Why Rewiring Your House Is Important
When considering this essential upgrade, homeowners often inquire about the cost of rewiring a house. Electrician prices can vary significantly depending on several factors. Generally, the figure ranges from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. Breaking it down further, the cost to rewire a house for a smaller unit will naturally be less than for a large, multi-story dwelling.
But why is it necessary to rewire our houses?
A complete house rewiring project is a sizable task that is essential primarily because of the danger of old wiring. Over time, electrical cables develop brittleness, their insulating materials deteriorate, and outdated switchboards may not include fundamental safety elements such as residual current devices (RCDs). These may elevate the risk of electrical shock incidents and house fires significantly.
Beyond safety, a property rewire should be considered because it ensures full compliance with present Australian electrical codes. Electrical standards evolve to incorporate the latest safety technologies and practices. Wiring systems from older properties commonly fail to fulfil updated standards, creating possible problems during inspections or property sales.
Furthermore, a house rewiring project immensely benefits property value and insurability. The market now demands modern electrical systems and safety features for potential buyers of properties. Providing a new electrical system in your home presents a substantial value-add, demonstrating that you have previously addressed potentially costly upgrades.
How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House in Australia?
Australian homeowners who seek electrical system upgrades must first worry about the cost of rewiring a house. While estimating exact rewiring costs can be challenging, we can examine standard price ranges and determine variables to show you how much it costs to rewire a house in Australia generally.
The standard price to rewire a house in Australia ranges between $6,000 and $20,000 or more. The wide variation in cost stems from the numerous sizes and complexities present in Australian homes. To determine how much to rewire a house, multiply property size in square meters by a rate spanning from $75 to $150.
Let's look at some examples of costs based on house size to illustrate further the potential cost of rewiring a house. Here's a simplified table:
Simplified Table
These price ranges should be seen as estimations only. Multiple elements will determine the final cost of rewiring a house. The most effective method for determining the exact cost requires you to secure specific quotes from licensed electricians who can evaluate your needs.
Cost to Rewire a House in Different Cities in Hourly Rates
The electrical cost to rewire a house factors in multiple components, including the electrician's hourly rate, which differs depending on Australian cities. The comprehensive price depends on the project scope and work span, and understanding local charging rates helps with price planning and quote comparison.
Here are general guidelines on how much to rewire a house in different major cities across Australia.
Perth's hourly rates for electricians are often driven by the resources sector and a strong economy, typically ranging from $90 to $115 or more. A 3-bedroom house usually costs between $6,500 and $9000 to rewire. When it is a 4-bedroom house that is being rewired, this can cost up to +$12,000 especially if it older or has more complicated system of wiring.
Due to the high cost of living and strong demand for skilled tradespeople, electrician hourly rates in Sydney generally range from $90 to $130 or more. This higher end contributes to the overall cost of rewiring a house in the city.
An average cost of rewiring a 2 bedroom house in Sydney ranges between $3500 - $8,000 whereas a typical 3 bedroom household will cost an average of about $4000 - $8000.
Melbourne's electrician hourly rates are often comparable to Sydney's, typically within the $85 to $150 or more range. The strong property market and demand for electrical services influence how much rewiring a house costs in labour.
On a small 2-bedroom house, it could cost as little as $2,000 and as high as $8,000 based on the state of the house.
Brisbane generally offers slightly more affordable hourly rates for electricians, ranging from approximately $75 to $110. This can lower the labour component of the cost to rewire a house compared to Sydney and Melbourne. In the case of 4-bedroom houses, the cost can be over $12,000.
Canberra's hourly rates for electricians typically range from $90 to $115 or more, reflecting steady demand for electrical services in the capital territory and contributing to the total cost of rewiring a house. The rewiring price in Canberra is likely to be reflective of the national figures but with the cold weather and aged house stocks often complicating the process in some cases.
An average 2-bedroom house will require anywhere between $3,500 and $7,000 to have its wires replaced.
Adelaide tends to have a more consistent range for electrician hourly rates, generally falling between $80 and $100.
Adelaide is an affordable city to rewire, particularly one that is small in size. You could spend as little as $1,500 to $5,000 on a 2-bed unit. A 3-bedroom house can cost between $3,000 and $10,000.
Perth's hourly rates for electricians are often driven by the resources sector and a strong economy, typically ranging from $90 to $115 or more.
Due to the high cost of living and strong demand for skilled tradespeople, electrician hourly rates in Sydney generally range from $90 to $130 or more. This higher end contributes to the overall cost of rewiring a house in the city.
