How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House? | Cost to Rewire House 2025

How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House?

Average House Rewiring Cost: $3,000 to $9,000

The hourly cost range of house rewiring electricians is $35 to $50. When you include material costs and labour costs, the average cost ranges between $3,000 to $9,000.

How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House?
05 Aug, 2024 / Electricians / Written by ServiceTasker Team / 1013 Views / Last Updated 03 Jun, 2025





How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House?


House rewiring becomes important when you face regular problems due to old wires, PowerPoints and switchboards. The importance of safety and meeting regulations is highlighted when planning the rewiring of a home.

It is crucial to be aware of the expenses to make informed choices and budget efficiently, even though it may seem daunting. Understanding the house rewiring cost aspects allows you to confidently plan and make smart investments in your home's future.

Looking for how much does it costs to rewire a house in Australia? Here you can find answers to many of your house rewiring cost-related questions.




Factors That Determine House Rewiring Cost


The house rewiring cost depends on the following factors. You must consider each one of them for old or new, half or full house rewiring jobs.



  • Property Size: The size of the property directly affects the rewiring costs, with larger homes necessitating more materials and labour. As the area increases, so do the costs because larger properties require more wiring. Sometimes, extra components are needed for larger homes, which can further drive up the expenses.

  • Age of the House: The age of the house can affect rewiring costs. Older homes often have outdated wiring systems that may need extensive rewiring. Handling old wiring can be complex, as it involves replacing outdated components and complying with modern safety regulations. This can escalate labour and material costs, resulting in higher renovation expenses overall.

  • Wiring Material: Wiring material can influence the cost. Copper wire is widely chosen for house wiring. Although it is a bit expensive, it is known for its safety and reliability. Aluminium is another option that is cheaper than copper but is not as reliable as copper. It’s all about choosing the right material, keeping in mind what you can afford and what will keep your home safe.

  • Labour: The cost of rewiring a house depends on where you live, with higher rates in areas with a higher cost of living. Factors like accessibility, the extent of rewiring needed, and the materials used also influence pricing. It's best to get estimates from licensed electricians to accurately gauge the costs for your specific location and project.

  • Accessibility: The rewiring costs are greatly impacted by the accessibility of wiring areas. Easily reachable areas usually lead to lower labour costs, while hard-to-reach spots or the necessity of wall removal can increase expenses. Accessibility impacts project time, labour, expenses, and structural changes.





How Much Does It Cost To Rewire A House?


In Australia, the average cost of rewiring a house is around $40 per hour for a licensed electrician. More complex projects may cost around $75 per hour or higher due to factors like accessibility and expertise.

Pricing variations are influenced by job requirements, location, and electrician skills. Actual costs may vary, so it's best to consult with electricians for accurate quotes based on your needs.



Hourly Rates for Electricians in Major Cities



  • Sydney: $35

  • Melbourne: $30

  • Brisbane: $35

  • Canberra: $40

  • Perth: $55

  • Darwin: $35

  • Hobart: $30

  • Adelaide: $40



Hourly Rates for Electricians by State


Before you start your house rewiring, you must know how much to rewire a house Australia from licensed electricians.



  • New South Wales: $40

  • Victoria: $40

  • Queensland: $45

  • Australian Capital Territory: $35

  • Western Australia: $50

  • Northern Territory: $40

  • Tasmania: $50

  • South Australia: $40



How Much Does It Cost to Rewire House?


Various rewiring tasks within residential properties, such as updating cables, installing outdoor lighting, and establishing new switchboards, influence the overall cost of rewiring.



  • Inverter rewiring: $90

  • Light socket rewiring: $90

  • Downlight rewiring: $500

  • Kitchen renovation rewiring: $550

  • Powerpoint repair: $60

  • Fault finding: $100

  • Meter box repair: $250

  • Damaged cable repair: $120

  • Light switch replacement: $100

  • Copper wiring: $600 – $650



House Rewiring Costs Based on Bedroom Count



  • 2-bedroom house rewiring: $1,500 - $5,000

  • 3-bedroom house rewiring: $3,000 - $10,000

  • 4-bedroom house rewiring: $10,000 - $12,000



How Much Does It Cost To Rewire A 3 Bedroom House?


A 3-bedroom house rewiring can cost between $3,000 and $10,000 in Australia. This price range includes the replacement of old wiring, upgrading the electrical panel, and installing new outlets and switches.

Costs can vary depending on the complexity of the job, the age of the house, and the specific requirements of the homeowner. Additionally, ensuring compliance with local electrical standards and obtaining necessary permits may influence the overall expense.



How Much Does It Cost To Rewire An Old House?


Rewiring an old house in Australia typically costs between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on the size of the property and the complexity of the job.

This estimate includes labour, materials, and any necessary upgrades to meet current safety standards. Factors such as the condition of the existing wiring, accessibility, and any additional electrical features can also affect the overall cost.



How Much Does It Cost To Rewire A Whole House?


The cost to rewire a whole house in Australia typically ranges from $6,000 to $20,000, depending on the size of the house, the complexity of the job, and regional variations. This price includes labour and materials such as new wiring, outlets, switches, and circuit breakers.

Additional costs may arise for upgrading the electrical panel, obtaining permits, and ensuring compliance with local building codes. Rewiring also involves tasks like removing old wiring, installing new wires, and making sure the electrical system is safe and up to date with current standards.





