Sometimes, as a homeowner, the constant stream of odd tweaks or minor repairs no longer makes sense – it’s time for something bigger. That’s especially the case when it comes to rewiring an old house’s entire electrical system – particularly when those flickering lights, circuit breaker tripping, electrical overload, and power-point buzzing and burning just won’t go away. Until now, maybe it was just a recurring nuisance, but consider this: your old building’s entire electrical system might be outdated, overburdened, and – worse yet – unsafe. But just exactly how much does it cost to rewire an old house?
If the cost is uppermost in your mind, we don’t blame you – because the cost of absolutely everything, especially extensive renovations, has absolutely skyrocketed.
Rewiring a house cost 2024: What you need to know
Feeling overwhelmed about that full electrical rewire house cost? We don’t blame you, because it’s a big deal – perhaps involving removal of all outdated wiring, installation of new wires, outlets and switches, and a full upgrade of the electrical panel or power box. It’s all going to accommodate modern electrical loads and lifestyle habits, ensuring the entire system meets current safety standards and can handle today’s appliance and technology requirements.
Struggling to get your head around the estimated cost to rewire a house in 2024? This should help:
1. Do you need a full re-wire?
If your home is experiencing frequent electrical faults, you’re planning major renovations anyway, or your house is more than three or four decades old, it’s definitely time to consider rewiring to ensure safety and compliance with current standards.
2. Understand the scope
What does that electrical rewiring house cost involve, exactly? It will mean replacing that extensive network of old wiring, potentially the switches and outlets, and ensuring your electrical panel can handle modern electrical loads and lifestyle habits. In particularly ageing Australian homes, this may also mean updating from single-phase to three-phase power to accommodate increased electrical needs.
3. Get multiple quotes
As with many things, it really depends upon the local electrician you choose for the task. It’s always a good idea to obtain at least three detailed quotes to compare prices and understand what each licensed professional offers. Ensure above all else that they are licensed, and don’t be shy to ask for references to gauge the quality of their work.
4. Factor in the size & age of your home
The average cost of rewiring a house is difficult to estimate, because it is influenced massively by the size of your home and the complexity of the job. Larger homes, or those with more complex structures like double brick walls and multiple storeys, will obviously be more expensive to rewire.
5. Consider additional costs
It’s not just the full house rewire cost that you’ll have to consider, here. You’ll also need to factor in repairs to any wall damage, the updating of fixtures if necessary, and possibly the need for increasing your power capacity from the street – which may involve your local utility provider.
6. Budget for safety & compliance
Australian standards for electrical work are strict. Very strict. Your project needs to meet these standards, including the installation of safety switches and possibly upgrading your main switchboard.
7. Explore government incentives
At certain times, your local or state government may be running programs that help offset the hefty costs of upgrading your home to be more energy-efficient, which can include electrical work. So don’t forget to look into that.
8. Plan for contingencies
How much does it cost to rewire an old house? No matter what it is, you should set aside another 10-20% for unexpected costs – because they so often occur. Once those walls are opened and the wiring is being looked at, additional issues are so often discovered that need to be addressed, and paid for.
9. Consider the long-term benefits
The upfront cost to rewire an old house might be worrying you, but don’t forget that rewiring will improve safety, functionality, and can seriously increase the value of your home. And not just that: modern electrical systems are a lot more energy-efficient, reducing your electricity bills forever.
10. Timing & accommodation
Give some thought to when the best time for your rewiring project makes sense, as you might need to vacate your home – and you’ll need to pay for somewhere else to live.
Estimated cost to rewire a house: Give me the number!
Impatient to understand how much does it cost to wire a house? If you’ve been waiting for an actual number to the question of the average cost of rewiring a house, it really does depend on a lot of factors – as we’ve just discussed. Really need a rough estimate? Let’s take a standard 3-bedroom Australian home – for which you’ll need a budget of at least $5,000, all the way up to five figures – perhaps even above $20,000 or even more!
The easiest way to keep the estimated cost to rewire a house as low as possible is by using Tradie Near Me. It’s a 100% unique platform enabling homeowners all across Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, Gold Coast and beyond to instantly connect with the local, fully licensed and legitimately-recommended tradies who will make your rewiring project a possibility. We’re all about taking the guesswork out of getting trustworthy quotes from local tradies, supercharging your efforts for the most competitive pricing possible.
All you need to do is enter your details and your no-obligation quotes will be on the way – so give Tradie Near Me a try today.
