House that is getting rewired

How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House?

As technology continues to evolve and advance, the demand for powering new gaming computers, appliances, televisions, and electrical components in the modern home grows, as well. Older and outdated wiring that hasn’t been upgraded may not be able to handle the load of these new items.

This can cause breakers to trip because of overloaded circuits and result in poor performance of your devices. Old wiring may also create a fire and shock hazard.

Because of these things, you should consider rewiring your house. While this can be a significant investment, it’s well worth it.

Before making this investment, it’s good to understand the cost of rewiring a house and what factors impact what you will pay.

How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House?

According to statistics, homeowners pay around $2,100 (on average) to rewire their homes. However, prices range from $1,500 to $10,000 depending on labor and materials.

Unfortunately, calculating the true cost for your home isn’t simple. That’s because there are several factors to consider, including the wiring and professional service. While this is true, it’s smart to set a budget and work with a service provider to ensure you don’t exceed it.

How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House by Type?

The cost to rewire your house is directly impacted by its size. Building codes in each state dictate the outlets required based on wall size and space, which means the larger the house, the more outlets required.

To rewire a smaller, 1,500 square foot home, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $4,000. However, rewiring a home that’s 3,500 square feet may range from $6,000 to $12,000.

Your home’s age also comes into consideration. If your home was constructed before drywall was used, it can make the process more challenging. Lathe-and-plaster walls construction makes it difficult to fish wires through the spaces, increasing rewiring costs.

It’s also important to note that electrical code varies based on the room. More outlets are required for some spaces, such as the kitchen, than others, like the bedroom. Also, bathrooms and kitchens require GFCI outlets to be installed to protect you from shocks due to water.

Rewiring a House Cost Per Square Foot

Some electricians quote the cost of rewiring a house per square foot. Because of this, it helps to find out if the price you are quoted is near the national average. On average, the cost to rewire a house is usually between $2 and $4 per square foot.

How long does it take to rewire a house?

While there’s no way to say for sure how long the rewiring process will take, there is a general standard. In general, most electricians that charge by the hour will charge for one hour for every 100 square feet. If your home is 1,000 square feet, it means 10 hours of work.

How do I hire an electrician to rewire my house?

Just like hiring another home contractor, make sure you choose an electrician carefully based on your research and their reputation. Assess their credentials and review the references they provide. It’s important to ensure the electrician you ultimately hire meets your standards and need.

Along with this, consider the following factors when you are ready to hire an electrician:

Recommendations from Others

Ask people you know about who they used for electrical work in the past. You can also ask a contractor you know for recommendations.

Insurance and Licensing

Be sure the electrician you hire is licensed and that the license hasn’t expired. It’s also smart to choose an electrician who has liability insurance if an accident occurs while on the job.

Online Reputation

A quality and reputable electrician will have listings on sites like The Prime Buyer’s Report and the Better Business Bureau. They may also be listed on home repair sites, such as HomeAdvisor. It’s a good idea to see what other customers say about their work and if there are any complaints against the company.

Area of Specialty

Most electricians specialize in certain concentrations, such as residential service, commercial work, service calls, and new construction. Find an electrician that specializes in home rewiring for the best results.

Other factors to consider when hiring an electrician include proximity to your home, hourly rates, and responsiveness.

How it works

Rewiring your home involves removing outdated or faulty wiring in your walls and installing new, modern wiring that meets modern electrical needs. It’s best to have rewiring handled by a licensed electrician who knows what to do and how to do it.

They will strip out the old wiring and run new wiring through your home, install a new circuit breaker to the panel for handling the load of a new wiring system, and help ensure all state-issued building codes are met.

Some people opt to leave their homes during the rewiring process. This is beneficial because it allows electricians to work quickly without anyone in their way. Because of this, you may need to plan for a week of living in a hotel while the work is done.

Also, since electricians will likely have to cut into your walls (sometimes floors and ceilings), you may have to budget more funds for paint, patches, and other repairs once the rewiring is done.

Is It Time to Have Your Home Rewired?

Investing in home rewiring is a huge expense. Because of this, you probably want to feel confident it is necessary. It’s a good idea to hire an electrician for a full inspection and evaluation of your home’s existing wiring to see if this is necessary.

Thanks to the information above, if rewiring is recommended, you can easily figure out the cost of the job. While the cost of home rewiring can vary based on several factors, having a general idea of the cost will help you know what electrician to hire and which one offers fair prices. Being informed will ensure you hire the right professional for the job.

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