Introduction

If you’ve ever searched “how much to rewire a house”, chances are you’re worried about more than just numbers. Maybe you’ve noticed flickering lights in your Midtown bungalow, breakers that keep tripping in your East Memphis ranch-style home, or two-prong outlets in that classic Colonial in Germantown. Whatever the case, rewiring isn’t just another home upgrade, it’s about keeping your family safe and your property up to modern standards.

Old wiring is one of the most common issues in Memphis-area homes, especially those built before the 1970s. Many of these houses still have aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring that simply wasn’t designed for today’s heavy electrical load, think smart appliances, EV chargers, home theaters, and HVAC systems running all day in the Tennessee heat. Left unchecked, outdated wiring can lead to electrical fires, shocks, and costly system failures.

So, how much to rewire a house in Memphis, TN? On average, rewiring costs range from $4,000 to $12,000, depending on the size and age of your home. Smaller homes in neighborhoods like Cooper-Young or South Main might land on the lower end, while larger properties in Germantown or Collierville can push toward the higher range, sometimes even $15,000 or more if the wiring is severely outdated.

In this complete guide, we’ll break down house rewiring costs in Memphis, explain what factors drive those prices, and give you practical tips to save money without cutting corners. Whether you’re restoring a historic home near Overton Park or updating a modern build in Cordova, this guide will answer your biggest questions before you pick up the phone to call an electrician.

Average Cost to Rewire a House in Tennessee

So, how much to rewire a house in Tennessee? On average, homeowners across the U.S. pay between $4,000 and $12,000 to completely rewire a home. But here in Memphis and the greater Tennessee area, costs can shift depending on local labor rates, housing styles, and even how old your property is.

• Smaller homes (under 1,000 sq. ft.): $1,500–$3,000
  Great for starter homes or bungalows in neighborhoods like Cooper-Young or South Memphis. Costs stay on the lower end because fewer outlets and circuits are needed.
• Medium-sized homes (1,200–2,000 sq. ft.): $5,000–$8,000
  Typical for the ranch-style homes you see in East Memphis or Bartlett. Prices here include not just new wiring, but also upgrades to panels and outlets to meet modern codes.
• Larger homes (2,500–3,500+ sq. ft.): $12,000–$20,000+
  Spacious properties in Germantown or Collierville often fall in this range. Bigger square footage means more labor hours and materials, and if the house has multiple stories, expect costs to climb even higher.
• Apartments & Condos: $1,500–$5,000
  Units in places like Downtown Memphis high-rises are often cheaper to rewire due to smaller layouts. However, accessibility (shared walls, HOA restrictions, or limited entry points) can increase pricing.

Tennessee Reality Check

In Memphis, TN, most electricians charge between $85 and $120 per hour for rewiring work. Add in the cost of permits (which the City of Memphis typically requires for electrical rewiring projects), and your total can lean higher than the national average. If your home still has knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring (common in older Midtown homes built before 1970), you could be looking at the top end of the scale, or more.

Pro Tip for Memphis Homeowners

Always request a written, itemized estimate when comparing house rewiring costs. A trustworthy electrician in Memphis should break down:

• Wiring materials
• Labor rates
• Permit and inspection fees
• Panel upgrades (if needed)
• Cleanup/restoration (patching drywall, etc.)

This way, you’ll avoid hidden charges and get a true picture of the average cost to rewire a home in Tennessee.

Factors That Impact the Cost of Rewiring a Home

Several key elements affect how much you’ll spend on rewiring a house:

1. Home Size & Square Footage

The bigger the house, the more wiring, circuits, and outlets are required. Electricians often calculate the cost of rewiring a home per square foot. Expect $2–$4 per sq. ft. on average.

2. Age of the Home & Existing Wiring

Older houses with knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring are more difficult and expensive to upgrade. If your home is over 50 years old, you can expect a higher rewire house cost due to hidden challenges behind walls.

3. Number of Circuits & Outlets

The more outlets and circuits needed, the higher the total. Modern homes typically require more circuits than older homes because of today’s power demands (kitchen appliances, HVAC, EV chargers, etc.).

4. Accessibility of Wiring

Rewiring is faster and cheaper if walls, ceilings, or crawl spaces are accessible. Finished walls and plaster increase house rewiring costs because electricians must carefully cut and patch walls.

5. Local Labor Rates

Your location plays a big role. In high-cost-of-living areas, electrical rewiring costs can be 20–30% more expensive.

Cost Breakdown – What’s Included in a House Rewire?

