Electrical Remodel Costs: What to Expect for Your Home Upgrade
Portland Metro Electric
Upgrading your home’s electrical system is a smart investment—whether you’re adding new lighting, rewiring for safety, or preparing for future energy needs like electric vehicles or solar panels. But before you dive in, it’s crucial to understand how much an electrical remodel might cost and what factors influence those numbers.
From replacing outdated wiring to upgrading your main electrical panel, this guide breaks down the costs, considerations, and tips you need to budget confidently for your home electrical renovation.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about electrical permits, inspections, and staying compliant with local and national codes—so your remodel stays safe, legal, and on schedule.
What Is an Electrical Remodel?
An electrical remodel involves replacing or upgrading parts of a home’s electrical system. This may include:
Rewiring outdated or hazardous wiring
Installing new outlets or light switches
Upgrading to a higher-capacity electrical panel
Adding lighting, smart home features, or new circuits for appliances
Homeowners typically choose to do this during larger renovations, when buying an older home, or when modern energy demands exceed the existing capacity.
Average Cost of an Electrical Remodel
Electrical remodel costs vary widely depending on home size, project scope, and location. Here’s a general pricing overview:
Electrical Remodel Services – Average Cost Guide
| Service | Average Cost Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Full Home Rewiring | $8,000 – $15,000+ | For older homes, includes new wires, outlets, and switches |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $1,500 – $4,000 | Replaces outdated fuse boxes or low-capacity panels |
| Installing New Outlets | $125 – $250 per outlet | Includes wiring and labor |
| Adding Light Fixtures | $150 – $900 each | Depends on location and fixture type |
| Smart Home Wiring | $1,000 – $5,000+ | Adds automation, security, or integrated systems |
What Factors Affect Electrical Remodel Costs?
Understanding the variables that influence your project’s price can help you plan your budget effectively. Here are the top factors:
1. Home Size and Age
Older homes often require more labor-intensive work, like removing knob-and-tube wiring or upgrading grounding systems. Larger homes simply require more materials and hours.
2. Scope of Work
Is it a full gut remodel or just replacing a few outlets? Complexity and coverage area will significantly impact costs.
3. Panel Capacity
Upgrading from a 100-amp to a 200-amp panel-especially to accommodate modern devices or EV chargers-adds to the bill but boosts safety and long-term usability.
4. Code Compliance
Permits and inspections are required for nearly all electrical work. Bringing a home up to modern code can reveal hidden issues that need addressing.
5. Labor Rates
Electrician fees range from $50 to $150 per hour depending on your region and the pro’s experience.
Is It Time to Rewire Your Home?
Here are some signs it might be time to consider a full or partial rewiring:
Frequent breaker trips or blown fuses
Flickering or dimming lights
Outlets that spark or feel hot
Aluminum wiring or knob-and-tube present
Two-prong outlets with no grounding
Electrical hazards are one of the top causes of house fires-rewiring can protect your family and meet insurance requirements.
Tips for Budgeting Your Electrical Remodel
Planning ahead can help you stay on budget and avoid surprises. Here’s how:
- Create a Prioritized Scope
- List your “must-haves” vs. “nice-to-haves.” If the panel is unsafe, prioritize that before adding recessed lighting.
- Get Multiple Quotes
- Always compare at least 2-3 estimates. Ask for itemized pricing and ensure each bid includes permits and inspections.
- Build in a Contingency
- Expect the unexpected – especially in older homes. Set aside 10-20% of your budget for surprises uncovered during demo.
How to Save Money on Electrical Work
You don’t have to sacrifice quality to save money. Here are a few cost-saving strategies:
Bundle Projects: Combining projects can reduce labor duplication.
Open Walls Yourself: Some electricians offer discounts if the drywall is already removed.
Limit Luxury Fixtures: Swapping designer lights for mid-range alternatives can save hundreds.
Use Smart Plugs Over Hardwired Smart Switches: In some cases, smart outlets offer similar benefits at lower install costs.