Advantages of Updating Your Home Wiring


You know: how much does it cost to rewire your house, but do you also know the benefits of house rewiring? There are multiple benefits to updating your house wiring.



  • Improved Safety: Old or damaged wiring can pose significant fire hazards; rewiring ensures your electrical system is up to modern safety standards.

  • Enhanced Efficiency: New wiring can handle the electrical load of modern appliances, devices, and future needs like EV charger installation, reducing the risk of overloads and power outages.

  • Increased Property Value: A professionally rewired home is more attractive to buyers, potentially increasing your property’s market value.

  • Compliance with Regulations: Rewiring ensures your home meets current electrical codes and regulations, which can be crucial for insurance and resale purposes.

  • Cost Saving: One-time rewiring is better than multiple repairs. You can save thousands of dollars implementing this for your home.





DIY House Rewiring


If you're considering tackling house rewiring on your own, take it seriously and prioritize safety. Start by carefully planning the project and researching local regulations. Make sure to turn off the power, wear protective gear, and remove old wiring methodically.

Install new wiring securely, label connections, and test everything thoroughly before turning the power back on. If you're unsure at any point, don't hesitate to seek help from a professional. Safety should always come first when dealing with electrical work.





When You Should Consider Rewiring Your House



  • If you are facing regular electrical problems such as breakers tripping or lights flickering, rewiring your home may be necessary.

  • Overloaded circuits, not enough outlets, or safety issues like outdated knobs and tubes or aluminium wiring can also signal the need for rewiring.

  • If you are planning renovations or additions that require more electrical power, rewiring might be needed.

  • Insurance companies might also mandate rewiring for coverage reasons.

  • If you detect any unusual odours like burning smells or observe sparking outlets, it's crucial to consider rewiring your house to prevent potential electrical hazards.


It is essential to consult a certified electrician to determine if rewiring is necessary and to guarantee the safety and efficiency of your home's electrical system.


Do You Have To Break Walls To Rewire A House?


Not always, but sometimes. Rewiring a house may require accessing the internal wiring hidden behind walls, ceilings, and floors. In older homes with outdated wiring, electricians often need to make small holes in the walls to feed new wires through.

However, experienced electricians aim to minimise damage by using existing conduits, crawl spaces, or roof cavities whenever possible.


In some cases, rewiring can be done with little to no wall damage, especially if the home has accessible roof space or underfloor access.

For homes with solid walls or limited access points, more invasive work might be necessary. After the electrical work is done, any damaged areas are patched, plastered, and repainted.

If you're planning renovations or repainting soon, it’s a good opportunity to combine the projects and reduce disruption.


How Long Does It Take To Rewire A House?


The time it takes to rewire a house depends on the size of the home, the complexity of the existing wiring, accessibility, and whether the home is occupied during the work.

On average, rewiring a typical 3-bedroom house can take anywhere from 5 to 10 days. Smaller homes or partial rewiring jobs may take only a few days, while larger homes or complex layouts could take several weeks.


If the property is occupied, electricians may work in stages to limit disruption, which can extend the timeline. Also, any additional services like upgrading the switchboard, installing new power points, or integrating smart home features can add to the duration.

A proper inspection and quote from a licensed electrician will provide a more accurate timeframe based on your specific property.





Importance of Professional Electrical Inspections for Home Safety



  • Prevent Electrical Hazards: Regular professional electrical inspections are crucial for home safety. They help prevent accidents, extend system lifespan, and reduce future expenses.

  • Safe and Efficient Home Wiring: Securing safe and effective home wiring and upkeep requires the services of a skilled electrician.

  • Safety Compliance: These inspections detect dangers, ensure compliance with regulations, prevent costly repairs, enhance efficiency, and boost property value.

  • Better Skills: Their skills include replacing outdated cables, enhancing wiring, and setting up outlets. This might entail drilling into walls or wood, which can be difficult and result in potential harm.

  • Resource Availability: Familiarity with tools, methods, and safety precautions is vital for success. Homeowners must convey their electrical requirements to experts to ensure tasks are finished successfully while reducing damage.

  • Guaranteed Service: Collaborating with an electrician not only guarantees accurate wiring but also emphasises safety and efficiency. Relying on professionals provides assurance and a satisfactory outcome.




Cost-Saving Tips When Hiring an Electrician for House Rewiring



  • Compare prices from different electricians

  • Set up a workspace to reduce labour expenses

  • Increase efficiency to minimise labour hours

  • Maintain open communication to tackle any issues

  • Combine tasks for possible savings





Conclusion


Know how much it costs to rewire a house, prioritise safety and compliance, and aim for improved safety, reliability, efficiency, and property value through house rewiring.

The key to successful rewiring projects is focusing on safety and efficiency by hiring 24 hour emergency electricians nearby. Regular safety inspections and house rewiring, when something unusual is noticed, are important for maintaining functionality.

Cutting house rewiring costs can be achieved by comparing prices and bundling tasks. So plan your house rewiring with complete knowledge of the market rates for different needs and execute your rewiring project in a budget-friendly way.





Costs of various services and materials in this cost guide should be taken as estimates. These depend on location, preference and demands in the market.

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