How Much Does It Cost To Rewire A House?

Rearranging the wires in your home may be a large home improvement project, however, if you have the right expertise by your side, it won’t be as difficult. With a professional electrician to help you with a project of this scale, you won’t have to worry about some of the circumstances that could arise from faulty wiring in your home. 

 

There are different costs associated with the different types of wiring you’re trying to reinstall throughout your home. Your cost range will vary depending on the preferences you have with your electrical system. The average range of this estimate is probably going to be about $790 to $10000, however, the low-end cost will probably be about $130 and the high-end cost will probably be around $30000.

 

Average Range	$790-$10000
Low-End	$130
High-End	$30000

 

The plan to rewire your home depends on what your needs are, especially if you’re extending your living space or renovating your rooms. Considering all the options that are available for you, including hard-to-access wires, panel upgrades, newly installed fixtures, outlets, switches, heavy cables, and jacks, you’ll want to know the estimated costs associated with these components. You might also want to think about how much space you’re covering for this project, ask yourself whether you need to rewire the whole house, or just one room.

 

 

How Much Does It Cost To Rewire A House

What really affects the cost of this job is whether you’re installing the wires on a new home or whether you’re having your current home rewired. Typically, the easier procedure comes from a new home since essentially, the electrical system is installed before the walls can be finished. More often than not, wire installations throughout a new home will be simpler and won’t cost as much.

 

• New Home: $3-$5 per sq ft

• Home Rewiring: $6-$10 per sq ft

 

Older wires are going to need to be removed to arrange new wiring throughout your home and although it is a job with more efforts involved, your budget will involve the size of your living space. For instance, if a homeowner is intending to construct a new home, the entire home has to be wired for this project to be completed. A house rewiring will depend on the scale, location, and necessity of which wires to remove and reinstall.

 

A conventional 1000 square foot home will require an estimate ranging between $2000 to $6000 for a rewiring service to be made. The service will probably cost you about $2 to $4 per square foot, while the project’s costs will be determined by the size of the home, the accessibility of the wiring, and the types of upgrades made to your panel.

 

Homeowners that simply want to rewire their rooms will only have to spend about $190, depending on the size of the aforementioned room. The estimate of $190 is the average cost for rewiring a 120 square foot space. Keep in mind that if the rewiring service requires you to also update your electrical panel, you will likely have to spend about $1100 to $2500. 

Electrical Wiring Costs For New Home

The estimated cost range to install wires into your new home will probably be around $3 to $5 per square foot. Newly constructed homes will result in new wiring to be initially planned and installed along with the actual construction of your home. In truth, your budget will already include this estimated range along with the cost of building your property.

 

The estimate is going to be factored by the type of components being installed into your home. Homeowners should consider which components would provide the best utility to your living space. More often than not, new wire installations will also require roughing them in, including the installation of outlets, panels, and switches. Homeowners should remember that this also means the electrician will have to set up fixtures and lights.

 

Electrical Rough-In Cost

The estimate that is associated with this service would probably range between $2 all the way to $8 per square foot. The roughing in service is simply adding the wire without finishing the actual installation. While the wires are located where each component is going to be installed, the roughing pulls out the wires through any studs, inserting the wires into the boxes.

 

Essentially, the costs will be adjusted from the amount of outlets and fixtures that are going to be set up for the project. Typically, since the home doesn’t have any drywall installed, there won’t be any switch plates or lighting installed either.

 

Basement Wiring Cost

Arranging a wire installation throughout the basement will probably cost around $2 to $5 per square foot. Jobs like wiring a basement or a shed might involve additional services to be completed. There is a minimum height requirement that needs to be met according to the NEC standards when it comes to installing outlets in your basement. To meet these standards, homeowners should also keep in mind that GFCI outlets are the ones that need to be chosen. 

 

Depending on the capacity of either the appliances or the electrical components installed, you’ll have to figure out what kind of costs will go into the new home construction plans. Essentially, you need to assess how much work will be involved and whether the actual construction plans will affect the estimates above. There are some instances where homeowners have saved on costs by using rudimentary wiring.

 

Overall, a project like wiring a standard 1000-square-foot basement will probably end up costing about $800 to $1500. The lower end of this range will probably come from a basement without any inner walls covered. 

