How Much Does it Cost to Wire a House?

Factors That Affect the Cost of Electrical Wiring

The electrical wire pricing depends on various factors that can affect your overall budget. Here’s what you need to consider:

Size of the House

If you’re wondering how to estimate electrical wiring for a house, keep in mind that the size of your house is one of the main factors.

Wiring costs are typically calculated per square foot, with prices ranging from $4 to $9 per square foot. Additionally, the cost of electrical wire per foot can vary based on the type and quality of wire used.

For a 1,000-square-foot home, the cost may be between $4,000 and $9,000, while a 3,000-square-foot home could cost anywhere from $12,000 to $27,000.

Larger homes need more wiring, outlets, switches, and labor, driving up the overall expense. Homes with complex layouts or multiple stories also require more labor, which can further increase costs.

• Home Size (in Sq Ft)Average Cost to Wire
• 500$2,000 – $4,500
• 800$3,200 – $7,200
• 1,000$4,000 – $9,000
• 1,500$6,000 – $13,500
• 2,000$8,000 – $18,000
• 2,500$10,000 – $22,300
• 3,000$12,000 – $27,000
• 3,500$14,000 – $31,500

Scope of the Installation

Whether you’re wiring a new house or rewiring an old one plays a major role in determining the cost. Here’s how:

Wiring a New House

Wiring a new home is usually simpler and more affordable because the open walls make it easier for electricians to install the wiring. As mentioned above, the cost can range from $4 to $9 per square foot.

The process involves installing outlets, switches, and circuits according to current building codes. Since there’s no need to deal with existing structures, new wiring installations are also quicker and require less labor.

Rewiring an Old House

Rewiring an old house tends to be more complex and costly because outdated electrical systems need to be updated. This is why, the cost of rewiring a house is more than that of wiring a new house.

The average cost of rewiring an old house is usually between $5 and $17 per square foot, depending on factors like the home’s size, number of circuits, and how easily the wiring can be accessed.

For example, the cost to rewire a 1000 sq ft home can be between $5,000 and $17,000, which is higher than the $4,000 to $9,000 it would cost to wire a new 1,000 sq ft home.

Electricians may need to cut into walls, replace old circuits, and ensure the home meets current safety standards. This labor-intensive process can also lead to extra costs for repairs and code compliance upgrades.

Wire Type

The cost to wire a house varies based on the specific wire type needed for different applications. Here are some common types of wiring with their costs:

• Wire TypeMaterial Price per Linear Foot
• Coaxial$0.10 – $0.60
• Direct Buried$0.50 – $3.00
• Metallic Sheathed (AC/BX)$0.60 – $4.00
• Multiple-conductor$0.20 – $1.00
• Non-metallic Sheathed (NM cable)$0.50 – $3.00
• Ribbon$0.80 – $1.80
• Twin-lead$0.60 – $0.90
• Underground Feeder (UF)$0.50 – $1.30

• 

  Coaxial:

  Commonly used for cable TV, internet, and radio signals due to its insulated copper core and shielding​.

• 

  Direct Buried:

  Designed for underground use, this cable is heavily insulated to withstand harsh environmental conditions​.

• 

  Metallic Sheathed (AC/BX):

  Typically used in commercial buildings and older homes, this cable has metal armor for added protection and durability​.

• 

  Multiple-conductor:

  These cables are used for applications requiring multiple wires within one sheath, commonly in networking or appliances​.

• 

  Non-metallic Sheathed (NM cable):

  Known as Romex, this is the standard for residential wiring, used for general indoor electrical purposes​.

• 

  Ribbon:

  Used in electronics and computers, ribbon cables consist of parallel conductors and are typically found in internal device connections​.

• 

  Twin-lead:

  A two-conductor cable mainly used for older TV antennas and radios. The parallel wires reduce interference​.

• 

  Underground Feeder (UF):

  A durable cable for outdoor use, designed for direct burial to power outdoor fixtures. It's moisture-resistant and ideal for wet environments​.

Materials

In addition to the wire itself, here are the other common materials that will be required when wiring a house:

• 

  Wires:

  The core component that conducts electricity throughout the home. The type of wire you choose can affect cost as already discussed above.

• 

  Conduits:

  Conduits, used to protect the wiring, range from $0.70 to $8.00 per linear foot, depending on the material and whether they're for indoor or outdoor use​.

• 

  Junction boxes:

  Boxes that enclose wire connections and protect them from environmental factors. The cost of installing junction boxes ranges from $5 to $30 per box depending on size and complexity.

• 

  Outlets and switches:

  Components used to control and access the electrical current in various rooms. Installing new outlets or switches costs about $50 to $300 depending on the type and location.

• 

  Fixtures:

  The cost to install a basic light fixture typically ranges from $135 to $415, but more advanced fixtures like chandeliers can add $200 to $700 to the cost​.

Permits and Inspections

Permit fees can range from $50 to $400, depending on the size of the project and local regulations. Inspections, which are required at various stages, usually cost between $100 and $200 each.

