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Electrical Work Cost
National average
$65-$85
(per hour)
Low:
$1,200
(minimal wiring project)
High:
$18,000
(major wiring, e.g. 30 recessed lights)
Cost to hire an electrician varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from electricians in your city.
The average cost of hiring an electrician is $65-$85.
How much does it cost to hire an electrician?
Most modern home additions, renovations or remodelling projects will require wiring changes ranging between minor wiring changes and complete wiring overhauls. When looking to install new wiring for an addition or remodel, wiring prices will be dependant on the age of the current wiring and if it is up to code as well as the square footage and light and plug requirement of your addition or remodel. In our example below we are focusing on a home addition (like a family room) of 200 square feet in a home with original wiring.
Cost breakdown
- Labor: you can expect electricians to charge between $65-$85 per hour. A fully wired remodel with only a few changes can take as few as 3 or 4 hours ($200-$350) while a brand new addition can take a full day ($800) or more.
- New wiring: the material cost of new wires range between $6-$8 per linear feet. According to remodel magazine Home Guides, the average length of wiring needed for a 200 sq.ft. remodel is between 100 lf. and 200 lf. depending on the distance to the breaker box and switches as well as the condition of current wiring. Laying new wires is a two step process and is typically expected to be charged at 1 hour per 100 sq.ft. In our example, this would cost about $130-$170.
- Replacing breakers: replace a standard 15-60 amp circuit breaker for between $35-$60 each. Some homes require a replacement of a standard Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) 15-20 amp circuit breakers and each breaker will cost between $45-$75. These breakers prevent electrical fires by detecting dangerous electrical arcs. Both breakers would be projected to take about an hour of labor for installation and cost between $65-$85. The total estimated cost of labour and materials would, then, range between $100-$160 each.
- Adding Outlets and switches: turning new wiring into functional wiring with the addition of switches and outlets is vital. The Craftsman Book Company indicates that each room in a house tends to have 2-3 outlets per space. Each switch or outlet can be expected to cost around $100-$185 each.
- Installing light fixture: many choose to add a central light fixture for design and aesthetic purposes. Lights can range from a simple glass ceiling light (around $20-$40) to a simple pendant light ($60-$100) and beyond. Installation of these lights are very quick, and typically take 15 minutes per light. Many electricians will charge one full hour, between $65-$85, unless installation is combined with other projects.
Enhancement and improvement costs
- Recessed Can Lights 1: many modern homeowners desire recessed lighting 1 throughout their homes. The cost to install recessed can lights 1 varies between $160 and $350 per light depending on the number of lights required. An average 200 sq.ft. addition will have one light every 6 sq.ft. for a total of 30 lights totalling between $4,800-$10,500.
Additional considerations and costs
- Due to the large range of the condition of the wiring in an older home, there are a few items that may also need to be upgraded or altered.
- Ground rod installation: in order to ground the wiring in a home, the ground rod may need to be replaced. An 8' ground rod will typically cost around $350 including installation.
- Replace main electric panel box: in a complete re-wiring project, it may be necessary to replace the main electric panel. The costs would vary on the required amps. Typically an 100 amp electric box will cost $1100 and a 200 amp electric box $1500. A replacement main panel will increase wiring material needed by $6-$8 per lf.
- New meter sockets: replacement meter can (base pan) 1 phase sockets may be necessary in an addition or require replacement in a remodel. 100 amp meter sockets cost between $50-$150 with installation costs of about $400-$500. 200 amp meter sockets cost between $200-$400 with installation costs of $500-$600.
- Add an upgraded electrical panel: in a particularly outdated home, the electrical panel may be hovering at 40 amps while the average modern home requires a minimum of 100 amp service. Large homes may require a 200 amp upgrade. This cost can be expected to range around $1300 to $3000.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full cheat sheet.
1 Can lights: (Also known as Recessed lighting) A type of recessed lighting where the light is installed into a hole in the ceiling, giving downward light.
How much does it cost to hire an electrician in my city?
Cost to hire an electrician varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
Labor cost by city and zip code
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Labor cost in your zip code
