How much does it cost to rewire a house?

Whole-house rewire runs $4,500 for a small home with accessible attic and crawlspace, $12,000 for a typical 1,800 sqft home with finished walls, and $28,000+ for older homes with knob-and-tube and full plaster replacement.

Quick price points (2026)

ScopeCostWhat it includes
Low$4,500whole house
Typical$12,000whole house
High$28,000whole house

How to budget for this project

  1. Get 3 quotes

    Get itemized quotes from at least three licensed contractors in your area.

  2. Adjust for your region

    Compare the same scope and account for regional labor and permitting.

  3. Add 10–15% contingency

    Hidden conditions, code upgrades and permit fees can increase the original quote.

  4. Plan the cash, not the financing

    Build the replacement cost into the home's repair plan before the work becomes an emergency.

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