How Much Does Rewiring a House Cost in Detroit? [2025 Data]

Rewiring a house involves stripping out all the old wiring and replacing it with new materials, allowing owners to replace old wiring, fix safety issues, and update their electrical systems. In Detroit, a full rewiring project costs an average of $1,200. You will need to contact an electrician near you to discuss the details and get a more specific estimate on your costs. Here’s what matters most.

Rewiring a House Cost Factors in Detroit

The best way to determine the specific cost of your rewiring project is to arrange a visit from a trusted electrician and discuss the details. Some of the most important factors at work include:

Home Size

The larger the house, the more wiring it uses, and the longer it will take to replace. Square footage of your home is the most important factor when it comes to the costs of both materials and labor. You can do a rough calculation of potential costs by the estimate of $2 to $4 per square foot. It’s not the final word, but it will help as you budget for the project.

Materials

Not all wiring is created equal: Some home wiring has special characteristics, like extra fire or moisture resistance. Specialty wiring, such as UF cables or THHN/THWN wires, your material costs will be higher. The reverse can be true, too: Low-voltage wiring is usually less expensive and can save money in some applications.

Home Age

The older your house, the more labor and materials it takes to rewire. If a house hasn’t been rewired for several decades, its wiring could be very outdated (like aluminum wiring or knob-and-tube). That type of rewiring requires extra work and most likely higher costs for rewiring to bring everything up to code and modernize.

Accessibility

Most home wiring is buried deep inside walls, and it’s not always easy for electricians to reach. Electricians have several tools and tricks they use to get to the wiring with minimal damage. In some cases, they will need to cut into the drywall, depending on the design of your home. If your home has difficult-to-access wiring or an unusual electrical configuration, you can expect higher rewiring charges.

Repairs and Clean Up

Electricians will typically include clean-up services and any necessary drywall repairs as part of their estimate. This clean-up cost can range up to $500, but you may be able to save money by letting the electrician know you’ll handle all the repairs yourself.

Add-On Services

You should account for additional services that may occur during rewiring, such as upgrading the wiring system to a higher amperage and adding new outlets. These add-on electrical services will increase the price tag, but prevent the need for a second electrician appointment. 

Here are some of the additional costs that you may need to budget for:

• Upgrade electrical panel: $1,200–$2,000

• Drywall repair: $270–$750

• Replace or install outlet: $100–$450

• Replace or install light switch: $60–$300

Government Incentives

Detroit homeowners should check local and state governments programs to see whether they qualify for financial assistance with a rewiring project. The Detroit Home Repair program can help make taking out loans more affordable for big projects like rewiring.

Electrician Pro Costs in Detroit 

Rewiring requires expert work and knowledge of the latest building codes—that means hiring a professional electrician. The electrical pros will provide expert advice and offer a cost estimate for the project. Here are a few things to keep in mind while hiring a local electrician.

Licensing and Insurance

Every electrician should be licensed and insured to work in the state of Michigan. There are several different levels of electrician in the state, starting with apprenticeships and moving forward through journeyman and master levels, along with various specialties. Electricians should mention their licensing and insurance on their website, and you can also look up the status of licensed electricians.

Hourly Rates and Taxes

After apprenticeship, electricians in Michigan charge between $40 to $50 per hour. However, you can expect rewiring labor costs to be higher than that, because they require more skilled work and intense labor. Electricians may charge up to $100 per hour for rewiring projects.

Tipping

It’s not required to tip electricians and most won’t expect it. However, if your Detroit electricians do an especially good job, you can choose to tip them 10% to 15% when the time comes to pay your bill.

Permits

Rewiring is a significant remodel, and you’ll have to apply for a permit to get the work done, as well as arrange for an inspection afterward. The good news is that electricians will arrange the details and pull the permits for you. However, they are likely to pass the fees along to you, and each step will add around $100 to the bill.

Does a New Wiring Increase Home Value?

Rewiring your home can make it easier to sell, especially if you’re upgrading from outdated wiring systems. For example, home buyers won’t be interested in a house that can’t pass a home inspection, or one that has very old wiring that they’ll have to replace themselves soon after buying. Modern wiring systems ensure that the home is protected against frequent power outages and electrical fires, making it a safe choice for potential buyers.

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 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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