Use this comprehensive Rewiring Cost Calculator to estimate the total cost of an electrical rewiring project. By providing just three variables, you can quickly solve for the total project cost, the average cost per square unit, the house size, or the fixed material costs.
Rewiring Cost Calculator
Calculated Result
Detailed Calculation Steps
Rewiring Cost Calculator Formula
$$C = (S \times U) + M$$
Formula Source: HomeAdvisor, Fixr.com
Variables
- Total Project Cost (C): The final price you expect to pay, covering all labor, materials, and overhead.
- House Size (S): The total area of the property being rewired, typically measured in square feet or square meters.
- Cost Per Unit Area (U): The average rate charged by contractors per square unit (ft² or m²). This factor bundles the labor rate and standard material use.
- Fixed Installation/Material Cost (M): Static costs that don’t scale directly with the house size, such as the new consumer unit (fuse box), permits, and initial site fees.
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What is Electrical Rewiring Cost?
Electrical rewiring cost is the total expense associated with replacing old, worn-out, or non-compliant electrical wiring in a property. This major home improvement project is often necessary for older homes (pre-1970s) that still use outdated wiring systems like knob-and-tube or aluminum, which can pose serious fire risks. The calculation involves two main components: a variable cost based on the size of the home, and a fixed cost for essential components.
The variable cost is calculated by multiplying the size of the property by a regional unit cost rate. This unit rate typically covers the bulk of the labor hours required to pull new wires through walls and ceilings. The fixed cost component covers non-negotiable items like the installation of a new main circuit breaker panel (consumer unit), municipal permits, inspections, and the cost of specialty devices like surge protectors or arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs).
Using a calculator like this helps homeowners budget accurately and understand which factors (size or fixed components) are driving the final price. It’s an essential first step before getting official quotes from licensed electricians.
How to Calculate Rewiring Cost (Example)
Let’s calculate the total cost for a 2,000 sq ft house when the unit cost is $7.50/sq ft and fixed costs are $5,000.
- Identify the Variables: House Size (S) = 2,000; Cost Per Unit Area (U) = $7.50; Fixed Cost (M) = $5,000.
- Calculate the Variable Cost: Multiply the House Size by the Unit Cost: $2,000 \times \$7.50 = \$15,000$.
- Add the Fixed Cost: Add the calculated variable cost to the Fixed Cost: $\$15,000 + \$5,000 = \$20,000$.
- Determine the Total Cost: The Total Rewiring Project Cost is **$20,000**.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the most expensive part of a house rewire?
Typically, the most expensive part is the labor cost. Rewiring is highly labor-intensive, requiring multiple days of work for licensed professionals to safely open walls, install new wiring, and patch everything up.
How long does it take to fully rewire a standard 3-bedroom house?
A full rewire on a standard property usually takes between 5 to 10 working days, depending on the number of circuits, the complexity of the house structure, and the accessibility of the joists and wall cavities.
Can I calculate the cost based on the number of outlets?
While possible, estimating by square footage is more reliable. Cost per outlet can vary wildly based on the length of the wire runs required, making a size-based unit cost a better proxy for total materials and labor.
When should I consider a full house rewire?
A full rewire is necessary if your home is over 50 years old and has original wiring, if you frequently experience tripped breakers or flickering lights, or if an inspection reveals aluminum or ungrounded (two-prong) wiring.