Cost to Rewire a House in 2026

01When you actually need a rewire

Knob-and-tube or aluminum branch wiring, repeated breaker trips, two-prong outlets throughout, or a panel under 100 amps are the classic triggers. A licensed electrician can confirm with an inspection ($150–$350) — worth it before buying an older home.

02What it costs

Electricians charge $50–$130/hour, and whole-home rewires price out at $3–$6 per sq ft when walls are open, or $6–$10 per sq ft in a finished home (fishing wire through closed walls is slow work). A panel upgrade to 200 amps adds $1,800–$3,500 and is usually done at the same time.

03Ways to phase the work

You don't have to do it all at once. A common phased plan: 1) panel + service upgrade, 2) kitchen and bath circuits (highest load and code priority), 3) bedrooms and living areas. Phasing spreads the cost across 12–24 months without leaving safety gaps.

04Permits are non-negotiable

Rewiring always requires a permit and inspection. Unpermitted electrical work can void your homeowner's insurance and surfaces as a major problem at resale. Every electrician on ConstructHelp lists license info on their public profile.

Frequently asked questions