 

Electrical Cost To Run Shed

Installing the electrical system throughout a secondary part of your property will probably cost you about $900, since essentially, homeowners will need to run an electrical line and connect it to the shed or any other extension of the home. Fortunately, a shed or a property of this size will only require one or two outlets and possibly an overhead light.

 

Electrical Cost To Run in Garage

An average cost that you can expect to install wiring throughout your garage will probably range between $1000 to $4000 or more. You’ll have to consider the cost of installing the electrical system in either a detached or an attached garage. A detached garage will require an electrical line installation, similar to that of installing an electrical line for a shed. 

 

• Attached Garage: $1000 to $2500

• Detached Garage: $4000

 

The reason why running an electrical line to a shed is less expensive than running a line to the garage is because of the space and the amount of components required. Since a shed is essentially used for storage, homeowners won’t require the kind of spaciousness needed for a garage. Essentially, a detached garage might alternatively need your home’s main line to be connected with the rest of the garage’s wiring.

 

Electrical Costs For Wiring Home Per Square Foot

To have your home wired, homeowners will have to spend an estimate of about $3 to $5 per square foot. Depending on the size of your home, the job might be larger since there may be a need for rough wiring, finishing, and additional installations for outlets and switches. Keep a cautious eye with the amount of outlets and switches you’ll require within the space. You’ll also want to plan out how complex you want your projects to be, since your expenses will ultimately highlight both the amount of components and the complexity of your project.

 

Size Of Home	Average Estimate
800 sq ft	$2400-$4000
1000 sq ft	$3000-$5000
1300 sq ft	$3900-$6500
1600 sq ft	$4800-$8000
2000 sq ft	$6000-$10000
2500 sq ft	$7500-$12500
3000 sq ft	$9000-$15000

 

Electrical Costs For Rewiring Home Per Square Foot

Depending on the size of your home, a rewiring job might have different price ranges associated to them for a per-square-foot basis. Typically, the average estimate will be about $6 to $10 per square foot. In most cases, the rewiring job will have the same cost factors that apply to the costs as a standard wiring job, since the home will already have the same amount of components and the same level of complexity. 

 

The biggest difference between the two estimated ranges is the tediousness that ensues from a rewiring job. Homeowners need to reconsider the accessibility of the wiring and evaluate how many holes will be cut to remove the initial wiring installed in their homes.  

 

Size Of Home	Average Estimate
800 sq ft	$4800-$8000
1000 sq ft	$6000-$10000
1300 sq ft	$7800-$13000
1600 sq ft	$9600-$16000
2000 sq ft	$12000-$20000
2500 sq ft	$15000-$25000
3000 sq ft	$18000-$30000

 

Cost Of Upgrading Circuit Breaker

There are many upgrades that can be arranged if the breaker isn’t up to par with the daily electrical usage of your home. Before you can even think about upgrading your circuit breaker, you should consider all the factors that will apply to your panels, whether it be from the costs or from the electrical capacity of your home. 

 

The performance of your electrical usage is dependent on the amperage of your panel. Try to imagine a glass of water. If you have the right amount of water, you won’t have to deal with any spills but if you overfill the glass, a puddle will be the result. This is the same concept that is applied with an electrical panel, except the outcome may turn into a dire situation. More often than not, you’ll see electrical services ranging between 30 to 400 amps.  

 

100 Amps	$800-$1200
150 Amps	$1100-$1500
200 Amps	$1300-$3000
300 Amps	$1800-$3500
400 Amps	$8000-$10000

 

100 Amp Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost

The cost range of upgrading your panel to a 100 amp service will probably be between $800 to $1200. If you’re upgrading your unit, you should think about the location of your home and the unit that you’re trying to get rid of currently. The 100 amp electrical panel generally provides power to smaller sized homes that do not have electrical heating. 

 

Although the range of power might supply an electric range or a dryer with the output for general lighting and receptacle outlets, it isn’t the standard for new homes. However, a 100 amp panel is the standard requirement for a conventional space and is optimal for a normal-sized home.

