Use our comprehensive **electrical rewire cost calculator** to estimate the total investment required for your home’s electrical upgrade. This calculation provides a detailed breakdown based on key factors like home size, complexity, and fixed fees.
Electrical Rewire Cost Calculator
Calculation Details
Enter the required values and press ‘Calculate’ to see the detailed breakdown.
Electrical Rewire Cost Calculator Formula
Source: HomeAdvisor | Angi
Variables Explained
- Home Size (Square Feet): The total heated living area of the property being rewired. This is the primary driver of material and labor needs.
- Estimated Cost per Sq. Ft. (USD): The combined labor and material cost rate for running new wiring, typically ranging from $2 to $10, depending on location and complexity.
- Number of Floors/Stories: A complexity factor. Multi-story homes require more effort to run wires through walls and ceilings, increasing the labor multiplier. (1 Floor = 1.0; 2 Floors = 1.3; 3+ Floors = 1.5).
- Fixed Project/Permit Fee (USD): Represents mandatory costs like local electrical permits, initial project setup, or the cost of a new main electrical panel.
Related Calculators
- Home Equity Calculator
- Roof Replacement Cost Estimator
- HVAC Unit Sizing Tool
- Window Installation Cost Guide
What is Electrical Rewire Cost?
The electrical rewire cost is the total financial investment required to replace old, outdated, or unsafe electrical wiring (like knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring) with modern, safe, copper wiring and associated components. This is a critical home improvement project, especially for houses over 50 years old, as it ensures fire safety, complies with current building codes, and allows the home to handle the power demands of modern appliances and technology.
The cost is predominantly driven by labor, which typically accounts for 50% to 70% of the total expense. Electricians must often open walls and ceilings to run new wires, a process known as “fishing.” The complexity of the home’s structure, the presence of finished spaces, and the need for significant structural repairs afterward heavily influence the final price tag.
How to Calculate Electrical Rewire Cost (Example)
Let’s use an example for a 2,500 sq ft, two-story home with a regional cost of $6.00 per square foot and a permit fee of $1,000.
- Identify Variables:
- Home Size ($S$): 2,500 sq ft
- Cost per Sq. Ft. ($C_{\text{sqft}}$): $6.00
- Floor Multiplier ($M_{\text{floor}}$): 1.3 (for 2 stories)
- Fixed Fee ($F$): $1,000
- Calculate Wiring Base Cost: Multiply size by cost per sq. ft.: $2,500 \times \$6.00 = \$15,000$.
- Apply Complexity Multiplier: Apply the floor multiplier to the base cost: $\$15,000 \times 1.3 = \$19,500$.
- Add Fixed Fees: Add the permit/fixed fee to the multiplied cost: $\$19,500 + \$1,000 = \$20,500$.
- Final Estimated Cost: The total estimated cost for the rewire project is **\$20,500**.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the cost per square foot for rewiring based on heated space?
Yes, the cost per square foot typically refers to the heated living space. However, if unheated areas like basements or garages are also being rewired, they may be included, often at a lower per-square-foot rate.
What is usually included in the fixed project fee?
The fixed fee often includes mandatory permit application fees, inspection costs, initial setup charges by the contractor, and sometimes a dedicated budget for replacing the main electrical panel (e.g., upgrading from 100-amp to 200-amp service).
Does this calculator include the cost of wall repairs?
No. This calculator estimates the electrical work only. Running new wires often requires opening drywall. The cost of plaster, drywall repair, and repainting (which can add 15%-30% to the total project) must be estimated separately.
How much does the number of outlets affect the total cost?
While the calculator uses the square footage method, a high density of new outlets or specialized circuits (like those for kitchens or dedicated EV charging) will push your Cost per Sq. Ft. input toward the higher end of the typical range.