When calculating the cost of rewiring a home, here’s what’s typically included:

• New wiring installation throughout the house
• Electrical panel upgrades (if your panel is outdated or too small)
• Switches and outlets replacement or additions
• Permits and inspection fees required by your local municipality
• Cleanup and restoration work (patching walls, repainting, etc.)

Note: The average price to rewire a house may not include drywall or painting, so ask if those are covered in the quote.

How Much Does It Cost to Rewire an Old House?

Rewiring an old home comes with unique challenges. Older wiring systems like knob-and-tube or cloth-insulated wires are not just outdated, they’re unsafe.

• Cost for old homes (built pre-1950): $12,000–$20,000+
• Hazards: brittle wires, non-grounded outlets, outdated fuse boxes
• Extra labor: removing old wiring safely and meeting updated codes

If you’re wondering how much does it cost to rewire an old house, expect costs to run significantly higher than modern homes.

Cost to Rewire a House Room by Room

Sometimes you don’t need a full rewire. You can tackle rooms in stages, especially during renovations. Here’s what you might pay:

• Kitchen: $1,500–$3,000 (appliance-heavy)
• Bathroom: $800–$2,000 (GFCI outlets required)
• Bedroom/Living Room: $1,000–$2,500 each
• Basement/Garage: $1,200–$3,500

This breakdown gives a clearer picture of your home rewiring cost if you’re not tackling the entire property at once.

Ways to Save Money on House Rewiring

Rewiring a home is a big investment, but there are smart ways to keep rewiring prices manageable:

• Bundle projects: Rewire during a remodel or renovation to save on labor and wall repairs.
• Partial rewiring: Only rewire the most critical areas if a full rewire isn’t in your budget.
• Multiple quotes: Always compare estimates from at least three electricians.
• Financing options: Ask about payment plans or financing, especially for large projects.

Do You Really Need to Rewire Your House? Signs It’s Time

You might be wondering if your home really needs a rewire. Here are the most common warning signs:

• Frequent breaker trips or blown fuses
• Flickering or dimming lights when appliances run
• Burning smell from outlets or switches
• Two-prong outlets (non-grounded) still in use
• Knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring present

If you notice any of these issues, don’t wait. The cost of rewiring a house is much lower than the potential cost of fire damage.

Hiring an Electrician for Rewiring – What to Look For

Choosing the right electrician is just as important as budgeting. Look for:

• Licensing & insurance (never skip this step)
• Transparent estimates that break down labor, materials, and permits
• References & reviews from past customers
• Experience with local building codes and inspections

Pro Tip: Ask electricians about the approximate cost to rewire a house in your area, they’ll give more accurate figures based on local codes and labor costs.

FAQs About House Rewiring Costs

Q: How much to rewire a house per square foot?
A: Typically $2–$4 per sq. ft., depending on accessibility and labor rates.

Q: Is it cheaper to rewire a house in stages?
A: Yes, you can rewire by room, but full rewires are often more cost-efficient in the long run.

Q: How long does it take to rewire a home?
A: A standard 2,000 sq. ft. home may take 5–10 days, depending on complexity.

Q: Does rewiring increase home value?
A: Yes, modern wiring is a selling point and can increase resale value by making your home safer and code-compliant.

Q: Can I rewire my own house legally?
A: In most places, no. Rewiring requires permits and inspections, and unlicensed work can void insurance.

Conclusion

So, how much to rewire a house in Memphis or anywhere in Tennessee?

On average, most homeowners spend between $4,000 and $12,000, though costs can climb higher for large, historic, or heavily outdated properties. At first glance, that price tag might feel steep, but think of it this way: rewiring isn’t just a home improvement, it’s a safety upgrade that protects your family, your property, and your peace of mind.

The truth is, modern life demands more from your electrical system than ever before. From EV chargers to smart home gadgets to energy-hungry HVAC units, old wiring simply can’t keep up. Rewiring not only eliminates fire risks but also boosts your home’s efficiency, increases resale value, and sets you up for the future.

If you’re considering this investment, don’t rush to the cheapest option. Instead:

• ✅ Get multiple quotes from licensed Memphis electricians.
• ✅ Ask for itemized breakdowns so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
• ✅ Check reviews and local experience, especially with older Tennessee homes.

Remember: the cost to rewire a house is far less than the cost of a major electrical fire or system failure. By choosing quality workmanship now, you’re buying years of safety and reliability.

Whether you live in a cozy Midtown bungalow or a spacious Collierville estate, rewiring is one upgrade you’ll never regret, because it’s not just about power, it’s about protecting what matters most.