 

150 Amp Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost

If you’re looking for an installation with a 150 amp panel, you’re going to have to spend about $1100 to $1500. The capacity of the panel is expanded, reaching additional parts of the home. Homeowners will usually choose the 150A as the starting point to any of the available electrical services that require amperage for their living spaces. Installation of the 150A service will require a rigid conduit, the minimum size for this is about 1 to 1 ¼ inches, a service entrance wire with a minimum rating of 100 amps, a service disconnect of less than three wires, six AWF copper conductors, and four AWG aluminum conductors for the bonding. 

 

200 Amp Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost

Arranging an upgrade into a 200 amp service will probably cost you about $1300 to $3000. You’ll have to consider what kind of panel you had before since this will ultimately affect this price range:

 

Current service

• Fuse box or circuit breaker

• Size of your spaces

• Whether the wiring needs to be changed

• Whether you’ll require a permit or not

 

In most cases, these factors will affect the costs of panels that are 200 amps or above, so make sure to check what kind of unit you own, what its features are, and the size of your home. Homeowners that are upgrading to a 200A panel will be given the capabilities of using larger appliances and even entertainment systems. 

 

300 Amp Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost

Making the necessary upgrades to a 300A panel will probably cost you about $1800 to $3500. Although this is a more uncommon upgrade that is usually considered, it is probably one of the most useful upgrades to plan for. Homeowners that consider the 300A upgrade usually want this kind of set-up for spaces expanded from the house. This kind of panel is used to power recreational spaces while powering the home itself. 

 

400 Amp Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost

While the 400A service is quite an extravagant upgrade, households that are fairly larger will benefit from this kind of panel. The cost range will probably be estimated between $8000 to $10000. Although this is quite an expensive investment, this kind of amperage is used for colossal areas with the inclusion of special equipment and electronics. Using the 400A panel will mean that you require a very large output of energy. 

 

Instead of an actual 400A unit, the home that needs that much electrical power will have two 200A panels at both ends of the property. If this is the option you’re considering, you will probably have to contact your electrical company and update the meter base and the wiring throughout your home.

Cost of Electrical Wiring Cost By System Type

Although there are several electrical systems in the market that have already been tried and tested, there are only two systems used for the residential sector: lead sheathed or conduit. There are some homeowners who will have either systems or might have a blend of both systems installed throughout their rooms. Both the lead sheathed and the conduit systems will probably cost about $3 to $5 per square foot.

 

Lead Sheathed Wiring System

Typically, homeowners will have the lead sheathed wiring system installed in rooms with a lot of moisture exposure. Since lead sheathed systems are designed to keep the wires safe from damp areas, homeowners will install them in spaces like the kitchen or the bathroom. The conductors are wrapped around an alloy mix of 95 percent lead and five percent aluminum.

 

Although not every cooking or bathing area will have this kind of installation completed, homeowners will consider this system for areas with PVC piping. Homeowners that are renovating an older home and trying to update the infrastructure should consider installing PVC pipes and a lead sheathed wiring system.

 

Conduit Wiring System

One of the most common wiring systems in residential spaces, the conduit wiring system will come in two categories: the concealed conduit wires or the surface conduit wires. With most instances, when either a PVC or GI conduit is installed on the roof or the walls, the cables will run through the conduits. Essentially, the concealed conduits are hidden within the wall slots while the cables run through them. Either alternative will provide protection, however, the concealed conduit wiring system is reputable for its strength and aesthetic since the wires are rarely visible. 

 

Wiring Costs According to Material Type

Depending on the kind of material you’re using, the wire installation may vary. Homeowners should keep in mind that there are many different types of electrical wires and depending on how they were made, they may operate differently. There are wires that are made of either aluminum or copper and can either be insulated or sheathed in various other materials, like PVC. The wires can also be hot, grounded, or neutral, all varied by the purpose. Occasionally, the material of the wires will probably be calculated through the labor cost.

 

Multi-Conductor	$0.20-$0.35
Shielded Twisted Pair	$0.20-$0.35
Coaxial	$0.25-$0.35
Direct Buried	$0.40-$0.50
Metallic Sheathed	$0.50-$0.70
Underground Feeder	$0.50-$0.70
Twin-Lead	$0.60-$0.80
Non-Metallic Sheathed	$0.60-$0.80
Ribbon	$1.50-$2

 

Multi-Conductor

It costs about $0.20 to $0.35 per linear foot to install a multi-conductor cable around the home. Although this is probably the most common wire in some rooms throughout the home, it is a cable that features multiple conductors with each respective conductor being insulated. Typically, this wiring is used for security systems or video and audiovisual equipment. Homeowners that want an advanced surveillance or entertainment system should install the multi-conductor cables.