DIY vs. Professional Installation: Why Hiring an Expert Matters
While it may be tempting to DIY some electrical work, mistakes can be dangerous—or illegal without permits. Professional electricians:
Ensure code compliance and safe installations
Handle permit applications and inspections
Offer warranties on their work
We’ve completed over 1,200 residential electrical remodels across the region—and we’ve seen firsthand how professional work protects homes for decades to come.
Conclusion: Plan Smart, Upgrade Safely
An electrical remodel is one of the smartest upgrades you can make—enhancing your home’s safety, energy efficiency, and future-readiness. While costs vary, knowing what to expect empowers you to budget wisely, avoid pitfalls, and get the most value from your investment.
Our Client Testimonials
Real homeowners. Real results.
We’re proud to be one of Portland’s most trusted remodeling companies—because our reputation is built on happy clients and quality work that lasts.
FAQ: Electrical Remodel Cost Questions
Expect to pay $10,000–$20,000 depending on layout, materials, and labor.
Most homeowners spend between $2,000–$3,500, including permits.
Yes, nearly all electrical upgrades require local permits and inspections.
Yes, and it’s cost-effective when walls are already open. Expect $125–$250 per outlet.
Definitely – modern buyers look for code-compliant, energy-ready homes. It can also improve your insurance premiums.
For more information or to schedule a service call, please contact Portland Metro Electric. We’re here to help with all your electrical needs.
Expertise
Our licensed electricians are highly skilled and continuously trained in the latest electrical standards and technologies.
Custom Solutions
We evaluate your specific electrical needs and provide customized solutions that best suit your home and lifestyle.
Local Knowledge
We prioritize your safety by adhering to stringent safety codes and using only the highest-quality materials.
Quality and Safety
From initial consultation to final inspection, our process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free, minimizing disruption to your daily life.
Customer Satisfaction
As local experts familiar with Portland's building regulations, we ensure that all upgrades meet or exceed local codes.
Contact Us for Your Free Estimate Today!
Call us now, or fill out our contact form and one of our electrical experts will get in tough with you shorty. We will listen to your project needs or concerns and help guide you in the right direction. If the project is can be remotely estimated we can send you a personalized estimate within the next 24 hours.
Our Step-by-step service Process
From the first call to the final reveal, our process is built for clarity, comfort, and craftsmanship.
Give Us A Call
A Portland Metro Electric expert will answer any of your questions, discuss the project in detail, provide professional expertise, and consultation. For most of our projects we can provide a minimum and maximum of what you can expect to pay for your electrical project.
Free Estimate
For certain projects we will provide a customized estimate without needing to schedule an in person visit. For complex projects we will schedule one our our electricians to visit your residence, provide an in person inspection, consultation, and a customized estimate.
Schedule Project
We will send you a customized estimate, and let you select the best date & time to schedule your project. The estimate will include a summary of the projects material costs and fees. Once the estimate is approved and project date is scheduled, we will take care of everything from permits (if necessary), to ordering all the materials.
Complete Project
On the day of the project our electricians will give you a courtesy call before arrival. We will begin and complete the electrical project. We will provide a detailed walkthrough on how to operate the newly installed service (EV charger, electrical breaker box, hot tub, etc.). And finally insure you are satisfied with the project and service.
We service most locations in the greater portland area!
Portland
Milwaukee
Gladstone
Clackamas
Happy Valley
West Linn
Oregon City
Lake Oswego
Wilsonville
Tigard
Tualatin
Gresham
Damascus
Sandy
And More!
OFFICE
Head Office
Portland Metro Electric LLC
8415 SE Hinkley Ave, Happy Valley, OR 97086
Ready to Restore Power or Upgrade Your Electrical?
Call us now, or fill out our contact form and one of our electrical experts will get in tough with you shorty. We will listen to your project needs or concerns and help guide you in the right direction. If the project is can be remotely estimated we can send you a personalized estimate within the next 24 hours.