Rewiring an entire house is one of the largest residential electrical projects a homeowner can undertake. It may involve replacing outdated cable, adding grounded circuits, installing modern outlets and switches, upgrading electrical protection, and repairing walls after the new wiring is installed.
In the United States, a complete whole-house rewire typically costs $10,000 to $30,000, or approximately $5 to $17 per square foot. Smaller and highly accessible homes can cost less, while large older homes with plaster walls, knob-and-tube wiring, limited access, or major panel work can exceed $40,000.
Some estimates place basic rewiring closer to $3 to $5 per square foot. That lower range is more likely to apply when wiring is easy to access, the project has a limited scope, and extensive wall repair, device replacement, and service upgrades are not included.
Whole-House Rewiring Cost at a Glance
| Rewiring project | Typical U.S. cost |
|---|---|
| Average whole-house rewire | $10,000–$30,000 |
| Typical cost per square foot | $5–$17 |
| Basic accessible rewiring | $3–$5 per square foot |
| Rewire through attic, basement or floor joists | $10,000–$20,000 |
| Rewire with walls opened and repaired | $20,000–$30,000+ |
| Knob-and-tube replacement | $12,000–$35,000 |
| Electrician labor | $50–$130 per hour |
| Electrical permit | $250–$900 |
| Electrical inspection | $100–$200 |
| Electrical panel replacement | $850–$2,500 |
| Replace all outlets in a house | $1,200–$2,600 |
| Dedicated circuit | $250–$900 |
These are national estimates rather than guaranteed quotes. Home size, wiring access, local labor rates, the number of circuits, wall construction, material choices and code requirements can move the final price well outside the average range.
Whole-House Rewiring Cost by Home Size
The following ranges use a national estimating rate of approximately $5 to $17 per square foot for a complete rewire.
| Home size | Estimated whole-house rewiring cost |
|---|---|
| 800 square feet | $4,000–$13,600 |
| 1,000 square feet | $5,000–$17,000 |
| 1,200 square feet | $6,000–$20,400 |
| 1,500 square feet | $7,500–$25,500 |
| 2,000 square feet | $10,000–$34,000 |
| 2,500 square feet | $12,500–$42,500 |
| 3,000 square feet | $15,000–$51,000 |
| 3,500 square feet | $17,500–$59,500 |
| 4,000 square feet | $20,000–$68,000 |
The lower end generally represents homes with good attic, basement or crawl-space access. The upper end is more realistic when electricians must open finished walls, work around plaster or masonry, replace many devices, and correct additional electrical problems.
Cost to Rewire a 1,000-Square-Foot House
Rewiring a 1,000-square-foot home generally costs $5,000 to $17,000.
A small single-story home may fall near the lower end when it has:
- An accessible attic or crawl space
- Simple room layouts
- A modern electrical panel
- Drywall rather than plaster
- Relatively few circuits
- No hazardous building materials
Costs move toward the upper end when the property has knob-and-tube wiring, a fuse box, finished basement ceilings, plaster walls or extensive repair requirements.
Minimum permit, inspection and contractor setup costs also mean that a small home does not always cost proportionally less than a larger one.
Cost to Rewire a 1,500-Square-Foot House
A complete rewire for a 1,500-square-foot home typically costs $7,500 to $25,500.
Another current estimate places a typical 1,300-square-foot rewire between $7,800 and $13,000 using a narrower rate of $6 to $10 per square foot.
The final cost for a 1,500-square-foot house depends heavily on whether the estimate includes:
- New outlets and switches
- Kitchen and bathroom circuits
- AFCI and GFCI protection
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm wiring
- Panel replacement
- Drywall or plaster repair
- Light fixtures
- Permits and inspections
A quote covering only cable replacement should not be compared directly with one covering the complete electrical system and finish repairs.
Cost to Rewire a 2,000-Square-Foot House
Rewiring a 2,000-square-foot home generally costs $10,000 to $34,000 for a complete occupied-home project.
Lower-cost estimates of $6,000 to $10,000 are also published for a 2,000-square-foot home, but they are more consistent with basic $3-to-$5-per-square-foot wiring work and may not include extensive wall opening, restoration, a new service panel or numerous specialty circuits.
A 2,000-square-foot home commonly requires separate circuits for:
- Kitchen countertop outlets
- Dishwasher and disposal
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Laundry equipment
- Bathrooms
- HVAC equipment
- Water heater
- Garage
- Outdoor receptacles
- Bedrooms and living areas
The number and type of circuits can affect the price as much as the home’s square footage.
Cost to Rewire a 2,500-Square-Foot House
A 2,500-square-foot whole-house rewire typically costs $12,500 to $42,500.
