I want to have my house re-wired, how much is involved? How much does it typically cost?Some more info: my house was built in the 1950's. I know the fuse box was updated, but my boyfriend and I are renovating it. Some outlets don't work and that scares me a lot. I'm on a budget, so please let me know what you think it will cost, as well as whats involved.Thanks in adavance:)
This is one of those questions that you really can't give a specific answer without seeing the house. Depends on where you live, the type and size of the house, and on and on. The best way to find out is to take bids from several electricians in your area. They should be willing to give you a free estimate, then you'll have some idea as to what it's going to cost you. But before you call them, you need to go room to room and decide if you want more outlets, light fixtures, smoke alarms,etc., and decide if you want to replace the drywall. If your going to replace the drywall, it'll be a lot cheaper to have the electrician run the wires while the wall is open. Sorry I couldn't give a more exact answer.
USA Joe V and Michael's answers are good. It is much easier for an electrician to pull wires and install new boxes for switches and receptacles if the wallboard is not in place. If you are going to renovate, go all the way. Remove the current plaster or wallboard. Have the place rewired. Then, insulate the walls as much as you can (R13 in 2 x 4 walls). Insulate the attic ceiling if possible. R49 in the North. Don't forget to firestop ALL penetrations through the floors and ceilings. Cost? Probably $15,000 for a two story three bedroom home. More if you throw in plumbing and heating. BUT - WELL WORTH IT. Have the work done by licensed contractors, and get references. Your local municipal building inspector can inform you of what the code requirements are for the work in your area. Make sure you check with them before consulting the contractors.
If the fuse box was updated and is now ''breakers'' instead of fuses, good, but what is the service, 100 amp or 200 amp? And you say you have duplexes that don't work. To give you a good ''estimate'' on your home a electrician must LOOK at it first to see what the job will consist of, like how much and how difficult the phishing of wire will be,and the like.The size of the house and the ''codes'' in your area.If all of the existing wire in your house is 2 wire only and you want to change it to 3 wire you are looking at about $3,500 to $6,500 depending upon your location.There are a lot of ''variables'' involved so my estimate is for ''easy'' work.
It's a Big job. Get several estimates from electricians. Replace ALL wire, outlets (and add more), switches, etc. This may require holes in walls, etc but it will be worth it in the long run for convenience, safety, and resale value.
If I was doing it, it would cost you $50 an hour. Upwards of $3000 labor. Maybe that in parts. Unless you gut the house of all sheetrock, it will cost more to totally rewire the house than wire a new one. You should have it done a little at a time. Take care of safety items first, then the convenience items.
