You’re sitting in your living room in New Albany, enjoying a quiet evening, when you notice it—a faint buzzing behind the walls. Or maybe you’ve just bought a beautiful home in Powell, full of charm but also full of outdated electrical systems. Suddenly, the question hits you: What is the cost of rewiring a house?

It’s not just a line item on a renovation spreadsheet. It’s about safety, peace of mind, and protecting your family and investment. If you’re like most homeowners in Columbus, Worthington, or Dublin, you want a clear, honest answer without the sales pitch. You’ve come to the right place.

As a locally owned and operated electrical company, Electric Medic has helped hundreds of central Ohio families navigate this exact question. We’ve rewired historic homes in Bexley, updated wiring in new builds in Powell, and everything in between. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything that influences the cost of electrical wiring, updates, what you can expect to pay in our region, and why this isn’t a project you want to put off.

What Factors Influence the Total Cost of Rewiring a House?

No two homes are alike, and neither are two rewiring projects. The final number on your quote depends on a combination of factors. Understanding these will help you make sense of the estimates you receive.

1. Home Size and Layout

This is the most obvious factor. An 800-square-foot bungalow in Olde Towne East will have a vastly different cost to rewire than a 4,000-square-foot modern home in New Albany. Electricians often estimate based on square footage, but the layout matters just as much. A simple, open floor plan is easier and faster to wire than a multi-story home with numerous small rooms and finished ceilings.

2. The Age and Construction of Your Home

Older homes in Columbus neighborhoods like Victorian Village or Harrison West often come with unique challenges that can increase the average cost to rewire the house. Plaster walls, for instance, are more difficult and time-consuming to work with than drywall, as electricians must take extra care to avoid extensive damage. Furthermore, many of these homes contain outdated and dangerous systems like knob and tube wiring. The knob and tube wiring replacement cost is a significant part of the project, as it requires complete removal of the old system, which is often brittle and insulated with cloth that has degraded over decades.

3. Accessibility: The Hidden Challenge

Where can we run the new wires? If you have an accessible attic, basement, or crawlspace, the job is more straightforward. If these spaces are cramped, insulated, or non-existent, the electricians may need to cut more access holes in your walls and ceilings, which increases labor time and the subsequent drywall repair work. This is a critical, often overlooked, part of the electrical rewiring house cost.

4. The Scope of the Rewire

Are you doing a full rewire of your house systems, including every switch, outlet, and light fixture? Or is this a partial update to support a new kitchen renovation? A whole-house electrical rewiring cost is comprehensive. It includes:

• Replacing the main service panel (breaker box).
• Running new wires to every room.
• Installing new outlets, switches, and fixtures.
• Ensuring everything is up to the current National Electrical Code (NEC).

A partial rewire will, of course, be less expensive but may not solve all your underlying electrical issues.

5. The Electrical Panel: The Heart of Your System

Often, a rewire goes hand-in-hand with a panel upgrade, especially in older homes with 60-amp or 100-amp service. Modern homes require 200-amp service to handle all our devices, appliances, and HVAC systems. The cost to replace the electrical panel and wiring is a common project for us. You might be wondering, “How much to install a breaker box?” A new 200-amp panel installation typically ranges between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on complexity, and is a crucial part of a safe, modern electrical system.

6. Permits and Inspections

Any major electrical work in Columbus and its suburbs requires permits and must be inspected by the local building department. This ensures the work is done safely and to code. Permit costs are typically factored into your overall quote. Any electrician who suggests skipping this step should be avoided.

So, How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House? A Columbus Breakdown

Let’s get to the numbers. Remember, these are estimates. The only way to get a precise price is to have a qualified electrician perform an on-site assessment.

• Small House (Under 1,500 sq. ft.): For a smaller home, perhaps a ranch-style in Gahanna or a cozy cottage in Grandview, you might be looking at a cost between $8,000 and $12,000 for a full rewire.
• Medium House (1,500 – 3,000 sq. ft.): This is a common size for many families in Westerville and Hilliard. A whole-house rewire cost here typically falls in the range of $12,000 to $20,000.
• Large House (3,000+ sq. ft.): For larger homes in areas like Powell or New Albany, with more complex layouts and higher energy demands, the cost of rewiring an entire house can range from $20,000 to $40,000+.