 

Shielded Twisted Pair

The shielded twisted pair cable will range between $0.20 to $0.35 per linear foot. Like the multi-conductor cable, the shielded twisted pair cable is often installed for video purposes. Since it is derived from a pair of twisted wires, it’ll be inexpensive, and is mainly applied with telephones, security cameras, and gaming consoles. The disadvantage to this type of cable is the wireless aspect of the modern age. Since every application is essentially becoming more and more autonomous, there is a decrease in usage of shielded twisted pair cables. However, this cable is most often used in older homes.

 

Coaxial

Homeowners that prefer the double-insulated cable that features an inner tube and outer insulator should install the coaxial cable. The cost to have the coaxial cables installed will range between $0.25 to $0.35 per linear foot. Coaxial cables are mainly used for television sets and video equipment and are installed for paid programming or internet applications. Although they are becoming a less popular option amongst modern spaces, older homeowners will have the coaxial cables installed.

 

Direct Buried

One of the more specialized cables, the direct buried cable, is an uninsulated coaxial cable. Like the name implies, it is a cable that is buried and installed underground. Ranging from $0.40 to $0.50 per linear foot, the direct buried cable is mainly used for high-speed transmission. If you’re purchasing or renovating a home and you want wireless internet access, the direct buried cable is often the one you’re going to be opting for. The greatest advantage to the direct buried cable is that it is less likely to be interrupted by storms or other related complications that will affect your wiring.

 

Metallic Sheathed

Costing about $0.50 to $0.70 per linear foot, the metallic sheathed cable is often referred to as BX or AC cables and is often applied to high-stress locations. Using three plain stranded copper wires along with PVC bedding and sheathing, the disadvantage to these cables is the popularity of newer non-metallic sheathed cables. The major advantages of the metallic sheathed cable is the versatility of its applications. You can install the metallic sheathed cables in, out, and around the home with a wide array of locations for it to be located. One of the less laborious cables to install, homeowners will often consult with the electrician about which areas to install the metallic sheathed cable.

 

Underground Feeder

Installing an underground feeder cable will cost homeowners an estimate between $0.50 to $0.70 per linear foot. Since they’re embedded with plastic, the cables are known for their water resistance. The benefit of installing an underground feeder cable is the outdoor setting that it provides. Mainly used for lighting fixtures in outdoor areas, these kinds of wires are meant to run from the circuit breaker to the outer spaces of your home. Fortunately, like the direct buried cables, the underground feeder suggests an installation involving the spaces beneath your home.  

 

Twin-Lead

A relatively old cable that is rarely ever seen, the twin-lead cable will cost an estimate between $0.60 and $0.80 per linear foot. Initially designed for transmission purposes, like radio or television, the twin-lead cable was created as a flat two-wire cable contained within a single sheath. With the advancement of technology and other cables, this one is somewhat obsolete by today’s standards. Homeowners will often purchase twin-lead cables as a way to amuse themselves with hobby wiring, which is precisely the reflection of the cable's cost.

 

Non-Metallic Sheathed

Initially created to replace their metallic counterparts, the non-metallic sheathed variation is composed of flexible plastic-jacketed cables containing two to four wires and a ground wire. In fact, the non-metallic sheathed cable was designed to tackle various different jobs from anywhere in the home. The cost will vary between $0.60 to $0.80 per linear foot and is widely preferred amongst a majority of electricians. There is a minority that prefers the inexpensive alternative of metallic sheathed cables, however, both are options to update former wiring installed in older homes.

 

Ribbon

A flat and much lower-voltage cable, the ribbon cable, is typically installed with a range between $1.50 to $2 per linear foot. The reason for its high cost is due to its personal nature. Rather than the norm of connecting cables to the power supply, the ribbon cable is mainly used for computer equipment, connecting computers, printers, and other office appliances.

