materials and their average costs per foot are:
- Copper wiring: $0.50 to $1.50 per foot. Copper wiring is the most common and preferred type of wiring material for residential use. It is durable, flexible, conductive, and resistant to corrosion and fire. However, it is also more expensive and prone to theft than other types of wiring materials.
- Aluminum wiring: $0.30 to $0.50 per foot. Aluminum wiring is a cheaper alternative to copper wiring, but it is also less reliable and safe. It is more likely to overheat, oxidize, loosen, and cause electrical fires than copper wiring. It is not recommended for new installations, but it may be present in some older houses built before 1972.
- Knob-and-tube wiring: $1 to $3 per foot. Knob-and-tube wiring is an outdated type of wiring material that consists of copper wires wrapped in cloth insulation and supported by ceramic knobs and tubes. It is not up to code and poses many safety risks, such as fire hazards, shock hazards, and lack of grounding. It should be replaced as soon as possible if found in your house.
Plan ahead: Before you start rewiring your house, make a detailed plan of what you want to achieve and how you want to do it. Consider your needs and preferences for your electrical system, such as how many outlets and switches you need, where you want them to be located, what type of wiring and materials you want to use, and how much power capacity you need. This will help you avoid unnecessary changes or mistakes that may increase the cost and time of rewiring your house.
Compare quotes: Before you hire an electrician, get at least three quotes from different contractors that include the scope, cost, and timeline of the rewiring project. Compare the quotes and look for the best value, not necessarily the lowest price. Check the credentials, reviews, and references of the electricians and make sure they are licensed, insured, and experienced. Avoid hiring unqualified or unreliable electricians that may do a poor or unsafe job that may cost you more in the long run.
Do some DIY: If you have some basic electrical skills and knowledge, you may be able to do some parts of the rewiring project yourself, such as installing new outlets or switches, replacing old light fixtures, or running new wiring through accessible areas. This will save you some money on labor costs, but make sure you follow the safety precautions and code requirements. Do not attempt to do any complex or risky tasks, such as replacing or upgrading your electrical panel or service, installing a whole-house surge protector, or rewiring an old house with plaster walls or knob-and-tube wiring. Leave these tasks to the professionals to avoid injury or damage.
Buy your own materials: If you know what type and quantity of wiring and materials you need for your rewiring project, you may be able to buy them yourself from a local hardware store or online retailer. This will save you some money on markup costs that some electricians may charge for supplying the materials. However, make sure you buy high-quality and code-compliant materials that match your electrical system and specifications. Do not buy cheap or substandard materials that may compromise the quality or safety of your rewiring project.
Conclusion
Rewiring a house is a worthwhile investment that can improve the safety, functionality, efficiency, and value of your home. However, it can also be a costly and complex project that depends on many factors, such as the size of your house, the type of wiring, the complexity of the job, and the labor rates of the electrician. The average cost to rewire a house in 2023 is $8,500, but it can range from $500 to $30,000 depending on these factors.
To save money on rewiring a house without compromising quality or safety, you should plan ahead, compare quotes, do some DIY, and buy your own materials. You should also hire a reliable and affordable electrician that can do a professional and safe job that meets your needs and preferences.
If you are ready to rewire your house or want to learn more about this project, contact us today for a free consultation and estimate. We are a licensed and insured electrical contractor with over 20 years of experience in rewiring houses of all sizes and types. We offer competitive prices, quality workmanship, and excellent customer service. We guarantee your satisfaction and peace of mind.
