Whole House Rewiring Cost (2026 Guide)
The average whole-house rewiring cost ranges from $3,500 to $15,000, with most homeowners paying $6,000–$10,000 for a typical single-family home.
Costs vary based on home size, accessibility, wiring type, and whether electrical panel upgrades are required.
Average Whole-House Rewiring Cost
| Home Size | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Under 1,500 sq ft | $3,500 – $6,500 |
| 1,500–2,500 sq ft | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| 2,500–3,500 sq ft | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| 3,500+ sq ft | $12,000 – $25,000+ |
Costs include labor and standard materials but exclude major drywall repairs.
What Does Whole-House Rewiring Include?
A full rewiring typically covers:
- Removing outdated wiring (knob-and-tube, aluminum)
- Installing new copper wiring
- New outlets and switches
- Grounding system upgrades
- Circuit labeling and testing
- Code compliance updates
It does not always include panel upgrades or cosmetic repairs unless specified.
What Affects Whole-House Rewiring Cost?
1. Home Size & Layout
Larger homes require:
- More wiring
- More circuits
- More labor hours
Multi-story homes cost more due to access complexity.
2. Accessibility
Costs increase if:
- Walls and ceilings must be opened
- Attic or crawlspace access is limited
- The home has plaster walls
Easy access can reduce costs by thousands.
3. Wiring Type
- Copper wiring: Standard, safer, more expensive
- Aluminum wiring: Cheaper but often replaced due to safety concerns
Replacing aluminum wiring increases labor and material costs.
4. Electrical Panel Capacity
Rewiring older homes often requires:
- Panel replacement or upgrade
- New breakers
- Additional circuits
Panel upgrades add $1,500–$4,500.
5. Permits & Inspections
Most jurisdictions require:
- Electrical permits
- Inspections
Permit costs range from $100–$500, depending on location.
Whole-House Rewiring Cost by Home Type
| Home Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-story home | $4,000 – $9,000 |
| Two-story home | $6,000 – $15,000 |
| Condo / townhome | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Historic home | $10,000 – $25,000+ |
Historic homes often cost more due to plaster walls and preservation requirements.
Signs Your Home Needs Rewiring
You may need rewiring if your home has:
- Knob-and-tube wiring
- Aluminum wiring
- Frequent breaker trips
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Burning smells or warm outlets
- Limited outlets per room
Partial Rewiring vs Full Rewiring Cost
| Scope | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| One room | $500 – $2,000 |
| Partial home | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Full home | $3,500 – $15,000+ |
Partial rewiring can be a temporary solution but may not address underlying safety issues.
Does Whole-House Rewiring Increase Home Value?
Yes.
Benefits include:
- Improved safety
- Lower fire risk
- Easier home inspections
- Higher buyer confidence
- Compatibility with modern appliances
Rewiring is often required to insure older homes.
Can You Rewire a House Yourself?
No.
Whole-house rewiring:
- Requires a licensed electrician
- Involves permits and inspections
- Poses serious fire and safety risks
DIY rewiring can invalidate insurance coverage and violate building codes.
How to Save Money on Whole-House Rewiring
- Rewire during renovations
- Choose surface-mounted conduit where allowed
- Bundle with panel upgrades
- Get multiple licensed electrician quotes
- Minimize drywall removal where possible
Whole-House Rewiring FAQs
How long does whole-house rewiring take?
Most projects take 3–10 days, depending on home size and complexity.
Will walls need to be opened?
Often yes. Some electricians can “fish” wires to minimize wall damage.
Is rewiring required for EV chargers or solar?
Often. Older wiring may not support modern electrical loads.
Is knob-and-tube wiring illegal?
Not always, but it’s often flagged during inspections and can be difficult to insure.
Bottom Line
Whole-house rewiring costs typically range from $3,500 to $15,000, depending on home size and accessibility. While expensive, rewiring significantly improves safety, functionality, and resale value.