 

Photo By Anton Dmitriev On Unsplash

 

Cost Of Switching Aluminum To Copper

Typically, the homes that were constructed in the 1960’s will have aluminum wiring set up. Although aluminum is the lightweight and less costly counterpart, it can expand and will overheat surrounding areas, melting any surface materials closeby. During the Swinging Sixties, aluminum wiring was the norm and was considered the preferred choice amongst homeowners. However, due to its corrosive nature, it isn’t considered the most durable option compared to copper wiring. The minimal safety the aluminum wiring provides increases the likelihood and risk of catching fire. This is especially the case if you try and upgrade the amperage that is standardized for today’s appliances and devices.

 

Cost of removing the aluminum wiring and replacing them with copper wiring ranges between $6 to $10 per square foot, which will include both material and labor costs. Overall, the whole project would include installing a new circuit breaker, outlets, switches, and various other related components. Electricians may also quote an estimate factored by the accessibility of the wire and the ease of installing the new wiring.

 

Electrical Wiring Components & Costs

Prices for electrical jobs can be quite different and may be factored apart from just the wiring alone. If there are complications with any part or component that has to do with the electricity to your home, you may want to discuss these estimates with your professional. In any case, the most obvious errors and complications can come from switches, fixtures, outlets, and appliances.

 

Circuit Panel	$1500-$4000
Conduit	$8 per sq ft
Electrical Outlet	$85-$274
Telephone Jack	$130-$140
Ethernet Jack	$150
Cable Jack	$55-$150
Switch	$150
Light Fixture	$150-$500

 

Circuit Panel Installation And Costs

The homes that were built after the 60’s will typically have a circuit panel installed. Practically every older unit will be composed of switches that connect or break the electrical flow of the home throughout each and every room. These parts are meant to disconnect the power if it is over the capacity it can handle. It will cost about $1500 to $4000 to have a circuit panel installed. 

 

If you’re planning to upgrade the amperage of your wiring, or if you want to upgrade your fuse box, you’ll likely have to install a circuit panel. You’ll probably want to arrange an upgrade depending on the amount of appliances and applications you have. Typically, the average capacity of a modern conventional home will be about 200 amps.  

 

Conduit Installation And Costs

The conduit is a tube that has cables and wires inside it. Depending on whether the conduit is designed with metal or PVC, the conduit can either be rigid or flexible. Conduit installations will cost about $8 per square foot. Keep in mind that the conduit is typically a collection of wires that run along a location of containment. A contained arrangement will use cut out slots made through your walls. The process of installing conduits will require wires to be run through the surface and while a percentage of the conduit wiring systems will require the conduit, not all of them will require it.

 

Electrical Outlet Installation And Costs

The electrical outlet is the bridge between your appliances and the electrical source. Outlet installations will range between $85 to $274. Homeowners should note that there are specific outlet types to install in areas with excess moisture. This kind of job will be calculated with a wiring or rewiring job. 

 

Telephone Jack Installation And Costs

Involved with the telephone jack, there are lines that might need to be wired or rewired. Although these installations are rare with newer homes and wirings, they’re still typically found in older homes and spaces. There are some instances where homeowners will arrange these installations. In those cases, the homeowner is expected to spend about $130 to $140.  

 

Ethernet Jack Installation And Costs

The ethernet jack is a more popular installation than its telephone counterpart. The ethernet jack will provide your home internet access and will probably cost about $150 each. An ethernet jack installation properly attaches your modem with the internet connection you need for your computer, smartphone, or wireless appliances. Homeowners should expect the ethernet jack to be an individual installation separate from wiring or rewiring projects.

 

Cable Jack Installation And Costs

The television counterpart that provides broadcasting instead of internet connection, the cable jack installation, will cost about $55 to $150. This estimate includes both the material and labor costs. Depending on your home’s internet and television provider, the cable jack could potentially provide both services for your living space. It is yet another installation that won’t be part of a wiring or rewiring service and is quite the common installation that is still seen today.

 

Photo By intrapixel On Unsplash

 

Switch Installation And Costs

Essentially, the switch is a pivotal component that either supplies or disconnects the power supply from or to a certain junction including the outlet or the light fixture. You’ll spend about $150 for each switch installation to be arranged throughout the home. Homeowners will typically research what kind of switch they’ll want installed and figure out which ones are the most beneficial for their spaces.

