How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House? What Homeowners Need to Know Before They Call
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| • House rewiring costs vary widely based on home size, age, and the extent of work required • Partial rewires covering specific rooms or circuits are a budget-friendly option for many older homes • Permits and inspections are required for all rewiring work in Florida and should always be factored into your budget |
| Home Size | Estimated Rewire Range | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1,000 sq ft | $5,000 to $12,000 | 2 to 4 days |
| 1,000 to 2,000 sq ft | $8,000 to $20,000 | 4 to 7 days |
| 2,000 to 3,000 sq ft | $14,000 to $30,000 | 7 to 12 days |
| Over 3,000 sq ft | $25,000 and up | 2 to 3 weeks |
What Does a House Rewire Actually Involve?
Rewiring a house means replacing the electrical wiring running through your walls, ceilings, and floors with new, code-compliant cable. It is one of the most significant electrical projects a homeowner can undertake, and it is also one of the most important for long-term safety.
A full rewire typically includes replacing all branch circuit wiring, updating outlets and switches throughout the home, installing new junction boxes, and bringing the electrical panel up to current standards. In many cases, the panel is upgraded or replaced as part of the same project.
Partial rewires focus on specific areas: a kitchen that needs upgraded circuits for modern appliances, a bathroom requiring ground fault protection, or a garage addition needing its own dedicated wiring.
Older homes in Maitland, Longwood, and surrounding Central Florida suburbs are among the most common candidates for rewiring, particularly those built before 1980 using aluminum wiring or outdated wiring methods that no longer meet current code.
Key Factors That Affect Rewiring Cost
No two rewires are priced the same. Here are the main variables that will determine what you pay.
Home Size and Number of Circuits
Larger homes require more wire, more labour time, and more outlets, switches, and fixtures. A 1,200-square-foot home will cost significantly less to rewire than a 3,500-square-foot two-story property. The number of circuits needed also affects cost: kitchens, laundry rooms, and home offices all require dedicated circuits that add to the total.
Age and Construction Type of the Home
Homes built in the 1950s through 1970s may contain knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. These systems require more complex removal work and often involve additional code compliance steps. Concrete block construction, common in Central Florida, can also add time and cost because running new wire through block walls is more labour-intensive than through timber framing.
Panel Upgrade Requirements
If your current panel is undersized or outdated, your electrician will likely recommend upgrading it as part of the rewire. A 100-amp panel upgrade to 200 amps typically adds $1,500 to $3,500 to the overall project cost. This is worth doing at the same time to avoid opening walls again later.
Permit and Inspection Fees
In Florida, all rewiring work requires a permit and a final inspection by the local authority having jurisdiction. Permit fees vary by county and project scope but typically range from $200 to $600. Your electrician should pull the permit on your behalf and schedule all required inspections.
Access and Wall Repair
Running new wire through finished walls requires cutting access holes. Some electricians patch and paint these as part of their scope; others leave that to the homeowner. Clarify this before signing a contract. Homes with open attics or crawl spaces allow for easier wire routing and can reduce labour costs considerably.
| Cost Factor | Low Impact | High Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Home size | Under 1,500 sq ft | Over 3,000 sq ft |
| Wiring type | Copper romex already in place | Knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring |
| Panel condition | Recently upgraded panel | Original panel, undersized |
| Wall access | Open attic, easy routing | Concrete block, finished ceilings |
| Scope | Partial rewire (one area) | Full whole-home rewire |
Partial vs Full Rewire: Which Do You Need?
Not every home requires a complete rewire. A thorough inspection by a licensed electrician will help identify whether specific areas need attention or whether the entire system should be replaced.
When a Partial Rewire Is Sufficient
- One area of the home has outdated or damaged wiring while the rest is in good condition
- You are adding a home addition, garage conversion, or new room that needs its own circuits
- Specific rooms like the kitchen or bathrooms need upgraded outlets for modern appliances and code compliance
- You have identified one or two problem circuits that are tripping or underperforming
When a Full Rewire Is the Right Call
- The home has knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring throughout
- The wiring is more than 40 years old and showing signs of deterioration
- Multiple circuits are failing, outlets are ungrounded throughout the home, or the panel is severely undersized
- You are completing a full renovation and walls are already open
- An insurance company or home buyer has flagged the electrical system as a condition of coverage or sale
Signs Your Home Needs Rewiring
These warning signs should prompt a professional inspection as soon as possible.
- Frequently tripping circuit breakers with no obvious cause
- Flickering or dimming lights that are not related to the fixture or bulb
- Burning smell from outlets, switches, or the electrical panel
- Outlets that are discoloured, warm to the touch, or produce sparks
- Two-prong ungrounded outlets throughout the home
- An electrical panel that uses fuses rather than circuit breakers
- Visible cloth-covered or deteriorating wiring in the attic or crawl space
Homeowners in Orlando and surrounding communities who are preparing to list their property often discover these issues during a pre-sale inspection. Addressing them before listing protects your asking price and prevents delays at closing.
What the Process Looks Like
Understanding what to expect during a rewire helps you prepare your home and manage disruption to your daily routine.
- Initial inspection and quote: A licensed electrician assesses your existing wiring, identifies the scope of work, and provides a detailed written estimate.
- Permit application: Your electrician submits the permit application to the local building department. In most Central Florida jurisdictions, approval takes between three and seven business days.
- Wiring removal and installation: Old wiring is removed and new cable is run through walls, attics, and crawl spaces. New outlets, switches, and junction boxes are installed.
- Panel connection: The new wiring is connected to the electrical panel. If the panel is being upgraded, this happens at the same stage.
- Inspection and sign-off: The building inspector visits the property to verify the work meets Florida Building Code requirements. Your electrician is present for this inspection.
- Wall repair and clean-up: Access points are patched and the work area is cleaned. Power is restored to the home.
| Stage | Who Handles It | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection and quote | Licensed electrician | 1 to 2 hours on site |
| Permit application | Electrician submits on your behalf | 3 to 7 business days |
| Wiring installation | Electrician and crew | 2 to 14 days depending on scope |
| Final inspection | Local building department | Half day on site |
| Patch and restore | Electrician or separate contractor | 1 to 3 days |
Frequently Asked Question
Can I stay in my home during a rewire?
In most cases, yes. Electricians typically work one area of the home at a time and restore power to other areas at the end of each day. However, there will be periods without power in parts of the home. Discuss this with your electrician before work begins so you can plan accordingly.
Does rewiring a house add value?
Yes, particularly for older homes where outdated wiring is a known liability. Updated wiring can make a property easier to insure, more attractive to buyers, and eligible for lower insurance premiums. It also removes a common red flag from pre-sale inspections.
How do I know if my quote is fair?
Get at least two or three written quotes from licensed electrical contractors. Make sure each quote covers the same scope of work, includes permit fees, and specifies what wall patching is included. The lowest quote is not always the best value if it excludes items other contractors include.
Making the Right Decision for Your Home
Rewiring is a significant investment, but for homes with aging or unsafe electrical systems, it is one of the most valuable improvements you can make. It protects your family, satisfies insurance requirements, and brings your home up to the standard that modern appliances and smart home technology demand.
The best starting point is an honest assessment from a licensed electrician who can tell you exactly what your home needs and what it will cost. Getting that inspection costs nothing and gives you the information you need to make a confident decision.
| Ready to Get Started? InPhaze Electric provides honest, no-pressure rewiring assessments for homeowners across the Orlando area and surrounding communities including Winter Garden, Oviedo, and Lake Mary. Contact us to schedule your free inspection and get a detailed written quote with no obligation. Call us at (407) 599-7777 or visit our contact page to book your free estimate today. |
