If you’re dealing with an older home’s electrical system, “how much does rewiring cost” is usually one of the first questions. The honest answer is that it depends heavily on your home’s age, size, and how accessible the walls are — but here’s what actually goes into the cost and how to think about budgeting for it.
What Drives the Cost
Home size and layout. More square footage and more circuits mean more wire, more labor, and more time — the most direct driver of cost.
Accessibility. A home with an open basement or crawlspace and unfinished attic is far easier and cheaper to rewire than one where the electrician has to open up finished walls and ceilings to route new wire, then patch and repair afterward.
What kind of wiring you currently have. Homes with knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum branch wiring often need more extensive work than homes with outdated but standard copper wiring, since the older systems typically need to be fully removed rather than just supplemented.
Whether you’re doing a full or partial rewire. A full rewire replaces everything; a partial rewire targets specific problem circuits or areas, like an outdated kitchen or an addition. Partial rewiring costs less up front but may mean revisiting other areas of the home’s wiring down the road.
Panel and permit costs. A full rewire is often paired with a panel upgrade, and permit fees and any required inspections are part of the overall project cost.
A General Sense of Cost
For a typical single-family home in the Greater Seattle area, a full rewire commonly falls in the range of $8,000 to $20,000 or more, with the wide range reflecting all the factors above — a smaller home with good access lands toward the lower end, while a larger home with finished walls throughout and old knob-and-tube wiring to remove lands toward the higher end. A partial rewire targeting specific circuits or rooms costs considerably less. These are general ranges, not a quote — the only way to get an accurate number for your home is an in-person assessment.
Why This Is Licensed Electrician Work
Rewiring means running new circuits throughout your home and tying them safely into your panel — done incorrectly, it’s a real fire and shock hazard. In Washington, this work requires a licensed electrician and a permit with inspection.
What to Expect From a Rewiring Project
Your electrician will assess your current wiring, walk you through full-versus-partial rewire options for your situation, and give you a firm quote after seeing the home in person. Larger rewiring projects are typically completed over several days depending on scope and how much wall/ceiling access is needed.
Considering a Rewire?
Mauro Electric Inc. has rewired homes throughout Bothell and the greater Seattle area since 1998. Contact us for an assessment, or call 360-653-5300.
