Signs Your Home May Need Rewiring

Spotting potential electrical issues early allows you to schedule a repair before a small problem becomes a major issue. To help keep hazards and repair expenses to a minimum, keep an eye out for these signs:

• Flickering lights
• Sparking outlets
• Breakers that repeatedly trip
• Broken outlets
• Increased electricity use (more appliances, for example) without an upgraded system
• Outdated knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring

If you live in a home over 40 years old, it may be time to schedule an inspection, even if there are no obvious electrical concerns.

Average Cost to Rewire a Home

Rewiring your home requires a significant investment, but it’s worth every penny to protect it and improve its electrical performance.

Most homeowners spend between $6,000 and $12,000 for a full rewiring job. The total cost is usually calculated based on the size of your home, with an average charge of $4 to $10 per square foot. Homes with easier access to wiring may see lower quotes, while homes with plaster walls or outdated access panels may have higher labor costs.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Rewiring?

To find out what it costs to rewire a house, we need to consider all the factors that go into drawing up an electrical quote.

Your electrical contractor will consider:

• The square footage of your home
• The number of stories and the accessibility of the wiring path
• Wall material (plaster vs. drywall)
• The necessity of an electrical panel upgrade
• Labor and permit costs in your area

You may also pay more for an electrician with the extensive experience and advanced certifications necessary to complete the job properly.

Potential Savings and Safety Improvements

Here’s how investing in a full home electrical rewiring can pay off in the long term — and we’re not just talking about code compliance.

• Reduced risk of electrical hazards that could lead to injury or fire
• More energy-efficient wiring that decreases energy usage
• Potential addition of more outlets and dedicated circuits to power modern appliances
• Possible increase in property value

You may also be able to defray upfront costs by taking advantage of insurance discounts or reduced premiums.

How to Choose the Right Electrician

Rewriting is a major job. Only trust your home, safety, and financial investment to someone with credentials and expertise you can trust.

Before you hire an electrician:

• Make sure they’re licensed, bonded, and insured in your state.
• Ask if they specialize in whole-home rewriting.
• Read company reviews and ask for references from customers who’ve completed similar projects.
• Get a written, itemized estimate.