Average Cost to Rewire a House
Are you wondering, “How much does it cost to rewire a house in 2024?” On average, it costs around £7,000. But it can be as low as £1,100 or as high as £13,000, depending on the size of your home and the extent of the job. If your lights flicker or breakers trip often, it’s likely time for a rewire. Let’s dive into the details.
Cost to Rewire a House Per Square Foot
Rewiring costs range from £0.15 to £3.50 per linear foot, excluding labour. While wiring is priced by linear foot, you can use your home’s square footage to estimate the amount needed at a 1:1 ratio. Here’s a breakdown:
- 500 sq. ft.: £900
- 1,000 sq. ft.: £1,800
- 1,500 sq. ft.: £2,700
- 2,000 sq. ft.: £3,700
- 2,500 sq. ft.: £4,600
- 3,000 sq. ft.: £5,500
Cost to Rewire a House Per Project
Different projects affect the rewiring cost. Whether it’s upgrading an electrical panel, opening walls to run wires, or installing new outlets, each has its price.
Upgrade Electrical Panel
Replacing an electrical panel costs between £400 and £2,500. Most pay in the middle of this range for a 200-amp panel.
Opening Walls and Running Wires
The cost to open walls ranges from £0.40 to £6.40 per square foot. Load-bearing and stone walls cost more due to complexity and materials, while drywall is cheaper and easier to handle.
Install Electrical Outlet or Switch
Installing electrical outlets costs between £125 and £175 per outlet. Replacing GFCI outlets can cost up to £500 each. Higher voltage means higher costs.
Wire a New House
Wiring a new house is often cheaper than rewiring an old one. New homes have easier layouts for accessing wires and fewer hidden surprises compared to older homes.
Cost to Rewire a House Per Material
The type of cable affects the overall cost, ranging from £0.15 to £0.60 per linear foot on the low end to £1.50 to £3.50 on the high end.
THHN/THWN Wire
One of the more affordable options, THHN/THWN wire costs between £0.15 and £1.50 per foot. It’s popular for its affordability and single-conductor, insulated design.
NM Cable
Non-metallic (NM) sheathed cables cost between £0.50 and £3.50 per foot. NM cables have multiple conductors and are popular in homes, though not suitable for moist or high-heat areas.
UF Cable
Underground feeder (UF) cables cost between £0.60 and £2 per foot. Designed for outdoor and high-heat areas, UF cables are used to bring electricity to outdoor spaces.
Factors That Affect the Cost to Rewire a House
Several factors impact the cost of rewiring, including the size and age of your home, labour costs, and inspection and permit fees.
Size and Age of the House
Older homes, especially those built before the ’70s or ’80s, often need a full rewire. Larger homes need more wire and time, increasing costs.
Labour
Electricians charge between £50 and £150 per hour. Rewiring takes 3 to 7 days, with labour costs ranging from £1,000 to £7,400.
Home Inspection and Permits
An electrical inspection costs £100 to £150, while permits range from £25 to £400, depending on your local municipality.
Signs You Need to Rewire a House
Not sure if you need a rewire? Look out for these signs:
- Flickering lights
- Discoloured or burnt light switches
- Electric shocks from switches
- Frequent circuit breaker trips
- Visible sparks
- Buzzing sounds
- Burning smells
- Older home with outdated wiring
DIY House Rewiring vs. Hiring a Professional
Hiring a professional costs £50 to £150 per hour, plus inspection and permit fees. DIY rewiring could save £1,125 to £8,000, but it’s risky and possibly illegal without proper certification. Hiring a licensed electrician ensures safety and compliance with local regulations.
How to Save Money on House Rewiring
Rewiring a house is a big investment. Here are some tips to save money:
- Install New Circuit Breakers: If wiring is in good shape, add new circuit breakers instead of a full rewire.
- Choose Cost-Friendly Materials: THHN/THWN wires are budget-friendly and durable.
- Buy Cables in Bulk: Larger purchases lower the per-foot cost.
- Limit Wall Openings: Pull wires through crawlspaces or attics to avoid costly wall repairs.
- DIY Non-Electrical Work: Leave electrical work to pros, but handle wall repairs yourself to cut labour costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does rewiring a house take? Rewiring typically takes 3 to 7 days, depending on the home size and project complexity.
Is rewiring a house messy? Yes, rewiring can be messy as it involves opening walls and running wires.
Can I stay in my house while it’s being rewired? It’s possible, but may be inconvenient due to the work being done.
Do I need a permit to rewire my house? Yes, a permit and an inspection are usually required for rewiring.
How often should a house be rewired? Houses should be rewired every 25-30 years or sooner if issues arise.
Can I rewire my house myself? It’s not recom
Photo Credit: Forbes Home
