House Rewiring Cost Calculator
Rewiring a house is priced by square footage, and older homes with plaster walls cost more to work in. Enter your home size to estimate.
Most homeowners pay $6,500 to $13,400 for 1,800 sq ft, full rewire, good access.
Your estimate
- Materials and labor
- Add-ons
- Permit
National installed prices, materials and labor included. Your local quotes may differ.
House rewiring cost by option
Installed totals (based on 1,800 sq ft), with standard conditions and permit included.
| Option | Typical total |
|---|---|
| Partial rewire | $3,800 to $8,000 |
| Full rewire, good access | $6,500 to $13,400 |
| Knob-and-tube replacement | $11,000 to $20,600 |
Installed price per unit
| Option | Installed price |
|---|---|
| Partial rewire | $2.00 to $4.00 per sq ft |
| Full rewire, good access | $3.50 to $7.00 per sq ft |
| Knob-and-tube replacement | $6.00 to $11.00 per sq ft |
What drives the price
- Wall typePlaster walls are slower to open and patch than drywall.
- AccessBasements and open attics make it easier to fish new wire.
- ScopeAdding outlets, circuits and GFCI or AFCI protection increases the job.
- Old wiringKnob-and-tube and aluminum wiring often trigger full rewires for safety and insurance reasons.
How this estimate works
The calculator multiplies your home size by the installed price range for the option you pick, adjusts it for the conditions you set, then adds any extras you tick and typical permit. The headline number is the midpoint of your range. Low-end prices fit simple jobs in lower-cost areas. High-end prices fit complex jobs, premium brands and high-cost metros.
Get at least three written quotes before you hire. Ask each contractor to list materials, labor, permits and disposal separately so you can compare them line by line. Read how we build our ranges.
Common questions
How long does rewiring take?
Many homes take one to two weeks, plus time for inspections and wall repair.
Can I live in the house during a rewire?
Often yes, though power will be off in parts of the house at times.
How do I know if my house needs rewiring?
Frequent tripped breakers, warm outlets, flickering lights and very old wiring types are warning signs. Have an electrician inspect it.
Sources and method
Price ranges are national installed estimates maintained by the HouseMath editorial team and last reviewed September 2026. For the labor side of the job, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data for electricians (SOC 47-2111), which shows how trade wages differ by state.