How Much Does it Cost to Rewire a House?

Posted By Amber Electrical  
18/01/2023

Rewiring a house can be a big job, and it can be quite an expensive one too. Before you decide whether or not to rewire a house, it's important to understand the costs of the endeavour.

In this article, we'll discuss some of the factors that determine the cost to rewire a house, as well as some helpful tips for staying within your budget.

Hiring a professional electrician will ensure that the job is done within your budget, correctly, and safely.

 

 

For more information about how much wiring a new build house might cost, have a look at this article.

 

How much will it cost?

When asking, 'how much does it cost to rewire a house?' there are a couple of factors you have to take into consideration to work out the correct price.

 

Hallway of home ready for electrical rewire after renovations

 

Property Size

One of the biggest factors that go into determining the cost to rewire a house is the size of the home. Larger homes will cost more to rewire, as they typically require more materials and labour. There may also be more planning involved to cater for a larger property - the planning process has more elements the larger the property is.

Age of House

Another factor that can affect the cost to rewire a house is the scope of the project. Older homes typically have outdated wiring systems, which means more extensive repairs are needed to meet current electrical code requirements.

If you are simply replacing old fixtures and switches with newer ones, this work won't be nearly as extensive or costly as if you were updating your electrical system to support any new appliances or home upgrades that you may have planned.

 

 

Materials

Wiring materials are an important consideration when undertaking a rewiring project for your home, as the cost involved will depend on the type and quality of wiring chosen.

There is a wide range of wiring available, from copper-clad aluminium (CCA) to pure copper, with pure copper wiring being more expensive but also the safest option. High-grade wiring products are worth investing in if you wish to have a safe electrical system that is reliable over time.

You also need to consider the individual electrical components such as power points, light switches and electrical outlets. These can cost anywhere from $10-$100 each.

The aesthetics and design of any building can be affected by these smaller details but they still add to the entire project's budget.

Materials to be used for electrical rewiring of renovated home

 

Price

When budgeting for rewiring jobs, it is important to be prepared for the range of costs associated with the project. Generally speaking, you should expect to spend between $3,000 and $8,000, although this figure may be even higher depending on the size and scope of your project. Don't forget to factor in all the potential hidden costs.

A licensed electrician is the best person to speak to about the costs involved. Give us a call to find out how we can help.

 

Labour Cost

It’s also important to remember that the labour cost can take up a large portion of your budget. The labour cost for new build electricians can vary greatly, depending on their skillset and experience. Typically, an electrician will charge a flat rate to complete the job. Other companies may charge an hourly rate. Be sure to get quotes.

In Australia, the hourly rate of an experienced electrician will generally range from $60-100 per hour. However, more complex installation jobs can sometimes require higher rates depending on the difficulty of the task at hand.

Electrical rewiring for a home renovation

 

A writing desk

Other Expenses

If you are planning some major rewiring jobs for your home, such as extra rooms or an outdoor deck, then you will need to budget for that also. Even if you are working within a limited budget, putting aside some extra funds is sensible in case any unexpected problems arise during construction work. Having a contingency is an important aspect of any budget.

Ultimately, while there’s no way to predict exactly how much rewiring costs, don’t forget that good planning is key - doing your homework and taking into account all possible expenses upfront will help ensure that everything runs smoothly once construction starts.

 

What Does Rewiring a House Involve?

The wiring and maintenance of homes is a complex process that will require the expertise of a professional electrician. In order to safely and correctly re-wire a house, it is often necessary to remove old cables and upgrade current wiring while also replacing sockets and adding power outlets.

Having your house rewired can involve an electrician having to access electrical cabling through small passages. Often this means drilling holes in wood to install wires, which can be very difficult, time-consuming and destructive work for the walls.

It is important for an electrician to have the knowledge and experience to carry out such work properly and to understand the tools and techniques needed for it to be successfully completed.

