Written by Jimco Electric | Published on July 2025
The cost to rewire a house typically falls between $8,000 and $15,000 for a 1,500 to 2,500 square foot home, though older homes with outdated wiring can push that number higher. In Naperville IL, factors like local permit fees, home age, and panel upgrades all affect the final price.
This guide covers what drives rewiring costs, how home size and age change the equation, what the process looks like, and how to know if your home actually needs it. You will also find a breakdown of common add-on costs and answers to the questions we hear most often.
Understand What Drives the Cost to Rewire a House
Rewiring is not a one-size-fits-all job. Several variables push the price up or down, and understanding them helps you get accurate quotes and avoid surprises.
- Home size: Larger homes need more wire, more labor hours, and more outlets. A 3,000 square foot home costs significantly more to rewire than a 1,200 square foot bungalow.
- Home age: Homes built before 1970 often have knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. Removing and replacing these systems takes more time and care than updating newer wiring.
- Number of circuits: More bedrooms, bathrooms, and appliances mean more dedicated circuits. Each circuit adds labor and material cost.
- Panel condition: If your electrical panel is outdated or undersized, it often needs an upgrade alongside the rewire. A 200-amp panel upgrade typically adds $1,500 to $3,000.
- Accessibility: Open-concept homes or homes mid-renovation are easier and cheaper to rewire. Finished walls, plaster ceilings, and tight crawl spaces add labor time.
- Local permit fees: In Naperville IL, electrical permits are required for rewiring work. Permit costs usually range from $200 to $500 depending on the scope of the project.
Getting quotes from licensed electricians gives you the clearest picture. At Jimco Electric, we assess all of these factors before providing a detailed estimate so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Compare Rewiring Costs by Home Size
Home size is the single biggest cost driver. The table below gives realistic price ranges based on square footage for homes in the Naperville IL area. These figures include labor, materials, and standard permit fees.
| Home Size (sq ft) | Estimated Cost Range | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1,000 | $3,500 to $7,000 | 2 to 4 days |
| 1,000 to 1,500 | $6,000 to $10,000 | 3 to 5 days |
| 1,500 to 2,500 | $8,000 to $15,000 | 5 to 7 days |
| 2,500 to 4,000 | $12,000 to $20,000 | 7 to 10 days |
| Over 4,000 | $18,000 and up | 10 or more days |
These are general ranges. A home with a finished basement, three-car garage, or home office setup will land on the higher end. A straightforward ranch-style home with easy access often comes in closer to the lower end.
Keep in mind that Naperville has a mix of housing stock from post-war ranches to newer construction in subdivisions like Hobson West and South Pointe. The age and style of your home matters just as much as the square footage.
Recognize the Signs Your Home Needs Rewiring
Not every home needs a full rewire. But certain warning signs point clearly to outdated or unsafe wiring that should be replaced soon rather than later.
- Breakers trip repeatedly for no clear reason
- Outlets or switches feel warm to the touch
- Lights flicker or dim when you run appliances
- You notice a burning smell with no visible source
- Your home still uses two-prong ungrounded outlets throughout
- Your electrical panel uses fuses instead of circuit breakers
- The home was built before 1970 and has never had electrical work done
- You are adding high-draw appliances like EV chargers, hot tubs, or a second HVAC system
Knob-and-tube wiring, common in Naperville homes built before the 1950s, is a serious safety concern. It lacks a ground wire and was not designed for modern electrical loads. Many home insurance companies in Illinois will not cover homes that still have active knob-and-tube wiring.
If you are unsure whether your home has these issues, an inspection from a licensed electrician is the right first step.
Break Down the Additional Costs to Budget For
The base rewiring cost is just part of the picture. Several add-ons are common during a rewire project, and budgeting for them upfront prevents sticker shock midway through the job.
| Add-On Service | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 200-amp panel upgrade | $1,500 to $3,000 | Often needed alongside a rewire |
| GFCI outlets (kitchen, bath) | $150 to $300 per room | Required by Illinois code in wet areas |
| AFCI breakers | $40 to $80 per breaker | Required by current NEC code in bedrooms |
| Smoke and CO detector installation | $75 to $150 per unit | Illinois law requires working detectors |
| EV charger rough-in | $500 to $1,200 | Popular add-on in Naperville homes |
| Drywall patching (after wiring) | $500 to $2,000 | Separate contractor or included by some electricians |
| Electrical permit and inspection | $200 to $500 | Required in Naperville IL for all rewiring work |
Illinois and Naperville follow the National Electrical Code (NEC), and inspectors check that all work meets current standards. Hiring a licensed electrician ensures the work passes inspection the first time and protects your home’s resale value.
Understand the Rewiring Process Step by Step
Knowing what happens during a rewire helps you prepare your home and set realistic expectations for the timeline.