These steps are essential to ensure that the electrical work complies with safety standards and local building codes, helping to avoid future legal and safety problems. While they do increase upfront costs, getting the right permits and inspections is key for long-term safety and compliance.

Electrical Panel Installation

Electrical panels act as the control centers that distribute electricity throughout the home. Their size (amperage) and condition impact how much additional wiring or upgrades might be necessary.

If a home has an outdated or inadequate panel, like a fuse box, it will likely need an upgrade, which adds to the overall wiring cost.

Beyond the basic wiring expenses, panel upgrades can increase costs if new circuits, breakers, or subpanels are required to handle the home’s electrical needs. Relocating the panel or replacing old wiring to meet current standards can also lead to higher costs.

Most homes typically don’t need service panels over 200 amps, and panels ranging from 100 to 200 amps are pretty common.

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Signs You Need to Rewire a House

There are several signs that may indicate your house needs rewiring, which are crucial to maintaining electrical safety and preventing hazards:

• 

  Frequent Blown Fuses or Tripped Circuit Breakers

  This could indicate an overloaded circuit or faulty wiring.

• 

  Dimming or Flickering Lights

  A sign that circuits may be overloaded or connections are loose.

• 

  Hot or Discolored Switches, Outlets, or Plugs

  Heat build-up around outlets or switches is a major warning sign of faulty wiring and could lead to fires.

• 

  Buzzing or Sizzling Sounds

  If you hear these sounds from outlets or switches, there may be an underlying issue with your wiring.

• 

  Burning Smells

  A burning smell without an obvious source is often due to overheating wires, which should be checked immediately.

• 

  Electric Shocks

  Even a mild shock when plugging in an appliance is a serious sign that your wiring is compromised.

• 

  Sparks from Outlets

  Sparks when plugging or unplugging appliances could indicate an issue with the outlet or the wiring.

• 

  Loose or Damaged Outlets

  If outlets feel loose or show signs of damage, the wiring may need replacement.

• 

  Aluminum Wiring

  Homes built before the 1970s may have aluminum wiring, which is more prone to overheating and should be replaced with copper wiring​.

House Wiring Pricing Tiers

The cost of house wiring can vary significantly depending on several factors such as the size of the home, the complexity of the job, and the materials used. Here are some typical pricing tiers:

• 

  Budget Option

  If you are rewiring only specific areas (like a single room), costs can start as low as $600. For a minimal approach, focusing only on the problem areas can save you money, but you'll still need to consult with a licensed electrician​.

• 

  Mid-Range Option

  Full house rewiring costs for homes around 1,500 to 2,500 square feet typically range from $6,000 to $20,000. This would include essential upgrades but may not involve replacing fixtures or the electrical panel unless necessary​.

• 

  High-End Option

  For a complete overhaul, including upgrading the electrical panel and replacing all outlets, switches, and wiring, the cost can go over $20,000, especially for larger homes or homes with complex electrical needs.

DIY House Rewiring vs. Hiring a Professional

Rewiring your house yourself can save money, but such electrical installations also carry serious risks, like electric shocks or not meeting building codes.

Hiring a professional is pricier, but they bring expertise, work faster, and guarantee the job is done safely and up to legal standards. Plus, they offer warranties and insurance, protecting you from future problems.

If you have the skills, DIY may be fine for small, simple jobs. However, for bigger or more complicated projects, it’s always safer and more reliable to go with a professional.

When hiring a professional, be sure to ask all your project-related questions, review their online ratings, and compare quotes from multiple contractors to get the best deal.

A tool like HomeBuddy can help you quickly find a local contractor for electrical panel and wiring services with over 13K successful projects under their belt.

Tips to Minimize Electrical Wiring Costs

Here are some effective tips to keep electrical wiring costs at a minimum:

• 

  Plan Ahead:

  A detailed plan for your electrical system can prevent costly changes later.

• 

  Use Energy-Efficient Materials:

  While energy-efficient fixtures and materials might have a higher upfront cost, they help save on electricity bills and reduce the need for heavier wiring systems.

• 

  Minimize Circuit Length:

  Efficient layouts, such as placing major electrical equipment near power sources that shorten wiring distances, and reduce material usage​.

• 

  Buy Materials in Bulk:

  Purchasing wiring materials in bulk can lead to significant cost savings, especially for larger projects.

• 

  Hire a Licensed Electrician:

  While hiring a professional might seem expensive, professional work ensures compliance and avoids future repairs​.

Conclusion

The cost to wire a new house typically falls between $4 and $9 per square foot, but the final price depends on factors like the size of the house, type of wiring, required permits, and the complexity of the project.

While DIYing might seem like a way to save, it’s usually safer and more reliable to hire a professional. This helps avoid costly mistakes or safety hazards. Tools like HomeBuddy can help you easily find a local contractor and even get a free quote.

Frequently Asked Questions