How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House or Business?

Rewiring your home or business isn’t just about staying current. It’s about safety, reliability, and sometimes, peace of mind at 2 a.m. when the lights flicker and the panel hums. At Electric Saints, we meet people every day who ask, “How much will it really cost to rewire my place?” The answer: it depends. But you deserve clarity. Let’s break it down together.

Why Rewiring May Be Needed ⚡

Wiring is like the veins of your property—out of sight, but vital. Over time, old wires can fray, corrode, or simply become outdated for today’s devices. Maybe your circuit breakers trip if you run the microwave and toaster. Or your business lights flicker during a storm. Sometimes, a failed inspection or blown fuse is the wake-up call.

Common reasons for rewiring:

• Knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring found during renovations
• Frequent breaker trips or blown fuses
• Adding high-powered appliances, EV chargers, or machinery
• Failed insurance or safety inspections
• Planning major renovations or expansions
• Code compliance for business licensing

Ignoring these warning signs is like ignoring a squeaky brake—it might work for a while, but the risk keeps growing. The National Electrical Code (NEC) and local building standards are there for a reason: to keep you, your family, and your business safe.

Cost Factors to Consider

So, how much does it cost? Here’s what really matters:

1. Size of the Property

A compact apartment takes less time and materials than a sprawling commercial warehouse. More space equals more wire, more labor, more outlets, and more circuits.

2. Age of the Building

Older properties often have surprises lurking behind the walls—think brittle insulation, hidden junction boxes, or outdated panels. Older buildings usually mean more labor (and sometimes, extra permits).

3. Code Requirements

Every city and region has rules. For example, a restaurant kitchen must meet different standards than a home office. Upgrading to today’s codes (like GFCI outlets near water, or arc-fault protection in bedrooms) can add to costs—but it’s not optional.

4. Material Choices

Copper wiring is standard, but specialty needs—like heavy-duty circuits for industrial machines—can drive up material costs. Quality switches, outlets, and panels matter too.

5. Accessibility

Is your wiring tucked behind plaster walls, or is there easy attic/crawlspace access? Tight spaces and finished basements can mean more time (and dust).

6. Permits & Inspections

Rewiring isn’t a back-of-the-napkin job. Permits cost money, but skipping them can land you in hot water. Expect at least one inspection before the power goes back on.

What’s Typically Included in a Rewiring Quote

Let’s be clear: a thorough quote from an emergency electrician or electrical contractor should break down the following:

• Removal of old wires and safe disposal
• Installation of new wiring, outlets, switches, and panels
• Labor for skilled, licensed electricians and helpers
• Permits and coordination with inspectors
• Patching and minor wall repairs where needed
• Cleanup and haul-away

Red flag: If someone offers a price that seems too good to be true, check what’s missing. Are permits included? Are materials listed by brand or spec? Is post-job cleanup addressed? A good quote leaves nothing to guesswork.

Hypothetical Case Examples

Let’s walk through a few scenarios to put numbers and process in perspective.

Small Home (3 Bedrooms, 1,200 Sq. Ft.)

Samantha just bought her first home. It’s got 1970s wiring, and she wants everything up to code. The job includes:

• New copper wiring throughout
• Replacement of 20 outlets and 15 switches
• Upgraded panel for future EV charging

The timeline? About 5–7 working days. Costs can range from $8,000 to $15,000, depending on finishes and regional labor rates.

Large Office Suite (5,000 Sq. Ft.)

A tech startup leases a vintage downtown space. The landlord needs modern wiring for servers, kitchenettes, and open-plan lighting.

• Removal of outdated aluminum wiring
• New circuits for IT and appliances
• Commercial-grade panels and surge protection

With city permits, after-hours work to avoid business disruption, and high-end fixtures, the project may run $30,000 to $60,000 and take 3–4 weeks.

Restaurant Renovation

Maria’s restaurant is undergoing a fast-track remodel. She needs new wiring for kitchen hoods, lighting, POS stations, and outdoor signage.

• Specialty circuits for appliances
• Weatherproof outdoor wiring
• Code-compliant emergency lighting

Budget: $18,000 to $35,000. Timelines are often tight—2–3 weeks, sometimes with night or weekend work.

