Cost to Rewire a House in Canada: 2026 Electrical Pricing Guide
What it costs to rewire a house in Canada in 2026: full rewiring, panel upgrades, cost per square foot, knob-and-tube removal, and regional price differences.
Rewiring a house is one of the more disruptive — and expensive — renovation jobs, but it's often non-negotiable for older homes with outdated or unsafe wiring. Here's what it realistically costs across Canada in 2026.
Full house rewiring costs
- Small home (under 1,200 sq ft): $9,000–$16,000
- Mid-size home (1,200–2,200 sq ft): $16,000–$28,000
- Large home (2,200+ sq ft): $28,000–$45,000+
Most electricians price full rewiring at $8–$14 per square foot, which includes new wiring throughout, updated outlets and switches, and a panel upgrade.
Common electrical jobs and their price ranges
- Panel upgrade (100A to 200A service): $2,500–$5,500
- Knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring removal (per circuit): $150–$400
- New outlet or switch installation: $120–$250 each
- Whole-home smoke/CO detector interconnection: $600–$1,500
- EV charger circuit installation: $800–$2,200 depending on panel capacity and distance from the panel
Why older homes cost more
Homes built before the 1970s often have knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, which many insurance companies now flag or refuse to cover. Removing and replacing this wiring is more labour-intensive than a straightforward rewire because walls and plaster need to be opened and patched. This can add 20–40% to the total cost compared to rewiring a home with modern drywall construction.
Regional pricing differences
Electrical labour rates in Toronto and Vancouver typically run 15–30% higher than the national average. Calgary and Edmonton sit closer to average, while Quebec markets tend to run somewhat lower — partly due to lower average labour rates and partly due to differences in typical housing stock. Rural and northern regions can see higher costs due to travel time and materials logistics, even where hourly labour rates are lower.
Permits and inspections
Electrical work in Canada almost always requires a permit and inspection through the provincial electrical safety authority (e.g., ESA in Ontario, Technical Safety BC, or equivalent). Permit fees typically run $150–$600 depending on scope, and a licensed electrician should always include this in the quote — unpermitted electrical work can void home insurance and complicate a future sale.
Getting an accurate electrical quote
A proper rewiring quote should specify the number of circuits, panel size, wiring type being removed, and whether drywall patching is included after the work (most electricians do not include drywall repair — confirm this upfront). Electricians using quoting software built for the trade can produce a detailed, circuit-by-circuit estimate on the spot rather than a vague lump-sum number.