Electrical Wiring Cost Calculator
Wiring a home or rewiring an old one is a major job priced largely by square footage and finish (rough-in vs full drywall repair). This estimates your range.
What moves cost most: finish level — running wire in open walls (rough-in) is far cheaper than opening and patching finished drywall. Labor share: 60-75% of the total. Regional: 0.85× rural to 1.35× metro. Trigger: aluminum wiring, cloth-insulated wire, or a panel that trips on normal load are reasons to rewire.
FAQ
How much does it cost to rewire a house?
Roughly $4-$10 per square foot in 2026 examples for a full rewire of a finished home — about $8,000-$20,000 for a 2,000 sq ft house. Rough-in on new construction is cheaper at $2-$7/sq ft.
What is the difference between rough-in and rewire?
Rough-in is running wire in open walls during new construction or a gut renovation — no drywall damage. Rewire of an occupied home means opening walls, patching, and painting, which roughly doubles the cost.
How do I know my house needs rewiring?
Cloth-insulated wire, aluminum wiring, a panel that trips on normal loads, or no grounded outlets in an older home are all reasons to have an electrician assess a rewire. Don't wait for a smell or spark.
These are editable example ranges for budgeting, not contractor bids. Actual project cost varies by region, site condition, and finish level. Get 3 quotes before committing.