How Much Does it Cost to Rewire a House?

Posted on 11th May 2018

Whether your apartment is old or new, there are a variety of reasons why it may need rewiring Singapore. Even the newer housing units may come with faulty wires or electrical problems that should be fixed before they turn dangerous.

A lot of homeowners are reluctant to have their homes rewired because they are worried about the cost of rewiring and installation. Below, a brief outline will show you how much it truly costs to rewire a house, and how you can get this job done reliably and affordably.

The Hiring Process

Once you’ve noticed that you are having a problem with your electrical wiring, it’s best to hire an electrician as soon as possible. The longer you go without solving your wiring issues, the more dangerous and irritating the problem can become. So when you start to think about hiring a professional, here’s a few things to keep in mind:

  • Make sure the professional can offer reviews, testimonials, warranties, and the proper accreditation.
  • Ask for a written quote up front.
  • Expect to pay anywhere between $50 and $150 per hour for the electrician’s time and labor.
  • If you are living in an apartment, contact your landlord, as it is typically their responsibility to hire the electrician for you.

Once you’ve gotten an electrician hired, they will arrive at your home for a consultation. What happens next depends on what kind of rewiring needs to be done in your home.

Electrical Permits

Sometimes, a building permit is required before the electrician can begin work tearing out wires and restructuring your systems. They can often obtain these permits for you, but you can follow along with the process to ensure that everything is being done right.

Permits are very affordable, but they will likely come out of your pocket. Make sure you communicate clearly with the professional to factor permit costs into your total budget.

New Fixtures and Upgrades

Does your home need a major electrical upgrade? If your home is old, it may be using an older version of a fusebox, rather than an electrical switchboard. Depending on the age and functionality of your fusebox, you may need to get the whole thing replaced.

The replacement can cost around $1,000, so make sure that you are prepared for this in your budget. It may seem like a hefty price to pay, but it is worth it for the safety of your electrical wiring.

You may need other kinds of upgrades and fixtures as well, which may include:

  • Dimmer switches
  • New outlets
  • Better copper wiring
  • New circuit breakers
  • Additional outlets

These are just some of the possible replacements and upgrades you may need. Again, it’s important that you communicate clearly with the electrician to see what solutions work best for you and your home.

Benefits of Rewiring Your House

If your house needs rewiring, it’s best to invest in a professional sooner rather than later. There are a variety of reasons why rewiring your house is beneficial and just downright safe. Here are some of the biggest reasons to invest in a rewiring project:

It makes the home safer

Without new wiring, you can have blown fuses, rusted outlets, cracked wires, and free-flying sparks that can make way for an electrical fire.

You will have separate circuits

Separate circuits means that you can dedicate more electrical energy to the important parts of your home, such as your water heater or kitchen appliances. It will make the process of using electricity in your home a lot more streamlined.

It is extremely valuable

Rewiring your home adds plenty of potential value down the line. It’s great to be able to invest in an upgrade that will make your apartment more sellable in the future. Even if you are renting, your landlord will surely appreciate being able to rent the place out more easily.

Having your apartment rewired is the best way to ensure that your home is safe. If you have a family, it’s important not to risk electrocution or fire due to faulty electrical wiring. You can take the time to set a decent budget aside when you’re ready to hire a professional. Remember that electricians want to be available for you, meaning that this process is affordable and easy to accomplish.