What Does It Cost to Rewire a House?
No two Los Angeles home rewiring projects cost the same. Whether youโre living in one of LAโs historic homes or a more modern space, rewiring is an important part of keeping your home safe and efficient. From materials to square footage, letโs break down the cost to rewire a house.
Factors That Affect the Cost to Rewire a Home
Many variables impact home rewiring cost, including size, materials, and more.
Size and layout of the house
The size, layout, and age of your home are major factors in rewiring needs. The larger and more complex a home is, the more labor and materials itโll require โ that includes multi-story homes and those with basements, attics, and crawl spaces as electricians must work through multiple levels.
More outlets and light switches also translate to more complex rewiring projects, and you can expect to spend $100 to $185 per outlet. You may also need three-prong, GFCI, and USB outlets. If your home still has knob and tube rewiring, it requires replacement for safety purposes.
Materialsย
The type and amount of materials required affect the cost of rewiring a house. Some common wiring materials include:
- THHN/THWN wire: Thermoplastic, highly heat-resistant, nylon-coated (THHN) and thermoplastic, heat-resistant, โwetโ, and nylon-coated (THWN) wires average $0.84 per foot.
- NM cable: Non-metallic (NM) wires average $0.56 per foot.
- UF cable: Underground feeder (UF) cables suited for wet locations cost about $0.71 per foot.
- Coaxial cable: Coaxial cables cost around $0.25 to $0.35 per linear foot and require specialized outlets.
- Low-voltage wire: Wiring for thermostats, doorbells, and other low-voltage devices costs around $0.25 to $0.35 per foot.
Accessibility and ease of installation
Newer homes usually have layouts designed for easy access to wiring for electricians as per building regulations, but most older homes donโt usually make rewiring a simple task. The more work required to reach wires through plaster, brick, and studs, the more you can expect to pay in labor.ย
Older properties also often have hidden challenges that require addressing. For example, in older homes with lath-and-plaster walls, wiring is more difficult to access as wall removal and repair can add days to a project. Keep in mind that repairing walls can account for up to 30% of the project cost.
Electrical panel upgrade
If your home hasnโt been renovated or upgraded since the 1950s or earlier, chances are your electrical panel isnโt up to code. Older 60-amp panels donโt meet modern electrical requirements and can present hazards to your home. Most homeowners opt for a 200-amp electrical panel upgrade, which can range between $400 and $2,500 for the unit and installation, to meet the safety and power needs of the modern home.
Average Cost Estimate for House Rewiring
In addition to the above cost factors, the scope of your homeโs rewiring can affect the costs. See the difference in full home rewire costs vs. per area costs.
Full house rewire cost
Generally, rewiring a small home costs less than a large home. The average cost of electrical wiring installation is $8,500 โ depending on size and other factors, costs can range from less than $1,000 to up to $30,000.
Per room or per square-foot cost
Rewiring a house generally costs $2 to $4 per square foot. The rooms involved in rewiring can also influence costs as some electrical codes require more or specialized outlets and circuits in certain areas.
See the following average rewiring costs based on square footage:
- 1,000: $4,700
- 1,500: $7,400
- 2,000: $9,800
- 2,500: $12,300
- 3,000: $14,000
Additional Considerations
Include the following considerations in your rewiring plan as you organize your budget and logistics.
Local permits and inspections fees
Permits and inspections are necessary to protect your home and household from electrical hazardous. Rewiring, panel upgrades, and other electrical work require permits, and homeowners can face heavy fines and penalties besides safety risks if they fail to obtain one.
Santa Ana permit costs vary depending on the scope of work and other details. Standard and safety permits can range from $75 to $900. Inspections, whether for maintenance or rewiring purposes, range from $100 to $125.
Labor costs and contractor fees
Professional electricians charge between $50 and $100 per hour. You can hire more people to speed up the project. With rewiring projects typically requiring up to a week to complete, labor costs can range from $1,000 to $7,400. Preparing and cleaning up the worksite, such as moving furniture, protecting valuables, and other tasks, can take several days and likewise increase labor costs.ย
DIY vs. Professional Rewiring
Rewiring a home is complex and hazardous, and only licensed electricians should perform this work. Attempting to do this work on your own, even with electrical know-how, can lead to much higher costs than professional installation due to potential mistakes and inadvertent damage and carries risk of significant injury.
Experienced electricians, however, possess the appropriate training, knowledge, and skills to complete your homeโs rewiring safely, efficiently, and effectively. Choosing cost-friendly materials and handling non-electrical work during the process may help offset your costs. Making upgrades to your homeโs rewiring can also improve its energy efficiency, saving on utility costs in the long-term.
Contact Express Electrical Services
Our trained and licensed electricians provide electrical rewiring and other services in Santa Ana, Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas. No matter the projectโs scope, weโll determine the needs of the work and ensure your homeโs electrical system operates safely and efficiently. Plus, we offer financing, so you wonโt have to compromise with your budget on your homeโs safety.
To inquire about electrical upgrades, rewiring, specials, and more, make an appointment with us at Express Electrical Services. For service in the Los Angeles area and other parts of Southern California, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs that indicate my home needs rewiring?
Your home needs rewiring if you notice the following signs:
- Flickering lights
- Discolored light switches
- Repeatedly tripping circuit breakers
- Persistent buzzing sounds
- Electrical burning smells
- Shocks when touching appliances or equipment
Rewiring your home can help prevent major electrical hazards as well as improve your homeโs energy efficiency, and our electricians can inspect your home and provide a rewiring recommendation and estimate. Contact us if you notice these signs.
Are there any financial incentives or rebates available for upgrading electrical wiring?
Depending on eligibility, homeowners in Los Angeles and other California areas may be able to access rebates and other financial incentives. The Inflation Reduction Residential Energy Rebate Programs provide rebates to incentivize better residential home efficiency.
Will rewiring my home increase its market value or improve its safety and efficiency?
Rewiring your home and other electrical upgrades are an investment in your safety and your property value. Up-to-code electrical systems, improved energy efficiency, and modern technological conveniences can make your home more appealing to prospective buyers and increase your equity.