A narrower midrange estimate places this project at approximately $15,000 to $25,000, depending on age, wiring access and overall scope.
Homes of this size may have several floors, multiple HVAC systems, finished basements, garages and more complex electrical loads. A larger panel, subpanel or service upgrade may also be required when the project supports heat pumps, EV chargers, electric water heating or other major equipment.
Cost to Rewire a 3,000-Square-Foot House
Rewiring a 3,000-square-foot home generally costs $15,000 to $51,000.
The total may approach the upper end when the home includes:
- Several stories
- Plaster or masonry walls
- Multiple additions
- Separate attic and crawl-space areas
- High ceilings
- Extensive lighting controls
- Home automation
- Large electric appliances
- Detached structures
- Two electrical panels
Large-home estimates should clearly state whether garages, finished basements, workshops, outdoor circuits and low-voltage wiring are included.
Why Rewiring Cost Estimates Vary So Much
Two contractors can provide estimates differing by thousands of dollars without necessarily quoting the same project.
Basic accessible rewiring
When electricians can run cable through an unfinished basement, attic or open floor joists, a whole-home project may cost approximately $10,000 to $20,000. Estimated materials account for $4,000 to $8,000, while labor commonly represents $6,000 to $12,000.
Rewiring through finished walls
When walls and ceilings must be opened, the total commonly rises to $20,000 to $30,000 or more. Materials may cost $8,000 to $12,000, with labor ranging from $12,000 to $18,000 before all finish repairs.
Opening walls completely can increase the total project cost by approximately 25% to 30%.
Partial electrical update
Some low online estimates describe a limited circuit update rather than a true whole-house rewire. Replacing a few damaged cable runs, adding grounded outlets or updating one room can cost hundreds or a few thousand dollars.
Ask whether the contractor is replacing all outdated branch wiring or only the accessible and visibly defective sections.
Major Factors That Affect Rewiring Cost
Wiring accessibility
Accessibility is often the most important cost factor after home size.
Costs are lower when electricians can work through:
- Unfinished attics
- Open basements
- Crawl spaces
- Floor joists
- Walls opened during remodeling
Costs rise when wiring is hidden behind plaster, tile, masonry, cabinetry, finished basement ceilings or multiple layers of remodeling.
Number of outlets, switches and fixtures
Every electrical opening requires cable, a box, connections and labor. Some contractors price rewiring at $100 to $300 or more per outlet, switch or fixture opening.
A modern home with numerous recessed lights, smart switches and outlets will therefore cost more than a simple home of the same size.
Kitchen and bathroom requirements
Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas, garages and outdoor locations generally require more circuits and specialized protection than bedrooms and living rooms.
These areas may need:
- Dedicated appliance circuits
- GFCI protection
- AFCI protection
- Higher-amperage wiring
- Weather-resistant devices
- Additional grounding and bonding
Electrical panel condition
Older homes may have a fuse box, 60-amp service or a panel without enough breaker spaces.
Panel replacement commonly adds $850 to $2,500, while a complete service upgrade can cost more when it includes the meter, mast, service conductors, grounding or utility work.
Drywall and plaster repair
Electricians often make small openings to fish cable through finished walls. Repair and painting may not be included in the electrical quote.
Drywall repair can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on the number and size of openings. Plaster walls generally cost more to repair and match than modern drywall.
Permits and inspections
Whole-house rewiring normally requires an electrical permit and inspection.
Permits commonly cost $250 to $900, while a separate electrical inspection may cost $100 to $200. Local requirements and fees vary.
Cost to Replace Knob-and-Tube Wiring
Replacing knob-and-tube wiring typically costs $12,000 to $35,000.
This wiring is frequently found in older homes and can be difficult to access because it runs through framing, walls and ceilings. The project may also require:
- New electrical panel
- Grounded circuits
- Additional outlets
- Modern switches
- AFCI and GFCI protection
- Wall and ceiling repairs
- Hazardous-material evaluation
Older homes do not automatically require every wire to be replaced. A qualified electrical inspection should determine the wiring type, condition, alterations and actual safety concerns before a full rewire is approved.
Does Aluminum Wiring Require a Full Rewire?
Homes built or renovated during certain periods may contain aluminum branch-circuit wiring.
Aluminum wiring does not always require complete removal, but its connections should be evaluated by an electrician familiar with approved repair methods. Loose or improperly repaired connections can overheat.
ESFI recommends a qualified electrical inspection for homes with older aluminum wiring, particularly when the home is more than 40 years old.
