How much does it cost to wire a house per square foot?
Updated · Amperio.ai team
Short answer
Based on 2026 reference data in Amperio.ai (electrical estimating software), wiring a new house costs about $3–$8 per sq ft, or $3,000–$8,000 per 1,000 sq ft, including material and labor. Rewiring an existing home costs more — commonly $8–$15 per sq ft — because of access, demolition and patching. A 200A panel upgrade adds roughly $1,800–$4,500. The total depends on number of openings, spec level, service size and local labor rates.
| Home size | New construction ($3–$8/sq ft) | Rewire ($8–$15/sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $3,000–$8,000 | $8,000–$15,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $4,500–$12,000 | $12,000–$22,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $6,000–$16,000 | $16,000–$30,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $9,000–$24,000 | $24,000–$45,000 |
Reference ranges; excludes fixtures, low-voltage systems and major service work unless stated.
What drives the cost
- Openings per sq ft: custom homes have far more lights and receptacles than production homes.
- Service size: 200A is standard; 400A services for large homes cost much more.
- Special circuits: EV chargers, heat pumps, induction ranges, hot tubs.
- Wiring method: NM cable vs. conduit/MC (some jurisdictions require conduit).
- Local labor rate: see electrician cost per outlet.
How Amperio.ai handles it
- Estimate the house line by line and see cost per sq ft automatically (analytics).
- Residential templates for new construction and rewire (residential).
- AI takeoff counts openings from the floor plan.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to wire a 2,000 sq ft house?
About $6,000–$16,000 for new construction as a 2026 reference; rewiring commonly runs $16,000–$30,000.
How much does it cost to rewire a house?
Commonly $8–$15 per sq ft in 2026, depending on access and how much wall and ceiling must be opened.
How much does a 200 amp panel upgrade cost?
Roughly $1,800–$4,500 installed, more if the utility service or meter base must change.
How long does it take to wire a house?
Rough-in for a typical new 2,000 sq ft home usually takes a small crew several days, plus trim-out after drywall.
Related questions
Sources and methodology
- Electrical cost per point installed USA 2026 (Amperio.ai blog)
- Amperio.ai — residential electrical estimating
Prices and ranges are reference figures as of the update date; they vary by market, supplier and project conditions.