Melbourne's electrician hourly rates are often comparable to Sydney's, typically within the $85 to $150 or more range. The strong property market and demand for electrical services influence how much rewiring a house costs in labour.
Brisbane generally offers slightly more affordable hourly rates for electricians, ranging from approximately $75 to $110. This can lower the labour component of the cost to rewire a house compared to Sydney and Melbourne.
Canberra's hourly rates for electricians typically range from $90 to $115 or more, reflecting steady demand for electrical services in the capital territory and contributing to the total cost of rewiring a house.
Adelaide tends to have a more consistent range for electrician hourly rates, generally falling between $80 and $100.
These price estimates serve only as generalised standards for the labour cost to rewire a house. To help understand the complete cost, you should request itemised and detailed quotes from licensed electricians in your city.
Factors That Impact Cost to Rewire a House in Australia
The process of house rewiring requires extensive effort, so homeowners must know all the factors that influence the costs. The total price to rewire a house depends on multiple contributing factors and requires a detailed examination before beginning work.
- Size and age of the home: Check the size and examine the age of your property because they are one of the determinants of the cost to rewire a house. A larger house demands extra materials and labour, which increases the total wiring cost. The age of traditional homes introduces challenging issues that could also affect how much it costs to rewire a house.
- Ease of access: Rewiring a single-storey home has challenges that make it less costly than rewiring a double-storey residence since accessing ceiling and floor wiring requires more time.
- Type of wiring required (standard vs premium): A typical house rewiring project costs less, while premium cable options, including shielding and smart home automation installation, elevate how much rewiring a house costs.
- If asbestos is present (common in older Australian homes): A significant factor, particularly in older Australian properties, is whether asbestos is present. The safe removal and disposal of asbestos, which is commonly used in building materials, will add considerably to the cost of rewiring a house.
- Regional cost variations: The cost of renovating a house substantially differs between main urban metropolitan areas. Due to higher labour prices and elevated customer demand, the cost to rewire a house in Sydney exceeds Brisbane and Perth.
- Switchboard and safety switch upgrades: Upgrading a switchboard is a standard component of a residential rewiring project when a home features outdated electric systems. The total cost to rewire a house includes modernising switchboards and installing safety switches, which ensure security and improve home safety.
Additional Costs to Consider
Renovating a home tends to uncover many expenses that extend further than what was introduced. The total tally rises significantly when people fail to account for additional costs during budgeting. Let's delve into some common ones and explore their potential price tags:
Plastering and Wall Repairs
After electrical and plumbing repairs, plastering and wall repairs become necessary and will require extra expenses. You should budget approximately several hundred dollars for a basic patch but expect to pay several thousand dollars when performing major renovation work.
Upgrading Lighting and Power Points
Adding one of these items to your renovation project increases the total expenses. The price increases based on the number of new power points and the complexity of the wiring systems. New power points and light fittings installed by professionals will cost roughly $80 to $200 each, excluding the fixtures' cost.
Installing New Safety Switches, Surge Protection, and Smoke Alarms
Upgrading essential safety features is included in the standard cost of rewiring a house in Australia. Installing new RCD safety switches (AUD $300 - $600 per board) combined with surge protectors, which start at AUD $150 but can extend up to AUD $500, will affect the total cost. The cost of installing hardwired smoke alarms and their unit price totals between $100 and $200.
Mandatory Inspections and Certification Costs
Once the electrical work is complete, the electrical system requires an inspection by a licensed electrical inspector to verify compliance with Australian standards. When considering how much rewiring a house costs, include expenses for the required certifications. The cost of inspections starts at $300 but may exceed $800 in most cases.
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Partial vs. Full House Rewiring
While you might be focused on the main renovation costs, there is importance in understanding the differences of partial vs full house wiring. Remember that the final cost to rewire a house will be influenced by many factors.
When a Partial Rewire Makes Sense:
A partial electrical rewiring is suitable for properties that display only outdated wiring and electrical defects in specific areas. For instance, if you're renovating a single room or adding an extension, it might be sufficient to rewire just that section to meet modern standards and electrical demands. However, the assessment of your electrical system needs to be performed by a qualified electrician who will evaluate its complete status.
The cost to rewire a house partially will be less than a full rewire. The price to rewire a house mainly depends on how large the work scope extends. It falls between $200 and $3000 based on how extensive or complex the rewiring area is. In contrast, the complete cost to wire an entire house is between $6,000 and $20,000 or more based on the property size, labour costs, materials, and inspection fees.
