Rewiring a house is one of the bigger electrical projects a Houston homeowner can take on, and one of the most important for safety. The cost depends on the size and age of the home, what’s behind the walls, and whether the electrical panel also needs an upgrade. This guide covers typical costs, what affects the price, the signs that your home needs rewiring, and what to expect from start to finish.
How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House?
Most whole-house rewires fall between $10,000 and $15,000. Smaller or easy-access homes can come in under that range, and large or older homes with plaster walls can run $20,000–$30,000 or more. Partial rewires, such as a kitchen, an addition, or a few problem circuits, cost much less.
| Project | Typical cost range |
|---|---|
| Whole-house rewire, 1,500–3,000 sq ft | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Older home with plaster walls or difficult access | $15,000 – $30,000+ |
| New wire runs (per linear foot, installed) | $6 – $10 |
| Upgrade to a 200-amp service panel | $2,500 – $4,500 |
| Electrical permit and inspection | About $50 – $350+ |
What Affects the Price?
1. Size and layout of the home
More square footage means more circuits, more outlets and switches, and more wire. Two-story homes take longer than single-story homes because wire has to be fished between floors.
2. Age of the home and the existing wiring
Homes built before the 1970s may have knob-and-tube wiring, ungrounded two-prong circuits, or aluminum branch wiring. These systems usually have to be fully replaced rather than patched, and old insulation can make removal slower.
3. Access to the walls and attic
Electricians try to fish new wire through walls from the attic with as few openings as possible. Many Houston homes are built on slabs with no crawl space, so most runs come down from the attic. Finished ceilings, plaster walls, or tight attic space all add labor and patching.
4. Panel and service upgrades
Older homes often have 60–100 amp service, which isn’t enough for today’s HVAC, kitchen appliances, and EV chargers. A rewire is usually the right time to move to a 200-amp panel. See our breakdown of Houston panel upgrade costs for details.
5. Drywall repair and code updates
Patching and painting the access holes is often one of the biggest hidden costs, so ask whether it’s included in your quote. A rewire also has to meet current code, which can mean adding GFCI and AFCI protection, grounded outlets, and dedicated circuits for large appliances.
Signs Your House Needs to Be Rewired
- Breakers that trip or fuses that blow often, especially when common appliances run at the same time.
- A burning smell or buzzing/sizzling sounds near outlets, switches, or the panel. Turn off the circuit and call an electrician right away.
- Discolored, warm, or scorched outlets and switch plates.
- Lights that flicker or dim throughout the house, not just one fixture. (See our guide to flickering lights and what causes them.)
- Mild shocks or tingling when you plug something in or touch an appliance.
- Loose outlets that wiggle or pull away from the wall.
- Two-prong, ungrounded outlets throughout the home.
- Knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. Aluminum cable jackets are often marked “AL.”
- The home is 40+ years old and the wiring has never been inspected or updated.
Not every warning sign means a full rewire. Sometimes the fix is a few circuits, new devices, or a panel replacement. That’s why an inspection comes first. For more red flags, read signs your electrical panel is outdated.
How Long Does Wiring Last?
Modern copper wiring that’s installed correctly and not overloaded can last 50 years or more. Outlets, switches, and breakers wear out sooner. The bigger risks are overloaded circuits, heat in the attic, rodent damage, and DIY repairs. A professional inspection every 10 years, and before buying an older home, catches problems early. If you own rentals, inspect them more often.
What to Expect During a Rewire
- Inspection and estimate. We check the panel, wiring type, attic access, and every room, then give you a written, itemized quote.
- Permit. In the City of Houston, electrical permits are issued only to registered master electricians, so your contractor pulls the permit. If someone suggests skipping it, find another electrician.
- Rough-in. Old circuits are disconnected and new wire is run, usually room by room so you keep power in most of the house.
- Panel work, if you’re upgrading service.
- Inspection. A city inspector verifies the work before walls are closed up.
- Devices and patching. New outlets, switches, and covers go in, and access openings are patched.
Most whole-house rewires take several days to about two weeks, depending on the size of the home and how much patching is needed.
Can I Rewire My House Myself?
We don’t recommend it. Mistakes can cause fires or shocks, unpermitted work can create problems with insurance and with selling your home, and permits for this work are issued to licensed contractors. Always hire a licensed, insured electrician and ask for proof of both.
How to Keep Your Rewire on Budget
- Get at least two itemized quotes, and confirm whether drywall patching, permits, and the panel are included.
- Combine projects. Adding outlets, recessed lighting, or an EV charger circuit during the rewire costs less than doing it later.
- Clear attic access and move furniture away from walls before work starts.
- Ask about a phased rewire if the budget is tight, starting with the oldest or highest-risk circuits.
Rewiring for Commercial Buildings
Offices, retail spaces, and older commercial buildings need rewiring too, often during a remodel, a change in tenant use, or an LED lighting upgrade. We handle commercial rewiring, panel upgrades, and ongoing electrical maintenance for businesses across the Houston area.
Get a Rewiring Estimate
If your home shows any of the warning signs above, or you’re not sure what’s behind your walls, Brothers Lighting & Electrical can inspect your system and give you a clear, itemized quote. Contact us to schedule an inspection.