Electrical Wiring Installation Costs

The average cost of electrical wiring falls between $556 and $2,204. How much you pay will depend on three main factors: the price of the electrical wires themselves, the cost of other materials (like panels), and your electrician's hourly rate. Your pro should provide all the tools and materials needed to complete the job. These factors will vary depending on where you live as well as the complexity of the project.

Average Wiring Costs Per Square Foot

New wires typically range from $6 to $8 per foot. For an additional $2 per foot, you can invest in structured wiring: heavy-duty electrical and data cables designed for modern entertainment and communication devices.

A bid from an electrician will probably not list a separate charge for wiring. In a home where electrical service is already accessible, pros charge a set fee per opening. Openings include switches, receptacles, and fixture boxes. If you want to know exactly what kind of wiring your pro is using and how much you are being charged for the service, you may need to ask.

Electrical Panel Installation Materials

The physical materials required for your project will factor into the installation price. There are usually a range of options you can choose from. Like with other things, there is an array of lower-priced to more expensive models. With materials also come fees for shipping and storing the products until you are ready to use them.

Your panel, also called a breaker box, will likely be the biggest extra expense. The price will depend on how much power you need. Older homes usually have 60-amp panels. New homes typically require 200 amps to handle the modern electrical load of computers, air conditioning, and appliances. A box with more amperage can provide more circuits for your home and may prevent expensive future upgrades.

• 100-amp: $50-$100.
• 200-amp: $100-$200.

Other materials that may add to the price of your project include outlet and switch plates, light fixtures, and fan units. Choosing standard, contractor-grade finishes for these items will keep costs down. Contractors will likely be able to purchase these at a discount, and the costs will be included in their quote. If you prefer higher-end finishes and fixtures, you will likely need to purchase those yourself. For example, you can expect to pay $45 for a basic light, $150 for a mid-range light, and up to $800 or more for a luxury light fixture, including installation.

Labor Costs to Hook Up Electricity

A licensed electrician may charge anywhere from $40 to $100 an hour for labor depending on the job and skill level it requires. While they don't usually charge by the foot, pros say it takes about an hour to lay 100 feet of new wiring.

Hourly rates can vary widely depending on the area of the country you live in, as well as whether you are working with the professional directly or via a general contractor who will then hire service specialists. Contractors may mark up the price of the overall job to cover their labor in sourcing the electrician and managing the project.

Wiring a New Home

With new construction, the size and layout of your home can impact the cost of the project. The more square footage you have, the more linear feet of wiring you'll need. The more rooms you have, the more outlets and switches you will require. While basements, crawl spaces, and attics can reduce costs by making it easier to access wiring, adding electrical power to spaces like garages, basements, and exterior storage sheds may add to the price of your project.

Attached Garage

Recommendations for attached garages include at least one three-way switch ($5 to $20) for convenient operation between the doors. Garages must also have at least one ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacle ($7 to $25) for each car space. All other receptacles must also be GFCI.

Detached Garage

Depending on your needs, your detached garage can be supplied by a single- or multi-wire circuit. For basic needs, a single-wire circuit can be run to accommodate both lights and receptacles. For higher electrical loads or in instances where lighting and receptacles need to be separate, a multi-wire circuit ($1,200 to $2,500) can be installed instead. These types of circuits work best when high-draw equipment like welders or compressors will be used regularly.

Detached Shed

The same rules apply to detached sheds as detached garages. Consult a professional for specific cost information, as these projects vary depending on factors such as the size of the unit and its intended use.

Basement

The rate of basement work, like any other area of the home, depends on the amount of square footage, number of outlets, and type of fixtures required. In new homes, work should be completed before walls are closed to reduce project costs. Basement power requirements should be factored into the overall power load to ensure you select a service panel with appropriate amperage.

Cost of Rewiring a House

The labor cost of rewiring a house falls between $65 and $85 per hour. The amount of labor your project requires will be the biggest cost factor. For a 1,200-square-foot home, estimate two hours per wiring connection at a rate of $130 to $170, excluding parts. Rates for work on an existing structure vary greatly depending on the scope of work. Less intensive projects, like upgrading service panels, will be far less expensive than projects like rewiring the entire home.

Upgrading an Electrical Service Panel

Many older homes have 60-amp service panels not equipped to handle modern electrical loads, especially if you are considering an addition to your home or adding wiring to a garage or basement. Upgrading an electrical panel costs $1,300 to $3,000, including materials for a 200-amp panel.