Below are the pros and cons of each option:
Partial Rewire
Full House Rewire
A qualified electrician needs to be consulted because they will determine the ideal and most budget-friendly solution for your requirements. An electrician offers precise assessments of your house wiring while showing how much it costs to rewire a house fully or partially.
Signs Your House Needs Rewiring 
You must recognise the warning signs that indicate your home needs rewiring to guarantee your electrical system's safety and operational performance. Dismissing these signs may produce dangerous situations and high future repair expenses. Let's explore some key warning signs:
Blown Fuses and Tripping Circuits
Repeated blown fuses of safety switches and circuit breakers that keep tripping signal that the wiring struggles to manage electrical loads, potentially due to inadequate wiring that needs upgrading.
Discoloured or Warm Power Points
These are definite red flags. Yellowish or brown discoloured outlets indicate overheating within your electrical wiring. This condition presents a real fire hazard, which shows that your electrical system requires urgent assessment.
Buzzing Noises in Walls
Unconventional noises inside your walls may be from loose connections, damaged wiring or electrical arcing within your walls. Neglecting suspicious noises represents a serious danger that might trigger electrical fires.
House Was Built Before the 1970s
The original wiring is likely no longer up to modern safety standards and electrical demands. Wiring systems from the past do not implement necessary safety elements, which become worse as they age.
Tips to Save on Rewiring Costs
Rewiring your house requires substantial investment, but multiple ways exist to decrease total costs of rewiring a house. Several key tips will help you manage your house rewire expenses.
Rewiring with Renovations
Choosing an Efficient Electrician
Getting Multiple Quotes
Scheduling in Off-Peak Seasons
Need expert electrical solutions in Perth? Get in touch with our friendly team. We’ll not only offer you the best price, but also deliver outstanding results for all your electrical needs.
Choosing the Right Electrician in Australia 
Homeowners must choose the perfect electrician to guarantee safety, compliance with standards, and top-notch electrical quality in their residences. Having complete knowledge about electricians in Australia will help prevent both potential risks and additional expenses. The following points must be your main focus:
Importance of a Licensed and Insured Electrician
Working with electricians with Australian licensing and insurance must be considered mandatory in Australia. Licensing ensures that the electrician has undergone the required training and possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to perform electrical work safely and according to Australian standards (AS/NZS 3000, also known as the Wiring Rules).
Trying electrical work by yourself or choosing an unlicensed professional is illegal and extremely hazardous because it creates a possibility of shock and fire threats and could void your homeowner insurance protection.
Verifying Credentials (Check with Local State Licensing Bodies)
The verification of electrician licensing should not depend solely on their word. You must confirm their credentials independently. All Australian states operate their own licensing bodies, so you must verify the current validity of the electrician's license with the relevant authority. The information about licensing bodies and their contact details is typically available through state government websites in online registers.
The NSW Fair Trading website lets users verify electrician licenses within New South Wales. Electrical licenses are also available for check in various online platforms run by states, including Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia.
What a Good Quote Should Include
Looking at the detailed price breakdown will help customers understand all tasks included in the job while also avoiding unexpected costs. A proper electrician quote in Australia should contain at least these specific components:
- Clear breakdown of labour costs: This should specify the hourly rate or a fixed price for the labour involved.
- Detailed list of materials: All materials to be used, including brands and specifications where relevant, should be listed. This ensures transparency about the quality of components used in your house's wiring cost.
- Specific description of the work to be done: The quote should clearly outline each task involved, whether it's installing new power points, rewiring circuits, or upgrading your switchboard. Ambiguous descriptions can lead to misunderstandings and potential extra charges.
- Estimated timeframe for the project: A reasonable estimate of how long the work will take helps you plan accordingly.
- Details of any included certifications or compliance checks: Australian law requires mandatory inspections and certifications for work like rewiring. The quote should specify if these costs are included.
- GST (Goods and Services Tax): The quote should clearly state whether GST is included in the quoted price.
- The electrician's license number and insurance details should be readily available on the quote.
A licensed electrician with insurance and a detailed quotation enables you to trust your electrical work's safety measures and budget performance, from minor fixes to entire house rewiring projects.
Why Dynamic Group Is Your Top Choice for Electrician Jobs in Perth
Electrical work demands the utmost attention to safety, making your choice of service provider critical.
Dynamic Group meets all essential compliance, safety, and dependable service criteria. Our team of electricians is readily available for both residential and commercial electrical services.
Licenced & Qualified
Top Customer Service
Quality Workmanship
Reliable & Always On-Time
Fair & Competitive Pricing
Tidy & Clean Workplaces
Get in touch with us today to know more about our services or to request a quote.