 

Light Fixture Installation And Costs

Depending on the kind of fixture you’re trying to install and factoring which location you’re installing the fixture from, you will be expected to spend about $150 to $500 for each light. Homeowners will need to search and purchase their own fixtures on their own. However, installing recessed lighting will probably cost you about $275 each. The installation will probably require a specific area within the room. Homeowners will need to determine whether they want the lights on the wall, sconce, ceiling, or a recessed location. 

 

Cost Of Hiring The Electrician

Different rates will apply when hiring an electrician for your electrical needs. Depending on the level of expertise of your electrician, you may have to spend about $40 to $120 for a certified professional to come to your home to make the proper arrangements and installations. If you want to hire an apprentice electrician, the labor costs will probably range between $40 to $50 per hour. A journeyman electrician will cost around $50 to $70 on an hourly basis. And the crème de la crème of electricians, the master electrician, will cost you about $100 to $120 an hour.

 

• Apprentice electricians: A starter electrician that will probably require supervision

• Journeyman electricians: A novice electrician that has finished the apprenticeship with at minimum four years or 8000 hours of experience, passing the journeyman exam

• Master electricians: An expert electrician that has more than six years of experience or about 12000 hours completed, passing the master electrician exam

 

Homeowners must also realize that each project will have a different estimate according to the difficulty of the overall job. The services could include all of the installations listed above, but homeowners must make the proper inclinations which will probably include your preferred amounts of amperage or voltage your home is going to need.

 

The consultation between the homeowner and the electrician will likely include the estimates, the plans, and the additional jobs that may be required along with the project. Other than the electrical work that might need to be finished, there are factors that a homeowner may need to consider when getting a project started. Is there a need for the walls to be reconstructed? Are there other professionals that may be needed with this project? Homeowners should ask themselves or the electrician about these factors.

 

Knob-and-tube Wire Replacement Costs

Homeowners that have purchased older homes should be wary of knob-and-tube wiring, which is not a properly utilized wiring system that is seen in modern homes. In fact, these types of wires will increase the chances of starting a fire. Making replacements for these wires will probably cost the homeowner about $6 to $10 per square foot. If you own a home that has this kind of electrical wiring, you may want to consider hiring an electrician and making the proper replacements including the various other components already installed throughout the aged property.

 

Rewiring Job Costs

A rewiring project will include the specifications of whether your home’s wiring requires upgrade or updating. An update will involve removing the old wires and reinstalling wires with the same amperage, while an upgrade will involve reinstalling wires with a higher amperage system. Most of today’s lighting will need the newer electrical works mentioned above. Typically, the cost of replacing the wires will range between $6 and $10 per square foot. As stated in the sections above, a rewiring project will probably consist of the replacements for your switches and upgrading your circuit panel. However, the fixtures will not be included with that overall estimated range. 

 

Electrical Inspection Costs

Ranging between $125 to $250, an electrical inspection service is most required when a homeowner wishes to sell his or her property. This is especially important in the case of older homes. Once you hire an inspector to examine and assess the status of your home, the things he will be looking for will include faulty circuits, whether the home meets GFCI or AFCI circuit standards, the condition of your electrical boxes, and whether your cable was anchored properly. There are other considerations to make when the inspector comes to your home, but remember that the inspector is there to help you with finding what to repair and what to replace.

 

Comparison Between Stranded And Solid Wires

Stranded wires are typically made of several smaller sized copper strands, while solid wiring is made of one large wire. In most cases, for residential homes, the most commonly applied wiring in the past was solid due to the flexibility of the #12. It offered the most convenience at the time and could be placed in several opportune locations.

 

Solid wiring will typically range between $0.50 to $0.70 per linear foot, while stranded wiring is estimated to cost about $0.60 to $0.80 per linear foot. Although the solid wiring is the less expensive alternative, stranded wiring is typically what electricians will opt for. Due to the pliable nature of the stranded wiring, there is a sense of ease for professionals to make installation plans throughout the home. Another reason as to why the stranded wiring is the preferred choice of installation is because solid wiring is typically too bulky to install in more modern residential settings.   

 

Safety Codes To Consider

When it comes to meeting safety requirements, the National Electrical Code is there to refer you to what kind of standards exists to ensure that every home is safe to properly operate electricity. Depending on where you live, there are some codes that will prioritize the necessity and importance of certain components and how they’re installed, including wires, cables, outlets, and ground faults. Homeowners should note that a wiring job will require filed paperwork like a permit and an inspection report to be conducted once the wiring arrangements are confirmed with meeting such standards.

