How much does rewiring a house cost in Baltimore? Learn average costs, factors that influence pricing, and how to find licensed electricians.
How Much Does Rewiring a House Cost in Washington, DC?
Electrical service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
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Highlights
Rewiring is typically priced at $2 to $4 per square foot, with total costs being based on home size, layout complexity, and electrical system condition.
Electricians in the District charge between $50 and $100 per hour.
A 6% local sales tax applies to most materials and potentially some labor fees.
The average cost to rewire a house in Washington, D.C. is $1,490, with most projects ranging from $670 to $2,375. Minor electrical updates may fall below $1,000, while full rewiring in older homes with outdated systems can push the cost above $3,000. Factors that influence cost include the age of the home, the complexity of its layout, and whether your wiring needs to be brought up to modern code. Here's what you can expect to pay for a rewiring project in the District.
Rewiring a House Cost Factors
Many variables contribute to the total cost of rewiring. If you think it’s the right time to upgrade your home electrical wiring, here are the main factors to keep in mind when estimating your cost to rewire a house in Washington, D.C.
Home Size
The cost to rewire a home in Washington, D.C. is often calculated by square footage, with most homeowners paying between $2 and $4 per square foot for materials and labor.
| House Size in Square Feet | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| 1,500 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| 2,000 | $4,000–$8,000 |
| 2,500 | $5,000–$10,000 |
| 3,000 | $6,000–$12,000 |
Materials
Materials make up a significant part of the total cost to rewire a house in Washington, D.C. You’ll need wire, outlets, switches, and possibly a new panel. Choosing high-end or specialized materials, like smart home components or fire-resistant cables, may raise your budget but offer improved safety and functionality.
| Wire Type | Cost per Linear Foot | Description |
|---|---|---|
| NM Cable | $0.40–$0.80 | Contains a hot wire, neutral wire, and ground wire housed in a plastic sheath for protection |
| UF Cable | $0.50–$0.75 | Similar to NM cable but designed to be used underground or in damp conditions |
| THHN/THWN Wire | $0.80–$1.60 | Ideal for exposed or unfinished areas, like basements, garages, or utility hookups |
| Coaxial Cable | $0.25– $0.35 | Less common; primarily supports television and video connections |
| Low-Voltage Wire | $0.25–$0.35 | Used for circuits under 50 volts, such as thermostats or doorbells |
Preparation and Cleanup
You can expect to pay up to $500 for cleanup services after the job is done. While contractors handle basic prep, homeowners are responsible for tasks like moving furniture, clearing valuables, and making sure the work area is accessible and protected from dust or damage.
Electrician Pro Costs in Washington, D.C.
Hiring a licensed electrician in Washington, D.C. means working within the city’s permitting system, strict code requirements, and professional labor standards, all of which shape your project cost. From hourly pricing and material taxes to available warranties, here’s what you should know when rewiring a home in the District.
Licensing and Insurance
Electrical contractors in Washington, D.C. must be licensed through the Department of Buildings (DOB), and all work must comply with the city’s building and energy codes. For residential jobs like panel upgrades or rewiring, permits are required and can only be pulled by a licensed Master Electrician. D.C. also requires electricians to hold active liability insurance. Always verify both license and insurance before hiring, as unlicensed work can lead to failed inspections, fines, or denied insurance claims.
Hourly Rates and Taxes
Local electricians in Washington, D.C. charge $50 to $100 per hour for labor. The District charges a 6% sales tax on taxable goods and some services. For rewiring projects, expect to pay that 6% on materials (wires, switches, panel) and possibly on some labor-related fees, depending on how your contractor itemizes the invoice.
Tipping
Tipping electricians in D.C. isn’t standard practice, but if you’re especially pleased with the work, a 5 to 10% tip is a thoughtful gesture. Alternatively, leaving a glowing review or recommending them to others is a great way to show appreciation and support their business.
Warranties
Most electricians include a 1- to 5-year warranty that covers installation errors or defective parts. In some cases, you can purchase an extended warranty with broader protection. Be sure to ask your contractor about available plans and compare what they offer to determine if the upgrade is worth the extra cost.
Does Rewiring a House Increase Home Value?
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In Washington, D.C., rewiring a home can offer a strong return on investment, especially if you’re investing in the cost of replacing knob and tube wiring or other outdated components in the city’s historic neighborhoods. Upgrading a home’s wiring improves safety, ensures code compliance, and supports features like high-efficiency HVAC systems and electric vehicle chargers, which are important selling points for many homebuyers. While it might not carry the same punch as a kitchen remodel, it enhances overall functionality and peace of mind, often making the difference during home inspections or appraisals in D.C.’s competitive housing market.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Electrical services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Washington, DC
4.5★ avg. • 2.9k total reviews
- Gary Y.
Kevin provided excellent service for my electrical project. He was very professional, knowledgeable and courteous. Provided thorough communication and was responsive to questions. Very efficient. Highly recommended.
Mr. Electric of Bethesda & Northwest DC - Jonathan Z.
517GMJ intalled a new junction box, breakers and wiring for my electric stove (240 v) and installed the electric stove and range hood fan. They came to look at my apartment, and put together a proposal/scope and were timely in performing / completing the work. They...
Hvac507 517GMJ - Djames B.
Wilcox Electric did a great job for us installing an outdoor GFCI outlet and running a protected cord back to our electrical panel. Chris Doyle arranged for the service and inspection, and David Settimi did the actual installation. David had good ideas about how to place the outlet and...
Wilcox Electric LLC - Kay H.
I found John Max Electric on Angi and couldn’t be happier with their service. They arrived promptly with a team of three skilled professionals who tackled each of the five electrical issues with precision and efficiency. What really stood out to me was their honesty—there was no price...
- Christo A.
Chris is terrific. He did the electrical on my full remodel down to the studs. He's the total package--highly capable and efficient, on-time and responsive, and a good human being.
Basham Electric - Marlin W.
Mayquebec Electric was amazing and professional . Showed up on time and was very knowledgeable with my situation .
Mayquebec Electric - Karen P.
Honest and very reliable! Wonderful to work with for all types of electrical projects!
AA Electric LLC - Richard P.
Infinite Electric LLC did a superb job with the installation of my home EV charging station. The owner, Alain, came to my home, spent a significant amount of time to thoroughly review our needs and then gave my wife and I a truly reasonable quote. It took less than a week to get on their...
Infinite Electric, LLC - Byron C.
Terrific service with excellent communication. Work was more complicated than originally thought but original estimate was honored. Other unrelated electrical problems were repaired during the project. Our electrical panel was upgraded and we installed a Tesla charger. Would not hesitate to...
Precise Building Services, Inc. - Anna H.
We were desperate to get help with our electrical issues, and no other company had any availability for days or even weeks. Mr. Electric sent someone out immediately. Josh, the technician, was so helpful. He took the time to listen to everything, was unfailingly polite, checked every outlet,...
Mr. Electric of Columbia
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