Cost to Rewire a House in 2026: Price by Home Size, Wiring Type & Whole-House vs Partial

The cost to rewire a house depends mostly on the home's size, how much wiring is being replaced, and how easy it is for an electrician to reach the existing wires. A small partial rewire is often a modest job, while a full whole-house rewire is one of the larger electrical projects a homeowner can take on. Because prices vary widely by region, home age, and layout, the best way to know your number is a written quote from a licensed local pro.

What does it cost to rewire a house by size, wiring type, and scope?

Rewiring cost scales with three main things: how many square feet and rooms are involved, the type of wiring being installed, and whether you're doing a partial or whole-house rewire. Smaller homes and partial jobs sit at the low end; larger homes and full rewires cost considerably more. Expect a written estimate to reflect your specific home rather than a flat rate.

Rewiring means replacing some or all of the electrical wiring, and often the outlets, switches, and sometimes the electrical panel. It's common in older homes with outdated or unsafe wiring, or during a major renovation.

How does home size affect the price?

Larger homes generally cost more to rewire because there's more wire to run, more outlets and fixtures to connect, and more labor hours involved. A compact single-story home is usually the least expensive to rewire, while a large multi-story house is among the most expensive.

Square footage is only part of the picture. The number of rooms, circuits, and stories all add labor, and hard-to-reach areas can push the price up.

How does wiring type change the cost?

The type and gauge of wire, the number of circuits, and whether you're upgrading the electrical panel all affect the total. Modern homes often need dedicated circuits for kitchens, laundry, and heavy appliances, which adds materials and labor compared with a simple like-for-like replacement.

If your home has older wiring that no longer meets current code, an electrician may recommend broader upgrades. A licensed pro can explain which changes are required and which are optional.

Whole-house vs. partial rewire: which do you need?

A partial rewire replaces wiring in specific areas — a single room, a problem circuit, or a section flagged during an inspection. A whole-house rewire replaces the wiring throughout the entire home and typically costs considerably more because it touches every room.

Partial rewires make sense when only part of the system is failing or being remodeled. Whole-house rewires are common in older homes where the wiring is outdated, unsafe, or can't support modern electrical demand. A licensed electrician should assess your home before you decide.

What homeowners should know

Rewiring is a major electrical project that affects your home's safety, so the most important step is hiring a qualified, licensed pro. Get a written scope and estimate, confirm permits, and understand what's included before work begins.

Here's what to keep in mind before you start:

• Permits and inspection. Rewiring usually requires a permit and inspection. Check with your local building department to confirm what's needed in your area.
• Access matters. Homes with finished walls, plaster, or limited crawl space can cost more because the electrician has to open and repair walls.
• Panel upgrades. Older panels may need to be replaced to handle new wiring safely. This can be a separate line item.
• Disruption. A whole-house rewire can take several days and may require you to shut off power in stages.
• Get more than one quote. Comparing written estimates helps you understand the fair range for your specific home.

We won't guarantee a specific return on the work, but proper, code-compliant wiring is fundamental to a home's safety and function.

Why hire a verified electrical pro?

Rewiring involves your home's core safety systems, so the qualifications of the person doing the work matter more than the price. A verified pro is licensed, insured, and accountable for the work.

Zip.Agency surfaces one verified Top Pro per zip code per trade. Every Top Pro is licensed, insured, and background-checked, with verified customer reviews — so you're not sifting through a long list of unknown names. (Our first trades are HVAC and plumbing, with more trades expanding over time.) When you're ready, you can find the Top Electrical pro in your zip, and you can browse our home-services guides for more homeowner resources.