The cost to rewire a house can vary widely depending on your home’s size, age, layout, and specific electrical needs—but for many homeowners, rewiring is a necessary investment in safety, functionality, and future-ready power. If you live in an older home, have frequent breaker issues, or are planning a renovation, understanding the cost and process of rewiring can help you make smart decisions.
In this guide, we’ll break down what goes into the total cost, what signs indicate it’s time to rewire, and why choosing a licensed professional like Genz-Ryan is key to a safe, code-compliant electrical system.
- Rewiring improves safety and reduces the risk of electrical fires or shock.
- Costs vary based on home size, wiring accessibility, and panel upgrades.
- Modern wiring supports smart home tech, EV chargers, and more demanding appliances.
🔌 Why Homes Need Rewiring
Rewiring is not just a cosmetic upgrade—it’s a safety and functionality improvement. Older wiring systems were not designed to handle today’s power needs, and many homes built before the 1980s may have outdated materials that no longer meet code.
Signs You May Need Rewiring
- Frequent blown fuses or tripped breakers: This could mean your circuits are overloaded or improperly grounded.
- Flickering or dimming lights: Often caused by deteriorating wires or outdated connections.
- Burning smells or warm outlets: A serious red flag that signals overheating or short circuits.
- Two-prong outlets or no GFCI protection: Older homes may lack essential grounding and safety devices.
- Aluminum wiring: Common in homes from the 1960s–70s, aluminum wiring is now considered a fire hazard.
If you’re planning a major renovation, adding appliances, or installing a new service panel, it’s also a good time to assess your wiring needs.
💵 Average Cost to Rewire a House
On average, the cost to rewire a house ranges from $8,000 to $15,000, but this can increase or decrease based on several key factors.
General Price Range by Home Size
| Home Size | Average Cost Range |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $5,000 – $9,000 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| 3,000+ sq. ft. | $15,000 – $25,000+ |
These estimates typically include labor, permits, wiring materials, outlet and switch replacements, and cleanup—but not drywall repair or panel upgrades, which may be extra.
📋 What Affects the Cost of Rewiring?
Several factors influence the final price of your home’s rewiring project. Understanding these can help you plan more accurately and avoid surprises.
Age and Layout of the Home
Older homes tend to have more complex challenges—like outdated wiring paths, lack of grounding, or tight spaces behind plaster walls—that increase labor time and cost.
- Historic homes: May require extra care to preserve original finishes or meet specific code requirements.
- Multiple stories or additions: These require more labor and materials to ensure full coverage.
Accessibility of Existing Wiring
Homes where wiring is easily accessible (such as through open basements or attics) are generally faster and cheaper to rewire. If electricians need to cut through finished walls, ceilings, or floors, costs go up—especially if drywall patching or finish restoration is needed.
Electrical Panel Upgrades
If your current electrical panel can’t support the demands of new wiring or modern appliances, it may need to be upgraded to 200 amps or more. This can add $1,500 to $3,000 to the total cost.
Number of Outlets and Circuits
The more outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures you want included, the higher your wiring costs. Kitchens, home offices, and entertainment areas typically require additional circuits for code compliance and performance.
Permit and Inspection Fees
Electrical rewiring must meet local building codes and will require permits and inspections. These typically cost $500 to $1,000, depending on your municipality.
❓ 6 Questions That Help Estimate Rewiring Costs
- How old is your home? Older homes often have outdated wiring that’s harder to replace.
- Is your wiring accessible? Homes with finished basements or multiple stories can require more demolition and patching.
- Do you need a panel upgrade? If your current panel is less than 100 amps or lacks breaker space, replacement is likely.
- Are you remodeling at the same time? Pairing rewiring with renovations can reduce costs, since walls are already open.
- How many new outlets or fixtures do you want? Adding circuits for future use may raise costs but add long-term value.
- Are there any safety concerns now? Homes with aluminum wiring, cloth-insulated wiring, or visible deterioration should be prioritized.
⭐️ What’s Included in a Full Rewiring Job?
A whole-home rewiring project is comprehensive. Here’s what it typically involves:
- Removal of old wiring: Outdated or damaged wires are safely disconnected and removed.
- Installation of new wires: Electricians run new cables to outlets, switches, fixtures, and major appliances.
- Grounding and bonding: All wiring is brought up to current safety standards, including grounding outlets and bonding metal pipes.
- GFCI and AFCI protection: Required in kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms for safety.
- New electrical panel (if needed): Upgraded service to handle your home’s modern power needs.
- Permits and inspections: All work is inspected and approved by your local building department.
- Cleanup and testing: Your home’s power is restored, and all systems are tested for safe operation.
👉 Rewiring vs Partial Rewiring
Not every home needs a full gut job. In some cases, partial rewiring may be sufficient.
When Partial Rewiring Makes Sense
- Only certain rooms or circuits have problems
- Recent additions were wired properly, but older sections were not
- You’re doing phased renovations over several years
Partial rewiring may cost less up front—$1,500 to $5,000—but should always be evaluated by a licensed electrician to ensure safety and code compliance.
🏠 Can You Stay in Your Home During Rewiring?
In most cases, yes—but be prepared for a few days of disruption. Power may be off in certain areas while work is done, and you may need to relocate furniture or remove wall hangings to allow access.
If rewiring is extensive or paired with other renovations, a temporary stay elsewhere may be more comfortable.
Tips for Minimizing Disruption
- Work in phases: Rewire one area at a time to maintain partial power.
- Use surge protectors: Protect sensitive electronics during power changes.
- Coordinate with your contractor: A clear schedule helps reduce surprises.
❗️ Why Choose Genz-Ryan for Your Rewiring Project?
Rewiring a home isn’t a DIY job—it requires licensed electricians, permits, and in-depth system knowledge. At Genz-Ryan, we’ve been helping Twin Cities homeowners stay safe and up to code for over 70 years.
🤝 Make the Right Investment in Your Home’s Safety
If your home has outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, or visible electrical issues, it’s time to consider a full or partial rewiring. The cost to rewire a house may seem like a major investment, but it pays off in safety, efficiency, and peace of mind.
Genz-Ryan’s expert electricians are here to help you understand your options and get the job done right. Contact us today for a free quote and let’s make your home safer, smarter, and ready for the future.
