Quick Answer: A full house rewire costs $8,000–$15,000 for a typical 1,500–2,500 sqft home. Adding a single circuit costs $1,500–$3,000. Panel upgrades from 100A to 200A add $1,500–$3,000 more.
How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House?
| Scope | Small Home (< 1,500 sqft) | Medium Home (1,500–2,500 sqft) | Large Home (> 2,500 sqft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partial Rewire (1-2 circuits) | $1,500–$3,000 | $1,500–$3,000 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Partial Rewire (50% of circuits) | $4,000–$7,000 | $6,000–$10,000 | $8,000–$14,000 |
| Full House Rewire | $7,000–$12,000 | $10,000–$18,000 | $15,000–$30,000+ |
| + Panel Upgrade (100A→200A) | + $1,500–$3,000 | + $1,500–$3,000 | + $2,000–$4,000 |
What's Included in a Full Rewire
- All new branch circuit wiring (12 or 14 AWG copper)
- Replacement of all outlets, switches, and fixtures
- New circuit breaker panel or reuse of existing if adequate
- Grounded 3-prong outlets throughout
- GFCI outlets in kitchens, baths, garages, and exterior locations
- AFCI breakers as required by current NEC code
- Permits and inspections
Panel Upgrade Costs
A 100-amp panel upgrade to 200 amps runs $1,500–$3,000 for the panel and breakers. If the utility meter base or service entrance cable also needs replacement, add $500–$2,000 more. Most modern homes need 200A minimum; EV chargers and whole-home generators may require 400A service.
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Aluminum Wiring Remediation
Homes built in the late 1960s–70s may have aluminum branch circuit wiring, which is a fire risk at connections. Options include full copper rewire ($8,000–$20,000+), pigtailing all outlets/switches with CO/ALR connectors ($1,500–$4,000 for a whole house), or using AlumiConn connectors at every connection point.
How do I know if my house needs rewiring?
Key signs: flickering lights, frequently tripping breakers, two-prong ungrounded outlets, aluminum wiring, cloth-insulated wire (knob-and-tube), or a home built before 1970 that hasn't been updated.
How long does rewiring a house take?
A full rewire of a 2,000 sqft home typically takes 3–10 days for a licensed crew. Older homes with plaster walls and no attic access take longer than new construction or open-framed spaces.
Does rewiring a house require a permit?
Yes, always. Electrical permits are required for new circuits, panel upgrades, and full rewires. Unpermitted electrical work is dangerous, can void your homeowner's insurance, and must be disclosed when selling.
Can I rewire part of my house?
Yes. Partial rewires are common—targeting problem areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or adding circuits to a garage or workshop. Individual circuit additions cost $1,500–$3,000 per circuit.
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