How much does it cost to rewire a house in Australia?

If you live in an older home, you may have heard that it "needs rewiring". That can sound expensive and disruptive, and it's natural to want a number. The honest answer is that the cost of rewiring a house in Australia depends on the size and construction of the home, how much wiring needs replacing and how easy it is to reach.

This guide explains what's involved, what drives the price, warning signs to look out for, and how to get quotes that are easy to compare. Rules differ between states and territories, so check with your state regulator for local requirements.

Full rewire or partial rewire?

A full rewire replaces most or all of the cabling in the home, often along with power points, switches, light fittings and sometimes the switchboard. A partial rewire replaces only the circuits or areas that need it, such as an older extension or a single circuit with damaged cable.

An electrician can inspect and test your wiring to tell you which you need. Ask them to explain what they found and why they're recommending the work.

Warning signs your wiring needs checking

Energy Safe Victoria's Test. Reset. Protect. guide explains that the insulation on household wiring degrades over time and can leave bare wires exposed, which can cause a fire or electric shock. It lists signs such as:

• old switchboards, particularly those without a safety switch
• old or broken power switches and power points
• flickering lights
• sparks from switchboards, switches or power points

The same guide suggests that if your house is over 30 years old, you consider getting your wiring checked by a licensed electrician. Other signs include burning smells, power points that feel warm, or safety switches that trip often.

If you see sparks, smoke or scorch marks, keep clear and call a licensed electrician straight away. In an emergency, call 000.

What affects the price

Size and layout of the home

More rooms, more circuits and more power points mean more cable and more time. A double-storey home usually takes longer than a single-storey home of the same floor area because cables must run between floors.

Construction type and access

Access is often the biggest factor. Homes with an accessible roof space and a timber floor with crawl space are generally easier to rewire. Solid brick walls, concrete slabs, ornate plaster ceilings, raked ceilings and tight roof spaces can make cable runs slower and may involve chasing walls or patching.

Scope of the work

The more you add, the more it costs. Upgrading the switchboard, adding power points, installing new light fittings, hardwired smoke alarms or data cabling all add to the scope. Ask each electrician to list what's included.

Patching and making good

Rewiring can leave holes in walls or ceilings that need patching and painting. Some electricians include basic patching; others leave it to a plasterer and painter. Clarify this up front.

Asbestos and older materials

Older homes may contain asbestos in places like switchboard panels, eaves or wall linings. The national Asbestos Product Guide notes that some older switchboard and meter panels contain asbestos and were mostly installed before 1990. If asbestos may be disturbed, ask how it will be managed, as that can affect the method, timing and cost.

Whether you're living in the home

Rewiring an empty home is usually faster than working around furniture and family. If you're planning a renovation, it can make sense to rewire at the same time, while walls and ceilings are open.

How to get quotes you can compare

Ask two or three licensed electricians to inspect the home, then give them the same brief:

• whether you want a full or partial rewire
• the number of power points, lights and switches you'd like in each room
• any additions, such as safety switches, smoke alarms, data points or outdoor power
• whether patching and painting should be included
• whether you'll be living in the home during the work
• your timing, especially if it's tied to a renovation

Ask each quote to show labour, materials, switchboard work, fittings, patching, testing and certificates, and GST.

Check licences and paperwork

Rewiring is electrical work and must be done by a licensed electrician. Check the licence on your state's official register before work starts. Our guide on how to check a tradie's licence in every state and territory lists where to look.

Ask what compliance certificate you'll receive when the work is finished, and keep it with your home records. You can also check the business's ABN on ABN Lookup.

For a large job, a written contract is a good idea, and in some states it's required above certain values. For example, the NSW Government explains when you need a written contract on its contracts for residential building work page. Check your own state's consumer or building regulator for the current rules.

Ways to manage the cost

• Combine with a renovation. Rewiring while walls are open can reduce patching.
• Plan your layout. Decide where you want power points and lights before the electrician starts, so changes don't add cost later.
• Ask about staging. In some cases, a partial rewire now and more later may suit your budget. Ask your electrician whether that's safe and practical.

Ready to compare local electricians? Start at our electricians page or browse electricians in Melbourne.

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Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information only, not legal or financial advice. Rules change, so check the official sources linked above for your state.