What does it cost to rewire a house in New Jersey?
A full house rewire in Central NJ costs between $8,000 and $30,000. The price depends mostly on the size of the house, how many stories it has, and whether walls need to be opened.
| House Size | Typical Rewiring Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (small ranch) | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft (average ranch/cape) | $12,000 - $18,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft (colonial/split) | $16,000 - $22,000 |
| 2,500+ sq ft (larger colonial) | $22,000 - $30,000 |
Aluminum to copper rewiring
Homes built between 1965 and 1974 often have aluminum branch circuit wiring. This is the most common reason for rewiring in Central NJ.
Aluminum wiring is not inherently dangerous on its own. The problem is at connection points: outlets, switches, splices, and the panel. Aluminum expands and contracts more than copper when it heats up. Over decades, this loosens connections. Loose connections arc. Arcing starts fires.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission found that homes with aluminum wiring are 55 times more likely to have a connection reach fire-hazard conditions than homes with copper.
You have two options:
Full rewire ($8,000 to $30,000). Replace all aluminum branch circuits with copper. This is the permanent fix. Every outlet, switch, and junction box gets new copper wiring.
COPALUM or AlumiConn pigtailing ($3,000 to $6,000). A licensed electrician adds a short copper pigtail to every aluminum connection point using a special crimp connector (COPALUM) or set-screw connector (AlumiConn). This is a valid repair method recognized by the CPSC. It costs less than a full rewire but does not eliminate the aluminum wiring itself.
We recommend full rewiring when the house also needs a panel upgrade or when the homeowner plans to stay long-term. The pigtail method works well as an interim solution or for homes where opening walls is impractical.
Knob and tube rewiring
Homes built before 1950 may still have knob and tube wiring. This system uses ceramic knobs and tubes to route single-conductor wires through the house. It was safe when installed, but after 70+ years, the rubber insulation deteriorates and becomes brittle.
Knob and tube wiring has no ground wire, which means no GFCI protection. Many insurance companies in NJ will not write a homeowner's policy on a house with active knob and tube wiring, or they charge a significant surcharge.
Rewiring a house from knob and tube costs the same as a standard rewire ($8,000 to $30,000), but the work takes longer because the old wiring must be removed or abandoned in place.
What affects the cost?
Number of stories. A single-story ranch is the easiest to rewire. The electrician can access most wiring from the attic and basement without opening walls. A two-story colonial requires more wall cuts and takes 50 to 75% longer.
Wall access. If the house has an unfinished basement and accessible attic, rewiring is faster and less invasive. A finished basement with a drop ceiling is still workable. A finished basement with drywall ceiling adds time and drywall repair costs.
Number of circuits and outlets. More outlets means more wire, more labor, and more time. A typical 1,500 square foot house has 15 to 20 circuits and 40 to 60 outlets and switches.
Panel upgrade. Most full rewires include a panel upgrade to 200 amps. If your panel is already 200 amps and in good condition, you save $1,500 to $2,500.
Permits. NJ requires an electrical permit for any rewiring work. Inspectors will check wire gauge, box fill calculations, GFCI and AFCI protection, and grounding throughout the house. Permit fees in Middlesex County run $150 to $300.
How long does a rewire take?
| House Size | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Small ranch (1,000 sq ft) | 3-4 days |
| Average home (1,500 sq ft) | 4-6 days |
| Larger colonial (2,000+ sq ft) | 6-10 days |
Signs you need a rewire
- Insurance company is requiring it
- You have aluminum wiring (1965-1974 construction)
- You have knob and tube wiring (pre-1950 construction)
- Outlets are warm to the touch
- Lights flicker when appliances turn on
- Burning smell with no visible source
- Two-prong outlets with no ground wire
- Breakers trip frequently
Get a free estimate
Call Bruce at (800) 732-0585 for a free rewiring estimate. He will inspect your current wiring, check the panel, and give you a clear price for the full job. If pigtailing is a better option for your situation, he will tell you.