Opening Walls and Running Wires

In an existing structure, wiring is hidden behind plaster or drywall which makes it difficult to reach. Removing, replacing, or adding wiring means opening walls and performing the work, then repairing them. For a 1,200-square-foot home, this ranges from $3,500 to $8,000. If an electrician can access and run them via a basement, crawl space, attic, or joists in the floor, the overall price will be on the lower end. For larger homes or those with restricted access to wires, the project cost could increase by up to $20,000. Any quote from a professional contractor should include the cost of materials, wall opening and repair, and disposal of old material.

Adding Outlets and Switches

For between $100 and $185 each, you can add a switch or outlet to any room. Most spaces require two or three outlets for convenience and to meet code requirements.

Additional Price Factors

The most common additional costs for installation will be associated with code compliance, permits, and inspections. Homeowners may incur additional fees related to preparing the space for the work and/or cleaning up after the job is complete.

Local Codes: Permits & Inspections

Electrical projects must abide by local codes and laws. Usually, they also need to have permits and be inspected by local authorities. These rules shouldn't be looked at as road blocks, since they will help to ensure that your home is up to modern standards and safe. Taking the time now will save money and headaches in the future, especially if you're hoping to sell. This does factor into average electrical installation costs. Typically, your contractor will include the cost of the permit (which includes the inspection) in your quote. Your professional will also be able to inform you if the inspection will extend your project's timeline.

Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement

Homes built before the 1950s may have knob and tube wiring. While no code mandates removing all the existing material, some local codes require it be removed at all accessible locations, which can cost around $5,000. The permit to perform this work will be an additional $250 to $500.

Common Electrical Codes

There are code regulations dictating electrical requirements for nearly every room of a home. When working on an older home, you must upgrade to meet existing codes. For example, all outlets must be tamper-resistant, and any outlet that is not GFCI-protected must be arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI)-protected. Licensed electricians should be familiar with these code requirements and, unless you have special requests, the price of incorporating them should be included in your quote.

Below are different rooms and the code requirements for each that may cause you to incur additional costs.

Bathroom

• Outlets require 20-amp circuit outlets
• Receptacles require GFCI-protection
• Light fixtures in bathing areas must be rated for damp or wet locations.

Kitchen

• Requires at least two 20-amp small appliance circuits for countertop receptacles.
• Lighting requires a separate 15-amp circuit at minimum.
• Countertop receptacles and those within six feet of a sink must be GFCI-protected.

Living, Dining, Bedroom

• Wall switches required next to entry doors.
• Ceiling fixtures must be controlled by wall switches instead of pull chains. This may require extra labor and wall switches
• Distance between receptacles cannot exceed 12 feet on any wall surface, and 6 feet from any wall opening or break in the wall such as a doorway.
• Wall sections wider than two feet require a receptacle. May require added receptacles.

Dining Room

• Require one outlet on a separate 20-amp circuit for a small appliance, entertainment center, or window A/C unit

Stairway

• Three-way switches required at top and bottom of stairs
• Additional lighting required if stairs turn

Hallway

• Hallways more than 10 feet long must have an electrical outlet.
• Three-way switches required at both ends

Closet

• Fixtures with incandescent bulbs must be enclosed or covered and cannot be installed within one foot of clothing storage.
• Fixtures with LED bulbs cannot be installed within one foot of clothing storage.
• Recessed fixtures/fixtures with CFL bulbs must be installed at least six inches from clothing storage.
• All non-recessed fixtures must be placed on ceiling or wall above closet door.

Laundry Room

• Requires at least one 20-amp circuit for shared washer and gas dryer receptacle.
• Electric dryers require a separate 30-amp, 240-volt circuit wired with four conductors.
• All receptacles must be GFCI-protected.

Preparation for Installation

With electrical projects, preparation must be done to get the work site ready. This includes protecting existing finishes, materials, and components that might already be there. Since it ultimately will help save money to use what's already in the home, its worth preparation labor and costs.

You should remove valuables and personal belongings, like electronics or heirlooms, from the area to protect them from damage and make the professional's job faster and easier.

Site Cleanup

When the project is completed, there will be a site cleanup and debris removal. This is common on most projects, but is something that adds to the average electrical installation costs. Check with your professional to ensure the price of cleanup is included in your quote. If not, you will need to , which may add to your project total.

Collateral Damage

When working with electrical wiring, pros may have to cut into surfaces to get to the wires and areas they need. If this becomes necessary, there will be costs associated with restoring finishes or replacing anything that had to be cut away. While skilled professionals will be able to minimize damage, you could pay up to $1,000 for drywall repair and refinishing.

DIY vs. Hiring A Pro

Whether you are rewiring or adding or installing new wiring, electrical work should be left to a licensed professional. In addition to being high risk, the installation must be completed according to applicable local codes to avoid costly mistakes and future repairs. Otherwise, the safety of your home, family and investment could be at risk.