 

Bathroom NEC Standards

Homeowners need to ensure that all outlets in the bathroom are safely protected with GFCI units, requiring a distance of at least three feet from the sink. Any built-in heaters that are in the vicinity must have their own circuits. However, all other instruments used for electricity may be supplied by one circuit. An inspection will evaluate a rating for wet or damp conditions.

 

Kitchen NEC Standards

Your cooking space will require, at the minimum, two outlets across the countertop, while all major appliances will require separate circuits for each of them. Remember that there needs to be space between the sink and all other outlets, a minimum of six feet. The outlets must be installed with GFCI protection. The lights also require their own respective circuits. 

 

Living Rooms, Dining Rooms, and Bedrooms NEC Standards

Every entrance of these locations must have a switch installed within a reachable distance. Keep in mind that every wall in that space that is about two feet in width must have an electrical outlet installed on them, while the outlets are kept 12 feet in distance. 

 

Stairways NEC Standards

Homeowners must install individual light fixtures or sources throughout the stairway landing area with a pair of three-way switches both from the top and the bottom half of each level. 

 

Hallways NEC Standards

Hallways are meant to have the same standards with a three-way switch. There must be a pair of three-way switches for each end of the hallway if the space is more than 10 feet apart in length. An outlet installation is required with this same application. 

 

Closets NEC Standards

The minimum standard for fixture installations in a storage space will range from six to 12 inches, with the right amount of distance recorded for each type of fixture. For instance, each type of fixture will have varying measurements of space according to the installation parameters.

 

Laundry Room NEC Standards

Since laundry rooms will have high amounts of humidity and moisture, outlets need to be installed with GFCI protection. All appliances that are being operated within the laundry room require individual circuits. Homeowners should remind themselves that there are certain appliances that may require a certain amount of amperage and voltage.

 

Garage NEC Standards

Since the garage is considered a storage space, the electrical system requires GFCI protection and will require the proper amount of outlets according to the size of the property. Each car space is equal to one outlet installation. A garage must also have at least one fixture and switch installed, requiring a separate circuit for every outlet within the building.

 

How To Know When You Need To Rewire Your Home

There are various reasons as to why you might need a rewiring service. It may seem obvious when the lights or the electrical system isn’t working properly, however, there are indications that homeowners should consider to reaffirm their suspicions. Some signs you might want to be cautious of:

 

• Burning smell or sizzling sound

• Discoloration in or around the outlet or fixture

• Temperature of outlet or light switch

• Circuit breakers tripping too sporadically

• Flickering lights

• Loose plugs in outlet

• Power supply seems too weak to use for the amperage of appliances

• Age of home is over 40 years

• Frequent electrical shocks from plugging in outlets

 

Electrical Permits

Homeowners that require electrical work to be done throughout their properties will require an adherence to the local municipality codes according to the installations involved. The average estimate to apply and receive the necessary permits will range between $250 and $500. However, what really factors into the cost of a permit will be determined by the state or county you’re residing. Other than finding the estimates for the jobs that are required, you should contact your local building department in your town and find out about the cost to obtain the permit. Always check whether your electrician or professional involved with the project is certified to ensure your process is done quickly and efficiently. 

 

Finding Multiple Estimates Through House Tipster

Having to replace your wires or updating any of your electrical parts requires the certified expertise of your nearby electrician. Knowing which professional you’ll want for your project will help lighten the load off your shoulders. Besides the actual electrical work that needs to be done, you may want to consider other professionals to help you with the other jobs that are necessary for the project.

 

To search and select many professionals in a single day can be quite a challenge, especially if you need to organize which jobs to prioritize first. Our web tool allows users to find businesses around their area and utilize those listings to have their project finished in a quick and orderly manner. 

 

House Tipster has two functions for our users. There is the chat system that allows users to directly message their questions and business inquiries to the listings or the reviews function to check and confirm the level of quality and professionalism that the experts have previously worked with. Users can now use these two features and simultaneously meet the right expectations of hiring the proper professional. Use House Tipster to have all your projects completed.

 

Featured Image By Ralph (Ravi) Kayden On Unsplash