If your home is in need of electrical upgrades or wiring, then it’s important to understand the steps to a safe and well-planned installation. Today, wiring a new home can cost between $15,000 and $20,000, and working with a licensed electrician helps ensure the project meets current electrical code requirements.
So, how much does it cost to wire a house? New construction electrical cost can vary based on the size and scope of your project. Let’s look at some of the factors to consider when putting together your budget for a new construction electrical cost.
Hire a General Contractor
A qualified electrician can help you determine the average cost to wire a house. Their knowledge and expertise will help you create a budget that fits your expectations and enhance the electrical experience in your home. They will review your design plan and come up with figures that reflect your needs, whether it’s wiring individual rooms or your entire home.
This helps ensure that all codes are followed, and that you have the minimum required plugs and switches. A general contractor may add 10 to 15 percent as a project management fee, ensuring that your wiring meets all applicable guidelines.
Use a Qualified Electrician
Construction electrical costs vary from one project to another. Using a qualified electrician helps minimize the risk of unexpected costs. An electrician can provide a detailed and complete quote for materials and labour.
They can also help develop a schedule that avoids conflicts with other trades and create a plan that keeps your rewiring project on time and on budget.
Planning Process
You should incorporate the average cost to wire a house into your overall project budget. Review it during the planning process when you establish timelines.
Proper planning can help avoid costly delays and ensure that you address any additional permits or construction requirements, such as sewer or water upgrades needed to accommodate your wiring project.
Permits Required
Like most home construction projects, there is often a need for permits to ensure the work is completed to code. You will also need an inspection once the job is complete to verify that all requirements have been met.
Your electrician can help you obtain the necessary permits and keep your project on track and within applicable guidelines and codes. Permit costs can be a few hundred dollars, depending on your location and modification requirements.
Confirm Size Service Entrance
Each home has different service requirements depending on its electrical needs. Power service typically ranges from 200A to 400A.
Factors that may influence this include the heating source of your home. For example, homes with propane or oil heating may only require 200 amps.
Underground vs. Overhead Power
Your exterior electrical configuration will impact the cost of wiring a new house. Underground service will cost more than overhead due to the need to build trenches and pipes.
You will also have the additional cost of communication pipes for phone and cable to connect to your house. This will add labour and cable costs and should be factored into your budget.
Number of Plugs in Every Room
You rely on wall plugs to charge your devices and run appliances. Electrical codes require the installation of plugs every 12 feet of wall space. This helps ensure that cords can easily reach outlets without creating a hazard.
There are other specifications depending on the location of the plug. In kitchens, for example, electrical codes require a plug for every 3 feet of counter space to ensure the safe operation of appliances and reduce the need for extension cords.
Amount of Lights in Every Room
It’s important to have a well lit room to complete tasks. This can affect the cost of wiring a house. Though you do not need a lighting fixture in a room, you can have switched wall plugs for lamps so you can customize your lighting setup.
You can install a switched plug near the door as you enter a room, making it convenient and cost-effective to control your lights.
Pot Lights vs. Regular Lights
Pot lights are a great way to customize your lighting experience, allowing you to maximize your lighting options. This gives you the option to direct and adjust the flow of light. It does have a small added cost, usually running between $60 and $120 per light.
Your wiring installation expert will be able to provide you with a quote and help determine the best lighting solution for your room to determine whether pot lights or a traditional light fixture is the better option.
How to keep costs down
New construction electrical costs may seem overwhelming, but with the right experts by your side, you can minimize costs. There are a few things you can do to keep costs down while still enjoying the best lighting and electrical setup for your home.
Start by consulting with a professional who can not only help you keep your costs down, but can often provide you with discounts and pricing that retail stores can’t match. Make sure you are maximizing your electrical receptacle and outlet circuit capacity to reduce the number of breakers required.
If you need to save a bit of money, consider not installing basement wiring right away. Codes require minimum lighting and a smoke detector, and an outlet near the panel can help provide both.
Contact Us
The professionals at Ontime Electric can help you find the best wiring solutions for your home. We offer 24/7 emergency electrical repair and installation and provide expert wiring and electrical services that fit your budget and design. Our fully licensed and insured technicians deliver electrical solutions that exceed your expectations. We are an ESA-licensed and registered company with over 20 years of experience, and backed by our 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.