How Much Does it Cost to Rewire An Old House?

How much does it cost to rewire an old house? We breakdown when you should considering rewiring, the tasks involved, and various costs you can expect on your next home rewiring project.

​​When undertaking any residential rewiring, the first consideration for many homeowners is cost. So, how much does it cost to rewire an old house? Good question!
 
This article will cover the average cost of electrical wiring replacement services, to give you an idea of how much you should be paying, to ensure you are getting the best bang for your buck. 
 
Many modern appliances (think gaming and entertainment systems, computers, heating, cooling, washing) can significantly strain a home’s electrical wiring, especially if it is outdated. As homes age, so do their electrics. Over time, wires can fray, switches can break, and electrically sound components can degrade and pose a hazard.
 
While it may be tempting to persist with what may seem like minor inconveniences or faults, it is recommended that you look to have your home inspected and rewired before your wiring becomes a hazard. Ensuring you have sound wiring and electrics is an essential step in protecting your home and family. Just under half of Australian residential fires are associated with electrical faults or failures. So, while the average cost of rewiring an old house may seem like an expense that you can continue to put off, it is just a drop in the ocean when compared to repairing the damage of a house affected by an electrical fire.

How Much Does It Cost to Rewire An Old House?

​It is important to remember that every rewiring project will have slightly different requirements, a unique setting, and in turn, a varied set of prices. The actual cost of the rewiring project will be entirely contingent on what needs to be done and the accessibility of your home’s electric wiring.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Electrical Wiring?​

​With electricians charging between $70-$130 per hour, a small rewiring job could cost around $500. If you require major rewiring, the average cost of rewiring an old house could be $6,000 or more, depending on the state of your property and its electrics. To help you get a clearer picture, let’s look at what electricians do when rewiring a house and the factors that affect the job. 

What Is Rewiring?

​Rewiring is no small feat; it requires pulling out old electrical wires and components, and replacing them with new ones. Depending on the accessibility of your electrics and wiring, an electrician may need to remove cladding or existing walls to complete the job.
 
It could be as simple as replacing a few wires or a complete replacement with additional sockets, power points and switchboards. The complexity of the job will also influence its duration. Electricians can complete simple jobs in a few hours, while more complex projects can take a week.

Why Do I Need Rewiring on My Property?

As we said before, rewiring is an essential part of maintaining the integrity and safety of your home. Here are some signs you might be due for new wiring:
 

• House electrics are more than 30 years old
• Buzzing or burning smells from outlets
• Fuses blowing regularly
• Sparks emitted when plugging in appliances
• Circuit breakers consistently tripping
• Visible degradation of the wiring
• Lights flickering or dimming

​If you identify any of the above signs happening in your home, it is best to contact the services of a qualified electrician for an inspection. Additionally, sometimes your wiring can be at risk of malfunction even if everything appears normal. If you have any concerns about your homes' wiring or require a routine inspection, Electrical Safety Inspections are easy to book and often free of charge. Safety inspections allow electricians to check the correct function of electrical installations and appliances and test for any hazards. From there, they can recommend solutions to remedy any issues found and ensure all components are compliant with relevant safety standards. Cowley Electrical Services provide electrical safety inspections up and down the NSW South Coast from Narooma to Ulladulla and everywhere in between.

How Much Does It Cost to Rewire an Apartment?

​Just like when asking, “How much does it cost to rewire an old house?”, it is challenging to put down an exact figure for rewiring an apartment. The good news is that due to their smaller size, apartments are often cheaper to rewire than a complete house.
 
However, the total cost is still entirely dependent on the work you require and the accessibility of electrical components. Minor tasks such as rewiring light sockets or an inverter cost roughly $100, depending on the electrician's rates. Larger jobs such as installing or replacing a switchboard and switchboard cabling can vary between $1000 and $3000.

Factors Affecting the Average Cost of Electrical Wiring

The Size of Your House: As house sizes vary, so do the costs of rewiring them. A larger house with longer cabling lengths, more rooms and appliances will cost more. The smaller and more straightforward your home is, the easier it will be to rewire. 
 
The Electricians Hourly Rate: Hourly rates vary between electricians depending on the service they offer, their experience, and the area in which they operate. In NSW, a qualified electrician will, on average, cost between $80-$100 per hour. If you would like more information, read our breakdown of the hourly rates of an electrician in Australia.

​Accessibility of the Wiring: When it comes to how much does it cost to replace electrical wiring, accessibility is the most significant factor. The accessibility of wiring determines how much time electricians need to spend finding and getting to the cabling. The easier your wiring is to access; the less labour is required to find and replace components.
 
Materials: Materials may include the switchboard, amount of wire, outlets, light switches, and other electrical components. Additionally, if any walls or facades were removed to access the wiring, this can include the material required for replacements and finishes in these areas. 

How Do I Know Which Quote Is the Best?

​When seeking an electrician to conduct a rewiring project in your home, approaching various electricians for a quote is the best way to start your project. Getting a quote is the best way to find out how much does it cost to rewire an old house. A quote will provide a full breakdown of costs relevant to the electrician’s rates and the specific requirements for your project. You should seek out various quotes and electricians to find the tradesperson that best suits you and operates within your budget. 

How Much Does It Cost to Rewire an Old House With Cowley Electrical? 

​If you are looking for reliable, friendly, and expert residential electricians on the NSW South Coast, look no further than Cowley Electrical Services. We are fully insured and licensed to take on any residential rewiring project. Our fast and professional service will provide electrical solutions no matter how big or small your project is. If you would like more information about our services and locations on the south coast, give us a call on 0411 457 441 or send a message through our contact page.