Depending on the inspection, possible solutions may include:
- Approved connection repairs
- Device replacement
- Circuit-by-circuit rewiring
- Complete branch-circuit replacement
Do not rely on ordinary wire nuts or unapproved DIY repairs.
Signs a House May Need Rewiring
Schedule a professional inspection when you notice:
- Frequently tripping breakers
- Blown fuses
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Warm outlets or switches
- Burning odors
- Buzzing or crackling
- Scorched wall plates
- Loose outlets
- Two-prong receptacles
- Extension cords used permanently
- Knob-and-tube wiring
- Aluminum branch wiring
- A fuse box or undersized service
- Major renovation or electrification plans
ESFI recommends an electrical system inspection when a home is 40 years old or older, when purchasing a previously owned home, after a major renovation, or after adding major new appliances.
An older home does not automatically need a complete rewire. The inspection may identify only specific circuits or connections that require correction.
How Long Does Whole-House Rewiring Take?
A whole-house rewire generally takes 3 to 10 days or more, depending on home size, age, crew size, access and wall repairs. Projects requiring extensive demolition and restoration take longer.
Electricians may need to:
- Map and label existing circuits
- Disconnect outdated wiring
- Run new cables
- Install boxes and devices
- Add required protection
- Update the panel
- Complete rough inspections
- Patch walls and ceilings
- Install finished devices
- Complete the final inspection
Homeowners may need to relocate temporarily because circuits will be unavailable and the work can create dust, noise and open walls.
Rewiring Rebates and Financial Assistance
Whole-house rewiring does not normally qualify for a general federal tax credit solely because old wiring is being replaced.
However, electrical wiring that enables qualifying electrification projects may be eligible for state-administered Home Energy Rebates. Current Department of Energy guidance lists a potential rebate of up to $2,500 for qualifying electrical wiring and up to $4,000 for a qualifying electrical panel upgrade. Eligibility depends on household income, state or tribal program availability and the connected project.
Some lower-income homeowners may also qualify for local rehabilitation programs or USDA home repair assistance. Verify eligibility before work begins because preapproval may be required.
How to Save Money on Whole-House Rewiring
- Schedule rewiring during a renovation. Open walls reduce labor and repair costs.
- Get three to five detailed bids. Compare identical circuit and device counts.
- Request a written scope. Confirm whether outlets, fixtures, panels, permits and repairs are included.
- Keep device locations practical. Moving every outlet and switch adds labor.
- Bundle panel and wiring work. Coordinating one project may reduce repeated permit and mobilization costs.
- Use standard fixtures and devices. Designer switches and smart controls raise material costs.
- Clear rooms before work begins. Easier access reduces labor and protects belongings.
- Ask about staged rewiring. It can spread costs out, although completing rooms separately may cost more overall.
- Check assistance programs early. Rebates and grants may require preapproval.
- Avoid choosing solely by price. Verify licensing, insurance, permit responsibility and workmanship warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rewire an entire house?
A complete whole-house rewire typically costs $10,000 to $30,000, or approximately $5 to $17 per square foot.
How much does it cost to rewire a 1,500-square-foot home?
A 1,500-square-foot home generally costs $7,500 to $25,500 to rewire.
How much does it cost to rewire a 2,000-square-foot home?
A complete 2,000-square-foot rewire commonly costs $10,000 to $34,000. Basic accessible projects may cost less.
Can a house be rewired without removing all the drywall?
Usually, yes. Electricians can often fish cable through small openings using attic, basement or crawl-space access. Some wall damage and patching should still be expected.
Does whole-house rewiring include a new electrical panel?
Not always. Panel replacement may be included in a comprehensive bid or listed as a separate cost.
Does homeowners insurance pay for rewiring?
Insurance generally does not cover routine replacement of aging wiring. It may cover damage caused by a covered event, depending on the policy.
Can you live in a house while it is being rewired?
Sometimes, but the project is disruptive and portions of the home may be without power. Temporary relocation may allow the electricians to work faster.
Conclusion
Whole-house rewiring generally costs $10,000 to $30,000, with national estimates ranging from approximately $5 to $17 per square foot. A 1,500-square-foot home may cost $7,500 to $25,500, while a 3,000-square-foot property may cost $15,000 to $51,000.
Home size provides a useful starting point, but access and project scope often matter more. Rewiring through an attic or open basement costs far less than opening and repairing plaster walls throughout an occupied home.
Before accepting a bid, obtain an electrical inspection and request an itemized scope covering cable, circuits, outlets, switches, panel work, permits, inspections and wall repairs. A complete quote should clearly distinguish between a limited wiring update and the full replacement of the home’s electrical branch circuits.