What about an old house? If your home was built before 1950, you should budget an additional 20-30% due to the challenges mentioned earlier. So, how much does it cost to rewire an old house in Columbus? For a 2,000 sq. ft. historic home, a realistic budget would be $15,000 to $25,000.

Beyond the Basics: Other Cost Considerations

• Aluminum Wiring: Many homes built in the 1960s and 70s used aluminum wiring, which is a known fire hazard due to its tendency to loosen at connections and oxidize. The cost to replace aluminum wiring is similar to a full rewire, as it requires complete replacement with modern copper wiring.
• Mobile Homes: The cost to rewire a mobile home can be less, often between $3,000 and $8,000, due to the smaller size and different construction methods. However, it still requires a licensed professional to ensure safety.
• Updating Outlets: A full rewire includes upgrading outlets to modern, safe standards. This includes installing GFCI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms and AFCI outlets in living areas to prevent shocks and fires. This is part of the overall cost to update the electrical system in your home.

Why Choosing the Right Columbus Electrician Matters Most

The cost of rewiring is a significant investment, and the cheapest quote is rarely the best one. This is complex, invasive work that demands expertise, proper licensing, and insurance. Here’s why Electric Medic is the trusted choice for whole-house electrical rewiring cost estimates in central Ohio:

1. We’re Local: We know the specific building codes for Columbus, Worthington, Pataskala, and every community we serve. We know the common issues in homes from different eras.
2. We’re Transparent: We provide detailed, written quotes with no hidden fees. We explain what you’re paying for and why.
3. We’re Careful: We treat your home with respect. We minimize drywall damage and clean up thoroughly at the end of every day.
4. We’re Certified & Insured: Your peace of mind is our priority. Our work is permitted and inspected, guaranteeing it’s safe and to code.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How long does a full house rewire take?
A: For an average-sized home, plan for 3 to 7 days of work for a skilled crew. Larger, more complex homes can take up to two weeks.

Q2: Will you have to tear down all my walls?
A: Not all of them! Our goal is to be as minimally invasive as possible. We use existing access points like basements, attics, and crawlspaces. When we do need to make openings, they are small and strategic, and we patch them up when we’re done.

Q3: Do I need to move out of my house during the rewiring?
A: For a full rewire, it’s highly recommended. There will be periods without power, and the process can be disruptive with dust and noise. Many families stay with relatives or in a hotel for the duration.

Q4: How can I tell if my house needs rewiring?
A: Key signs include frequent tripped breakers, flickering lights, a burning smell from outlets, outlets that are warm to the touch, and relying on extension cords because you don’t have enough outlets.

Q5: My house has knob and tube wiring. Is this an emergency?
A: While it functioned well in its day, knob and tube wiring is not designed for modern electrical loads and lacks a ground wire, making it a safety hazard. It also often fails to meet the requirements for homeowners insurance. We recommend replacing it as soon as possible.

Q6: Are there any financing options available?
A: Yes, Electric Medic offers flexible financing options to help you manage the cost of rewiring your home, making this critical safety upgrade more affordable.

Q7: Will rewiring my house increase its value?
A: Absolutely. A modern, safe electrical system is a major selling point. It gives potential buyers confidence and can help your home sell faster and for a better price.

Q8: Do you handle the permits?
A: Yes, we do. We pull all necessary permits from the local building department and schedule the required inspections. This is a non-negotiable part of our process for your safety.

Q9: What’s the difference between a rewire and just updating my panel?
A: Updating the panel replaces the heart of your system, but it doesn’t fix aging or unsafe wiring throughout your walls. A full rewire addresses the entire system from the panel to every outlet and switch.

Q10: How do I get a precise estimate for my home?
A: Contact us! The only way to get an accurate quote for the cost to rewire a house is for one of our expert electricians to visit your home, assess its size, age, and current wiring, and discuss your specific needs.

Ready for a Safer, More Powerful Home? Get Your Personalized Quote Today. Call Us on (614) 866-6020

Now that you have a clearer picture of the cost of rewiring a house, the next step is to get a precise estimate for your home. Don’t let the fear of the unknown keep you living with a dangerous electrical system.

Schedule your free, no-obligation rewiring assessment with Electric Medic today. Our friendly, expert electricians will come to your home in Columbus, Dublin, Hilliard, or any surrounding community, evaluate your needs, and provide you with a transparent, detailed quote. We’ll answer all your questions and help you plan for a project that will protect your family and your home for decades to come.

Call us today to book your appointment. Let’s make your home safe together.