Rewiring a house is one of those essential upgrades that many homeowners put off—until problems start showing. Whether you’ve just bought an older Perth home or you’re renovating, understanding the cost of house rewiring is crucial for budgeting and safety.
In Perth, where many homes were built decades ago, outdated wiring is more common than you might think. This guide breaks down how much rewiring costs, what factors influence the price, and what you should expect during the process.
What Is House Rewiring?
House rewiring involves replacing old electrical wiring, switches, power points, and often the switchboard to meet modern safety standards. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about protecting your home and family.
Old or degraded wiring is a major risk. In fact, electrical faults are responsible for a significant portion of residential fires in Australia, making rewiring a critical safety investment.
Average Cost to Rewire a House in Perth
The cost of rewiring a house in Perth varies depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the job. However, there are some reliable average price ranges you can use as a guide.
Typical Rewiring Costs in Perth:
- 1–2 bedroom unit or small house: $4,000 – $6,000
- 3-bedroom house: $6,500 – $9,000
- 4-bedroom house: $9,000 – $12,000
- Large or multi-storey homes: $12,000 – $20,000+
Across Australia, full rewiring projects generally fall between $3,000 and $15,000, depending on the scale of the work.
Another estimate suggests a broader Perth range of around $4,000 to $10,000+, though complex jobs can exceed this.
Partial Rewiring Costs
If only certain areas need upgrading, you can opt for partial rewiring:
- Kitchen or bathroom: $1,500 – $3,000 per room
- Bedrooms or smaller areas: $1,000 – $2,000 per room
Partial rewiring can reduce costs significantly, but it’s not always the best long-term solution—especially if the rest of your wiring is outdated.
What Factors Affect the Cost?
No two homes are the same, and rewiring costs can vary widely. Here are the key factors that influence pricing in Perth:
1. Size of the Property
The bigger the home, the more wiring, labour, and materials are required. A small unit might only need a few circuits replaced, while a large family home could involve hundreds of metres of cabling.
2. Age of the Home
Older Perth homes—especially those built before the 1980s—often have outdated wiring systems that require full replacement.
Issues in older homes may include:
- Rubber or cloth-insulated wiring
- Lack of earthing
- Insufficient circuits for modern appliances
These factors increase both labour and material costs.
3. Accessibility
One of the biggest cost drivers is how easy it is to access your wiring.
- Easy access (roof space or subfloor): Lower cost
- Double brick walls or tight ceilings: Higher cost
In Perth, many homes are double brick, which often requires cutting into walls (“chasing”), adding significant labour time.
4. Labour Costs
Electricians in Perth typically charge around:
- $90 to $105 per hour
Complex jobs, emergency work, or highly experienced electricians may charge more.
5. Switchboard Upgrades
In many cases, rewiring isn’t complete without upgrading the switchboard to meet current standards.
Typical costs:
- Switchboard upgrade: $700 – $2,000
This is often necessary for safety compliance and to handle modern electrical loads.
6. Number of Power Points and Fixtures
Modern households use far more electrical devices than older homes were designed for.
Costs per item:
- New power point: $65 – $120 each
Adding more outlets, lighting circuits, or smart home features will increase the overall price.
7. Additional Features
If you’re upgrading your home, you may choose to include:
- Smart home wiring
- EV charging circuits
- Solar system compatibility
- Data cabling
These extras can significantly increase the total cost but add long-term value.
What’s Included in a Full Rewire?
A full house rewire typically includes:
- Removal or bypassing of old wiring
- Installation of new electrical cables
- New switches and power points
- Switchboard upgrade
- Safety switches and compliance upgrades
- Testing and certification
However, it’s important to note that plastering, painting, and cosmetic repairs are often not included and may cost extra.
How Long Does Rewiring Take?
The timeframe depends on the size and complexity of your home:
- Small homes: 2–4 days
- Medium homes: 3–7 days
- Large or complex homes: 1–2 weeks
If walls need to be opened or asbestos is present, expect longer timelines.
Signs Your Home Needs Rewiring
If you’re unsure whether rewiring is necessary, watch for these warning signs:
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Frequent circuit breaker trips
- Burning smells from outlets
- Warm or discoloured switches
- Electric shocks when plugging in appliances
- Limited or outdated power points
If your home is over 30–40 years old and hasn’t been updated, it’s worth getting an inspection.
Is Rewiring Worth the Cost?
While rewiring can seem expensive, it’s a long-term investment in safety and property value.
Benefits include:
- Improved electrical safety
- Reduced fire risk
- Compliance with Australian standards
- Increased home value
- Better energy efficiency
- Ability to support modern appliances
In many cases, rewiring is not optional—it’s necessary to ensure your home meets current safety requirements.
Ways to Save Money on Rewiring
Rewiring doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some practical tips:
1. Combine Electrical Work
If you’re renovating, bundle all electrical upgrades into one project to save on labour costs.
2. Choose Partial Rewiring (If Appropriate)
If only certain areas are problematic, partial rewiring can reduce upfront costs—though it may not be a long-term solution.
3. Get Multiple Quotes
Prices can vary significantly between electricians. Always compare at least 2–3 quotes.
4. Plan Ahead
Avoid last-minute changes during the project, as these can add unexpected costs.
Legal Requirements in WA
In Western Australia:
- Only licensed electricians can perform rewiring
- All work must comply with Australian Standards
- A certificate of compliance is required
DIY electrical work is illegal and dangerous, and it can void your insurance.
Final Thoughts
Rewiring a house in Perth typically costs anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000+, depending on your home’s size, age, and complexity. While it’s a significant investment, it’s one of the most important upgrades you can make to ensure your home is safe, efficient, and future-ready.
If your home is older or showing signs of electrical issues, don’t wait—rewiring is not just about convenience, it’s about protecting your property and the people inside it.
For homeowners in Perth looking for professional and reliable electrical services, consider reaching out to Reds Power Solutions in Belmont for expert advice and a tailored quote for your rewiring project.