- Initial assessment and estimate: A licensed electrician inspects your current wiring, panel, and load requirements. This typically takes one to two hours.
- Permit application: Your electrician pulls the required permits from the City of Naperville before any work begins. Do not hire anyone who skips this step.
- Power shutdown and setup: The main power is shut off. Electricians set up temporary lighting if needed and protect your belongings.
- Old wiring removal: Existing wire is removed from walls, ceilings, and the panel. In finished homes, electricians fish new wire through walls using specialized tools to minimize damage.
- New wire installation: Modern copper wire (typically 12-gauge or 14-gauge) is run to every outlet, switch, and fixture. Dedicated circuits are added for high-draw appliances.
- Panel connection: All new circuits are connected to the upgraded or existing panel with proper breakers, labeling, and grounding.
- Inspection: A city inspector reviews the work before walls are closed. Jimco Electric coordinates inspections directly so you do not have to.
- Final walkthrough: Once the inspection passes, power is restored and your electrician tests every outlet, switch, and circuit.
For most homes in Naperville, the full process takes five to ten business days. Homes with plaster walls or complex layouts take longer. Plan to be flexible with access during the project.
Explore Ways to Manage the Cost of Rewiring
Rewiring is a significant investment, but there are smart ways to manage the expense without cutting corners on safety or quality.
- Bundle with a renovation: If you are already remodeling a kitchen or finishing a basement, do the rewiring at the same time. Open walls mean lower labor costs for the electrical work.
- Prioritize the most critical areas first: If a full rewire is not in the budget right now, ask your electrician which areas pose the biggest safety risk and tackle those first.
- Get multiple quotes: Prices vary between contractors. Get at least two or three quotes from licensed electricians. Be cautious of quotes that are dramatically lower than others.
- Check for financing options: Some electrical contractors offer financing plans. Ask Jimco Electric about payment options when you call for a quote.
- Look into utility rebates: ComEd, the primary utility provider in the Naperville area, occasionally offers rebates for electrical upgrades. Check their current program offerings before your project starts.
- Do not delay on safety issues: Waiting on a rewire when there are active safety concerns costs more in the long run if a fire or electrical failure occurs. Homeowner insurance claims related to electrical fires are expensive and sometimes denied for known hazards.
Timing your project in the late fall or early winter can sometimes get you faster scheduling since demand for electrical work tends to slow after the busy summer season.
FAQs on the Cost to Rewire a House
How long does it take to rewire a house?
Most homes take between five and ten business days to rewire. Smaller homes or homes with open walls during a renovation can be done faster. Larger homes or those with finished plaster walls and tight access points take longer due to the extra care needed to fish wiring through closed spaces.
Can I live in my house while it is being rewired?
In most cases, yes. Electricians typically work one section of the home at a time so power is not completely off for days at a time. However, expect disruption, dust from wall access points, and temporary loss of power to certain areas. Some homeowners choose to stay elsewhere during the heaviest work days.
Is rewiring a house worth it?
Yes, especially for homes built before 1970. Updated wiring improves safety, reduces fire risk, meets current code, and makes your home insurable and easier to sell. In Naperville IL’s competitive real estate market, buyers and inspectors look closely at the electrical system, and outdated wiring can kill a deal or reduce your sale price.
Does homeowners insurance cover rewiring costs?
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover the cost of rewiring as a maintenance or upgrade expense. However, if faulty wiring causes a fire or other covered damage, the resulting damage may be covered. Some insurers require proof of updated wiring to maintain coverage, especially for older homes with knob-and-tube systems.
Do I need a permit to rewire a house in Naperville IL?
Yes. The City of Naperville requires electrical permits for rewiring work, and an inspection is required before the project is considered complete. Your licensed electrician handles the permit application. Never hire a contractor who suggests skipping permits as it creates liability for you as the homeowner.
What is the difference between partial and full rewiring?
A full rewire replaces all wiring in the home from the panel to every outlet and fixture. A partial rewire targets specific areas or circuits that are damaged or outdated. Partial rewires cost less upfront but may not address all safety concerns. Your electrician can help you decide which approach makes sense for your situation.
Wrap Up and Next Steps
The cost to rewire a house in Naperville IL typically runs between $8,000 and $15,000 for an average-sized home, with older homes and larger square footage pushing prices higher. Knowing what drives the cost and what to budget for add-ons helps you plan confidently and avoid surprises.
If your home is showing warning signs of outdated wiring or you are planning a renovation, now is the right time to get a professional assessment. The Jimco Electric team serves Naperville and the surrounding area with licensed, inspected electrical work you can count on.
Call Jimco Electric at 708-304-8687 to schedule your inspection or request a rewiring quote. We are ready to walk through your home, explain your options clearly, and give you a fair, detailed estimate.