How much does it cost to install or replace a home's electrical system?
It’s one of the most common questions among those renovating or building a home from scratch.
And understandably so, like any other project, the final cost depends on several factors, such as the size of the property, the expertise of the electricians and the client’s specific preferences. As a result, budgets can vary widely.
In this article, we’ll break down the key costs and provide helpful tools to guide you in finding the solution that best fits your needs.
- Factors that influence electrical installation costs
- How much does it cost to rewire a home?
- Electrical installation in a home
- Rewiring an old house
- How much does it cost to install a ground connection at home?
- Replacing the electrical panel in a home
- Changing the electrical installation without construction work
- Tips for rewiring a home
- When should the electrical installation be renewed?
Factors that influence electrical installation costs
The cost of a home's electrical installation depends on a range of variables, making it difficult to give an accurate estimate without considering the specific requirements of each project.
That said, here are the main factors that influence the price of an electrical renovation:
- The property's dimensions
- The age and complexity of the installation
- The property's accessibility
- The need to carry out work or not
- The chosen team of electricians
- The necessary materials and their price
- The quality and design of the chosen fittings and lighting
How much does it cost to rewire a home?
Taking all of the above into account, here are some key points to help you estimate the cost of replacing your property's electrical system:
- An electrician’s labour typically costs between €20 and €90 per hour.
- It’s very likely that bricklayers will also need to be involved in the process. Their hourly rate typically ranges from €20 to €30.
- If you opt to install false ceilings or similar features, you’ll need to factor in both the material and installation costs. The price for installed plasterboard typically ranges from €20 to €30 per square metre.
- If required, the cost of the electrical certificate typically ranges from €70 to €300.
- The area with the greatest potential for savings, or added expense, is the choice of fittings and other visible elements. Keep in mind that these typically account for around 60% of the total budget.
- Another potential factor is the installation of renewable energy systems, such as solar panels. While the aim is long-term savings, it does require a significant initial investment.
If you need the help of an electrician, ask for your free quote.
Electrical installation in a home
While it’s challenging to pinpoint an average cost for an electrical renovation, prices generally range between €35 and €40 per m². The table below can serve as a helpful guide:
| Floor size | Average price |
| Rewiring a 70 m² flat | €1,700 |
| Rewiring an 80 m² flat | €1,900 |
| Rewiring a 90 m² flat | €2,300 |
| Rewiring a 100 m² flat | €2,500 |
| Rewiring a 120 m² flat | €3,000 |
Source: Habitissimo
Similarly, rewiring an 80 m² flat typically costs around €1,900, while for a 100 m² flat, the price is approximately €2,500.
For a 200 m² house, a full electrical installation can cost around €3,500.
Rewiring an old house
In this case, your budget may be somewhat higher than average. This is because the entire system will likely need replacing, and you may need to minimise work to preserve the property's valuable or protected original features. This rules out more economical options such as installing false ceilings, plasterboard walls or new flooring.
Additionally, you’ll need to cover the bureaucratic costs involved in legalising a facility that is probably completely outdated.
For a medium-sized home, these costs can range from around €1,500 to €5,000.
How much does it cost to install a ground connection at home?
In this case, the base cost is usually around €150, but – as with any installation of this kind – the final estimate will depend on the company and specific circumstances.
Remember, grounding is essential to ensure the safety of your electrical system and protect against leaks or power surges.
Replacing the electrical panel in a home
In the best-case scenario, replacing your property's electrical panel will cost around €500. However, you'll likely need to perform a major renovation and install new circuits to bring your installation up to current regulations.
Changing the electrical installation without construction work
The price range for electrical installations without construction work varies widely, as many scenarios allow for installation without the need for masonry.
- One option is to install concealed electrical wiring behind plasterboard walls and false ceilings. In these cases, the work is far less intrusive than working with traditional walls.
- You can also choose a visible installation, using conduits, skirting boards, ceiling mouldings and similar features to conceal wiring and create a neater finish, though this may increase costs.
When preparing a budget for this type of renovation, factors such as the home's size, the layout of lighting and electrical outlets and the materials chosen will be considered. You can expect the total cost to fall towards the lower end of average electrical renovation prices, but it ultimately depends on your specific choices and needs.
Tips for rewiring a home
Here are some tips to help you save money when replacing your electrical system:
- Plan your needs well: Be clear about which lighting points and outlets you truly need, and identify what isn’t essential. It’s not about sacrificing comfort, but about cutting unnecessary elements to keep costs down.
- Simplify your project: The simpler the project, the more you can save. Open spaces, false ceilings and plasterboard walls make installation easier. Alternatively, you could choose exposed wiring, but materials for this tend to be pricier due to their aesthetic role.
- Request detailed, up-to-date quotes: Compare prices, get involved in decision-making and don’t hesitate to communicate your needs and budget limits clearly.
- Choose efficient solutions: If you’re planning an electrical renovation, now’s the perfect time to prioritise sustainability and energy efficiency. You might spend a little more upfront, but you’ll save significantly over time.
- Combine reforms: You can save money by completing all necessary home renovations at the same time.
When should the electrical installation be renewed?
Generally, the electrical installation should be replaced every 20 years, and inspections should be conducted every 10 years to ensure safety standards are met.
You might also need upgrades if your power needs increase or if you experience frequent electrical faults, such as repeated tripping of the circuit breaker.
The best time to renovate your electrical system is alongside other home improvements, helping you save time and money by coordinating the work.