Remember: These examples are ballpark guides. Every property is unique.

How to Get an Accurate Estimate

Don’t settle for a number scribbled on a napkin. Here’s what to expect for a real, trustworthy estimate:

1. Walk-through & Consultation: The electrician should tour your property, ask about your needs, and inspect panels and outlets.
2. Scope of Work: You’ll get a written outline of what’s included—down to the last outlet.
3. Material List: Brand and grade of wires, outlets, breakers, and panels.
4. Permits & Inspections: Clear info on what’s required and who handles it.
5. Timeline & Process: When work starts, daily schedule, and estimated completion.
6. Payment Terms: Deposits, progress payments, and final balance after inspection.

Tip: Ask questions. If something isn’t in writing, it doesn’t exist.

Permits, Code Compliance, and the Role of Licensed Electricians 📝

Rewiring is not a DIY project. Licensed electricians know national and local code (see the National Electrical Code / NEC and your state’s regulations). Permits are not just a formality—they’re proof the work meets safety standards.

Risks of skipping permits or hiring unlicensed help:

• Insurance claims denied after a fire or accident
• Failed inspections and costly re-dos
• Legal fines or business shutdowns

Think of permits and inspections as your recipe for a safe, insurable, and future-proof property.

Typical Process Steps and Timelines

Here’s what you can expect from a standard rewiring job:

1. Inspection & Planning: Walk-through, estimate, and permit application (1–5 days)
2. Preparation: Power shutoff, furniture moved, safety barriers set up (half-day)
3. Old Wiring Removal: Careful extraction, safe disposal (1–3 days)
4. New Wiring Installation: Running new cables, installing boxes and outlets (2–10 days, depending on size)
5. Panel & Breaker Upgrades: Critical for higher loads or modern codes (1–2 days)
6. Testing & Troubleshooting: Fault Finding near you ensures every circuit is safe (1 day)
7. Cleanup & Patchwork: Minor drywall repairs, debris removal (half-day)
8. Final Inspection: City or county inspector sign-off (1–3 days)
9. Power Restoration

Larger commercial jobs can take several weeks with phased upgrades to keep daily operations running.

How to Spot Red Flags for Underpriced or Incomplete Jobs

A lowball quote might leave out essentials. Watch for these warning signs:

• No mention of permits or inspections
• Vague material descriptions (“wiring as needed”)
• Unusually short timelines for large jobs
• Refusal to provide a written, itemized estimate
• Requests for full payment upfront

If you wouldn’t trust a bargain parachute, don’t trust bargain wiring.

Planning and Budgeting Advice

• Plan Ahead: Schedule rewiring during slow business periods or before moving in.
• Budget for Surprises: Old walls hide secrets. Set aside 10–20% above the estimate.
• Communicate: Stay in touch with your electrician. Changes can impact price and timing.
• Prioritize Safety Upgrades: Don’t cut corners on smoke/CO detectors, surge protection, or GFCI outlets.
• Ask for Credentials: Always confirm licensing and insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need to rewire, or can I just fix a few outlets?

If your wiring is outdated throughout the property, patchwork repairs are like patching a leaky rowboat—sooner or later, the whole thing needs attention. An inspection from a qualified emergency electrician can reveal the best course.

Will my business need to close during rewiring?

Not always. Many jobs can be phased or scheduled after-hours. For large jobs, expect some downtime—your contractor should work with you to minimize disruption.

Can I live at home during a full rewire?

It depends on the size and scope. For small homes, families sometimes “camp out” in unaffected rooms, but you may need to make alternative arrangements for a few days if the power is off.

How can I be sure my job meets code?

Ask for permit documentation and a final inspection report. Licensed electricians are required to follow all local and national codes.

Local and Seasonal Considerations 🏠

Rewiring in an older, historic district? Expect extra care with plaster walls or heritage features. In colder climates, scheduling in spring or summer can make attic work safer (and more comfortable). Business owners, beware of peak seasons—rush jobs can cost more when demand is high for emergency electrician services.

Final Thoughts

Rewiring is a big project, but it’s an investment in safety, peace of mind, and even property value. Don’t leave it to chance.

Call Electric Saints now — or reach us anytime at  877-748-7096 .