Several warning signs can signal homeowners that rewiring the house is necessary:
● Repeatedly blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers
● Constantly dimming or flickering lights
● Light bulbs frequently burning out in the socket
● Sparks from an outlet when you unplug a cord
The problem may be limited to one area, or it may be system-wide. Figuring the latter, the cost to rewire a home typically ranges from $2,000 to $9,000, a platform that pairs homeowners with professional service providers.
The costs to rewire your home depend on the size and age of your home, the number and nature of the rooms being rewired, and the amount of wire that needs to be replaced. Each of these items impacts the labor cost, which accounts for the majority of the project’s overall price tag. Here are some factors to consider:
Home size
Rewiring projects are typically charged per square foot, so more home means more wiring, more outlets, and, consequently, higher costs. When including both labor and materials, it can cost from $2 to $4 per square foot for a rewiring project. For a 2,000-sq.-ft. home, which can run from $4,000 to $8,000.
Scope of the project
The project costs will vary based on the types of wiring and cables being used. For instance, nonmetallic or NM cables, which are the most common for residences, cost about $0.40 to $0.80 per linear foot. Underground feeder (UF) cable — the same as NM cable, but vital for subterranean or moist spaces — the cost is $0.50 to $0.75 per linear foot.
If your home is ancient and has an outdated electrical service panel, you may need to replace this equipment as well, which can cost $900 to $2,500.
Labor
You’ll need to pay a licensed electrician to do rewiring work. Typically they charge by the hour, with the usual estimate being one hour of work for every 100 square feet of wiring. The nationwide average cost of hiring a licensed electrician ranges from $162 to $521 per hour. You’ll also be looking at extra labor and parts charges if you need an updated electrical panel or new outlets installed in your home.
Permits and inspections
Permits and inspection criteria will vary based on your current system and where you live. These are required to ensure your wiring is up to modern standards, abides by any local codes, and will be safe for you and your family for decades to come.
Due to the high-level expertise and significant time commitment involved, electrical inspections typically cost between $100 to $400. While rewiring a home is expensive, the good news is that you usually only need to do it once, so you will not have to worry about recurring expenses or ongoing maintenance. It’s important, though, to use the best materials and services possible to ensure the safety of your home. This is one project where you do not want to cut corners; rewiring your house can literally save your life.
Remember the importance of this job is being done right, a poorly wired home can be a huge danger to you and your family. So, it’s worth it to invest a little more in a high-quality pro to avoid code violations, future repairs, or potential fires — all risks that can come from faulty wiring.