It is just as important for homeowners to understand their needs when it comes to proper electrical maintenance to be aware of any potential issues or upgrades they may want or require. Working with a professional electrician will help ensure that all wiring jobs are done safely and properly while minimising damage.

Rewiring of a renovated home

 

Why is Updating Your Electrical Wires a Good Idea?

There are many benefits to updating your wiring, including improved safety, increased energy efficiency, and the ability to support your home's appliances and electronics.

 

Protect You and Your Family

One of the biggest reasons why it is important to update your wiring is for safety. Older systems can be prone to wear and tear or damage from weather events, which can present as a fire hazard or other safety issues, and in worse cases, poor or old wiring can cause a house fire.

Updating your wiring can help to ensure that your home is equipped with the latest safety features, such as GFCIs and circuit breakers, to protect you and your family from harm.

Energy Efficient

Another key benefit of updating your electrical wiring is increased energy efficiency. Newer homes are often built with high-efficiency electrical systems, which can help to save you money on your energy costs and reduce your overall carbon footprint.

Family in a kitchen that has been rewired

 

Smart home technology

Latest Technology

In addition to these benefits, updating your wiring can make it easier for you to use the latest home appliances, electronics, and other devices that require strong power output to function properly. This can be a great way to stay connected and up-to-date with the latest technology while ensuring that you get the most out of your home.

You may also find that the move toward more technology will require you to update your electrical panel. Many appliances today require a dedicated breaker which may mean you need a larger panel.

 

The more we move toward smart homes today and in future, the more electrical planning will be imperative for connectivity and the capacity for higher loads to be drawn at peak times.

 

How To Know When You Need To Rewire Your House

One of the best ways to know if you need to rewire your house is by looking for signs of damage or wear and tear in your electrical system. Issues such as malfunctioning sockets, flickering light bulbs, buzzing noises coming from appliances, and sparks or smoke emanating from outlets can all be signs that your wiring may be damaged or outdated.

Degraded wiring can also be within walls and not visible to the homeowner so if you're concerned be sure to get in touch with your local electricians for advice.

It's also important to consider the age of your home, as older homes are more likely to need electrical repairs.

Another indicator that you may need to rewire your house is if you are planning any home renovations or upgrades. Any new construction, appliances, or electronics you plan to add to your home will require a reliable and up-to-date electrical system.

If you are unsure about the condition of your wiring, it is best to consult a professional electrician who can inspect your system and help you determine any necessary repairs or upgrades. Updating your electrical wiring can help keep your home safe, efficient, and up-to-date with the latest technology, allowing you to enjoy all of the benefits modern living offers.

Reading nook

 

Man doing DIY electrical rewiring of renovated home

DIY Rewiring

Australian Electrical standards state that any rewiring MUST be done by a licensed electrician. While those home reno shows from the States can make it seem like a cost-effective solution by updating your electrical wiring yourself, it is the riskiest and also illegal.

Because it involves opening up walls, drilling holes, and cutting wires, any work performed by a non-professional can result in extensive property damage and potential fire hazard. A house fire is one of the worst things that can happen to anyone. It could also pose serious safety risks for you and your family.

DIY rewiring will actually end up costing more than hiring a professional, as any mistakes or work that needs to be redone will require additional time and money. Not to mention the problems with selling a property with wiring done by an unlicensed person.

In order to ensure that all work is done efficiently and properly with no safety risks involved, hire an electrician with experience working with both old and new wiring systems. It's the best and safest option for any electrical project.

With our knowledge of correct rewiring techniques and local building codes and regulations, you know that your job will be done safely and to the highest standard.

 

Find Out More

Amber Electrical Services is the perfect choice to have your home rewired or any other wiring project. Our team of experienced and licensed electricians have a wealth of knowledge and expertise when it comes to electrical work and we guarantee that your project will be completed on time and on budget.

We have over two decades of experience dealing with all kinds of rewiring projects, ranging from large commercial buildings to family homes, so you can rest assured that your job will be done right the first time.

Call us today to learn more about how we can help you.