6 Questions to Ask About Upgrading an Electrical Panel or Wiring

If you’re a hands-on homeowner, there are plenty of rewarding DIY projects you can tackle on your own—but upgrading your electrical system isn’t one of them. Instead, you’ll need to hire a licensed electrician for this type of work. But before reaching out to a pro, ask yourself these electrical wiring questions to prepare for the project.

1. Why does your electrical system need an upgrade?

First and foremost, your local electrician will need to know what prompted you to contact them. Whether you constantly have to flip your breakers, see sparks when you plug things in, or are preparing for a remodel, be ready to explain what you hope to achieve from your electrical upgrade.

2. How big is your home?

In some cases, the size of your home will directly affect the price of your project. For example, let’s say you need new wiring throughout your house. Since rewiring a home costs $2 to $4 per square foot, it would cost $3,000 to $6,000 to rewire a 1,500-square-foot property. For a 2,500-square-foot house, those prices increase to $5,000 to $10,000.

3. How old is your home? 

It’s also helpful to let your electrician know when your house was built. If you have an older home, there’s a chance that the electrical system is outdated and potentially unsafe. Giving the pro a heads-up will let them know what to expect and help them prepare for their visit.

4. When do you want to start this project?

Be prepared to discuss the project schedule as well. Depending on the work being performed, your electrician might need to turn off the power to your home for a few hours or days. For more complex or dangerous projects, you might need to move out temporarily. In either case, it’s vital to prepare accordingly—especially if you work from home or use medical equipment that requires electricity.

5. Do you need any other electrical work done? 

If you’re already hiring an electrician to upgrade your electrical panel or wiring, it’s a good opportunity to take on any other electrical work you’ve been considering. Maybe you’ve been wanting to install new lighting fixtures, run electricity to your shed, or set up a home theater. Whatever your goal is, you may be able to save time and money by tackling multiple projects at the same time.

6. What’s your budget?

Budget is another important topic to discuss when speaking with an electrician. The average cost to upgrade an electrical panel ranges from $1,200 to $2,000. However, these costs will vary depending on the panel's amperage, size and layout, permit prices, labor rates, and other factors. Before hiring an electrician, we recommend getting quotes from at least three companies to compare costs.