How Much Does it Cost to Rewire an Old House?

If your home is more than 30 years old, it will need to be rewired in the near future. Worn-out electrical infrastructure is dangerous and increases the risk of fires. Chances are you may need to contact a licensed electrician to find out more about rewiring costs and arrange the project.

What is House Rewiring?

Nothing lasts forever, which includes the wiring in properties. Over time, wiring wears out and becomes faulty; this can be dangerous and lead to house fires. In Australia, over 40% of house fires are caused by faulty wiring. A house needs rewiring when over 30 years old, on average.

Signs a home needs rewiring include lights dimming and flickering, shocks from the sockets and outlets, and exposed wires. However, many of the indications can be hidden from view, so it’s best to hire a licensed electrician to view your property and offer the best professional advice.

What are the Benefits of Rewiring?

Rewiring a home can be expensive, and the results are not always noticeable; that’s why it can be difficult to see the benefits of this kind of investment. In reality, there are many benefits of a rewiring job; it makes the home safer for your family to live in and improves its energy efficiency.

Rewiring might not be visible, but it can make your home more modern and more comfortable. Why not have your home rewired for the Internet of Things and enjoy a technologically integrated household? Again, this adds value to your property and makes it easier to sell.

How Much Does House Rewiring Cost?

House rewiring costs vary depending on the size of the job, the materials required, and the electrician’s hourly rates. To find out how much it will cost for your property, you will need an assessment and quote. That said, you can get a general idea of the costs involved in rewiring.

When it comes to rewiring a home, some of the materials have fixed costs, such as the switchboard - these tend to cost between $700 and $1000. Other costs are variable, such as the light switches, power outlets ($65-100) and copper wiring ($600-650) needed for the project.

Factors That Affect House Rewiring Cost

Size of the job

The size of the property affects the cost of the project. Larger homes require more copper wire, switches, and outlets. A larger property also makes the project longer, affecting the hourly rates.

The materials needed

Materials include wiring, switches, outlets, lights, and a switchboard if you want full rewiring. Some of these costs are fixed; others are variable. Overall, it can cost between $2000-5000.

Electrician’s hourly rate

When you have a quote for the materials needed, you need to consider the electrician’s hourly rate. Hourly rates for electricians in Australia are between $65 and $85 per hour, on average.

Final Thoughts

Rewiring an old home brings the electrical infrastructure into the 21st Century and significantly reduces the fire risks in the property. Whether you want to sell the property or make it safer for your family, it’s worth investing in rewiring, but you may need to contact a licensed electrician.