Rewiring a house in Boston costs $2,133 on average, with most projects falling between $843 and $3,429. Your total cost will depend on your home’s age, wiring type, and layout.
Electricians in Boston typically charge $2 to $4 per square foot, with final costs depending on home size, wall type, and accessibility.
Licensed electricians in Boston must meet strict permitting and insurance requirements, and you’ll pay a 6.25% sales tax on materials.
Consult a Boston electrician about the best time of the year to complete this project, including times of the year to avoid.
Rewiring a house in Boston costs $2,133 on average, with most homeowners spending between $843 and $3,429. Smaller projects may cost under $175, while full-home rewiring (especially in older properties) can exceed $6,633. Final pricing depends on factors like the home's age, wall material, electrical accessibility, and permit requirements. Here's what you can expect to pay for a rewiring project in The Hub.
Home size, project complexity, and electrical service upgrades are just a few of the factors that impact the cost to rewire a house in Boston. If you think it’s the right time to upgrade your home electrical wiring, here’s what to consider to help you get the most accurate picture of your budget.
Rewiring a home in Boston is priced per square foot, with average costs ranging from $2 to $4 per square foot including labor and materials.
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 |
The materials required for a rewiring project can greatly influence your total cost. This includes essentials like wire, switches, outlets, and potentially a new electrical panel. Opting for advanced or higher-grade materials, such as fire-resistant cabling or smart home upgrades, can drive up expenses but may provide greater long-term value.
Wire Type | Cost per Linear Foot | Description |
---|---|---|
NM Cable | $0.40–$0.80 | Includes live, neutral, and ground wires inside a protective plastic casing |
UF Cable | $0.50–$0.75 | Engineered for wet environments or direct burial; functions like NM cable but more rugged |
THHN/THWN Wire | $0.80–$1.60 | Used in visible or exposed areas where finished walls aren’t present |
Coaxial Cable | $0.25–$0.35 | Used for specific media equipment hookups, like television connections |
Low-Voltage Wire | $0.25–$0.35 | Powers low-energy systems, including thermostats, doorbells, and alarm sensors |
Contractors may charge as much as $500 for post-project cleanup, though basic site prep is usually included. You'll still need to handle some of the basic prep on your end, such as removing furniture, relocating delicate items, and making sure the workspace is free of clutter.
Hiring a licensed electrician in Boston means factoring in strict permitting requirements, labor costs, and local codes that may impact your total price. From hourly rates and sales tax to available warranties, here’s what to expect when rewiring your house in the Boston area.
In Boston, all electricians must be licensed by the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Electricians. Massachusetts also requires electricians to carry liability insurance and, in most cases, workers’ compensation. Before any work begins, ask for proof of licensing and insurance to ensure your project is up to code and covered in the event of accidents or damages.
Electricians in Boston charge between $50 and $100 per hour. Massachusetts applies a flat 6.25% sales tax to tangible materials, including electrical components. Labor services are exempt from this tax, so you’ll pay it only on parts, not on the electrician’s hourly rate.
Although tipping isn’t typically expected for electrical work in D.C., a 5% to 10% tip is a generous way to recognize outstanding service. If you prefer a non-monetary gesture, leaving a positive review or recommending the electrician to others is even more valuable than cash.
Electricians often offer standard warranties lasting 1 to 5 years that cover manufacturer defects or mistakes during the installation process. Some contractors will offer extended warranty plans that vary in cost and coverage, so ask your electrician and compare coverage to find out if it’s worth the extra investment.
Rewiring a home in Boston can offer a solid return on investment, especially if you’re investing in the cost of replacing knob and tube wiring and other outdated components in the city’s historic housing market. Many older homes still rely on outdated or unsafe wiring systems, which can be a red flag for buyers.
Upgrading to modern wiring not only improves safety and efficiency but also makes the home more attractive during inspections. In a competitive market like Boston, where buyers appreciate historical charm but expect move-in-ready properties, rewiring can boost resale value and help your home sell faster.
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 survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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.
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