Cost to Rewire a House: What Homeowners Should Expect

Is your home’s wiring running on borrowed time? You’re not alone. Many homeowners feel uneasy about flickering lights or outlets that spark. We get it—rewiring seems overwhelming, both in scope and cost.

At TXC Electric, we help homeowners and businesses make sense of what’s needed, what it should cost, and why it matters. Let’s break down what really impacts the price to rewire a house, and how you can plan for a safer, smarter home.

Why Rewiring is Needed ⚡

Think of your home’s wiring like the veins of your house. If they’re clogged or frayed, the whole system suffers. Outdated or damaged wiring isn’t just inconvenient—it can be dangerous. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), faulty wiring is a leading cause of home fires.

Common reasons to rewire include:

• Old knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring
• Persistent circuit breaker trips
• Burn marks or buzzing outlets
• Major renovations or additions

Sometimes, it's not about a problem but about preparing for the future—like adding EV chargers or smart home tech.

Signs You Need Rewiring

How do you know it’s time? Watch for these warning signs:

• Frequent blown fuses or tripped breakers
• Dimming or flickering lights
• Outlets feel warm or spark
• Persistent burning smell (never ignore!)
• Two-prong outlets instead of grounded ones
• Rodent damage or visible wire deterioration

If you check any of these boxes, call an electrician for an inspection right away.

Key Cost Factors

What makes rewiring costs so unpredictable? Think of it like renovating an old car: the final price depends on what’s under the hood.

Major cost drivers:

• Home size and layout: Bigger homes cost more. Complicated layouts (tight crawl spaces, many floors) add time and labor.
• Accessibility: Easy access to wires behind drywall, or will walls and ceilings need opening? Patchwork costs add up.
• Current system condition: More problems mean more fixes and more hours.
• Code requirements: Local electrical codes (based on National Electrical Code - NEC) may require upgrades like arc-fault protection or extra circuits.
• Material choices: Copper wiring, new panels, GFCI outlets—all these influence cost.
• Permits and inspections: These are required and add to the total, but they’re crucial for safety and resale.

Labor vs. Materials

Rewiring is a people-powered project. Labor usually makes up 60–70% of the total bill. Electricians are skilled tradespeople, and safety is the name of the game.

Labor costs include:

• Removing old wires
• Fishing new wires through walls, attics, and floors
• Installing breakers, outlets, and switches
• Testing and inspections

Material costs include:

• Wires (usually copper)
• Outlets, switches, cover plates
• Junction boxes, panels, breakers
• Safety devices (GFCIs, AFCIs)
• Fasteners, connectors, and protective tubing

Expect higher material costs if your home needs specialty wiring (for pools, spas, or home automation).

Regional Codes and Permits

Every area has its own electrical code—think of it as the rulebook for safe wiring. These rules change over time. Your city may require tamper-resistant outlets, smoke detectors in every bedroom, or specific arc-fault breakers.

Permitting and final inspection fees protect you and your investment. They make sure the work meets safety standards and will pass if you ever sell your home. Check your local building department or ask your electrician what’s required.

Hidden Cost Drivers

Sometimes, the true cost isn’t obvious at first glance. Here’s what can tip the budget:

• Wall repair: Opening walls to access wires means you’ll need drywall repair and paint after.
• Upgrading service panels: If your existing panel is undersized, you may need a new one to handle today’s loads.
• Adding circuits: Modern homes often need more circuits for appliances, media rooms, or garage workshops.
• Old electrical hazards: Discovering knob-and-tube, aluminum, or DIY wiring can mean extra work to bring everything up to code.

How to Get Accurate Quotes

Price transparency builds trust. Here’s how to ensure you get a fair, accurate estimate:

1. Schedule a walkthrough: An in-person visit lets the electrician assess your home’s wiring, panel, and access points.
2. Ask for itemized estimates: Breakdowns should include labor, materials, permits, and any patching or repairs.
3. Compare apples to apples: Make sure each quote covers the same scope. Some companies skip patching or materials—read the fine print.
4. Ask about code compliance: Confirm that your electrician follows current NEC and local codes.
5. Request references: A reputable electrician will have happy customers and proof of completed rewiring projects.

For more on our approach, see our Rewiring and Residential Services pages.

Budgeting Tips for Homeowners

A full house rewire can feel like a big-ticket repair. Here’s how to soften the blow:

• Prioritize safety zones: Start with high-risk areas (kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms). You can phase the rest.
• Plan for patching: Ask if the quote includes wall/ceiling repairs, or budget separately.
• Factor in upgrades: If you’re adding outlets, circuits, or smart features, include those now—it’s cheaper than retrofitting later.
• Expect the unexpected: Set aside 10–20% for surprises behind the walls.

Timeline and Disruption

Rewiring isn’t a quick fix. Most homes take several days to a couple of weeks, depending on size and complexity. You may need to move furniture, clear attic spaces, or even stay elsewhere for a day or two if power must be cut.

Good electricians tidy up as they go and keep you updated on progress.

DIY vs. Hiring an Electrician

It’s tempting to save money with DIY. But electrical work is like surgery: mistakes can be catastrophic. Only licensed electricians can pull permits, guarantee code compliance, and ensure your family’s safety.

Besides, insurance and resale value depend on the job being done right. Leave this one to the pros.

What to Expect When Pros Arrive

A professional electrician will:

• Inspect your current system and panel
• Test outlets, switches, and breakers for hidden faults
• Identify hazards or outdated wiring
• Explain the scope, timeline, and code requirements in plain language
• Clean up, repair walls, and handle final inspections

Prevention & Maintenance

Once your new wiring is in place, keep things running smoothly by:

• Avoiding overloaded outlets
• Scheduling annual safety checks
• Upgrading surge protection for new electronics
• Installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Regular maintenance means fewer surprises down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it really cost to rewire a house?
It varies widely—think $8,000 to $20,000 for a whole home, but small jobs or partial rewires can be much less. Get a local quote for the most accurate figure.

How long will my power be off?
Usually, electricians work in sections, so you’re rarely without power for more than a day in any area.

Will my house be a mess?
There will be some dust and patching, but a professional crew keeps disruption to a minimum and cleans up as they go.

Can I live at home during the project?
Most homeowners stay during the process, but discuss this with your electrician if you have special concerns.

When It’s an Emergency

If you smell burning, see charred outlets, or your breakers won’t reset, call for emergency electrical service right away. Safety comes first—don’t wait.

Why Transparency Matters

You deserve honest, realistic pricing. At TXC Electric, we believe in detailed, up-front estimates and clear communication. We follow the latest National Electrical Code (NEC) and local safety guidelines to ensure your family and property are protected.

For those searching for reliable electrician company, our local team brings experience and peace of mind.

Ready to Get Started?

Don’t gamble with your safety or investment. Get a detailed, no-nonsense quote from TXC Electric. You’ll know exactly what to expect—no surprises.

Call TXC Electric now — or reach us anytime at  855-557-6564 .