How much does it cost to update the electrical system throughout a house?

Updating a home's electrical system in Ottawa typically ranges from $8,000 to $25,000, depending on the size of your home, the age of existing wiring, and the scope of work required. The wide range reflects whether you're doing a simple panel upgrade versus a complete rewire of the entire house.

For a partial electrical update focusing on the main panel and some circuits, expect to invest $8,000 to $15,000. This typically includes upgrading from an older 100-amp service to a modern 200-amp panel, replacing some outdated wiring, and adding GFCI protection where required by current code. Many Ottawa homes built in the 1960s-80s fall into this category, where the bones are good but the system needs modernization.

A complete home rewire ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 for most Ottawa homes, with larger properties potentially exceeding this range. This involves pulling all new wiring throughout the house, upgrading the service entrance, installing a new panel, and bringing everything up to current Ontario Electrical Safety Code standards. Homes built before 1960, or those with knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum wiring, or Federal Pacific panels typically require this comprehensive approach.

Several factors significantly impact pricing in the Ottawa market. Older homes often present access challenges - running new wire through finished walls and ceilings requires more labor and sometimes drywall repair. The number of circuits needed affects cost, as modern homes require more dedicated circuits for appliances, outlets, and lighting than older electrical systems provided. Upgrading the service entrance from the street can add $2,000 to $4,000 to the project if Hydro Ottawa needs to install new equipment.

All electrical work in Ontario requires permits and inspection by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). Your contractor must be a licensed electrician or work with one - this isn't a DIY project. The permit fees typically run $150 to $500 depending on scope, and the work must pass ESA inspection before being energized. This protects your safety and ensures your insurance remains valid.

Timeline considerations are important for planning. A panel upgrade might take 1-2 days, while a full rewire can take 5-10 days depending on home size and complexity. The ESA inspection must be scheduled in advance, and there's typically a brief power outage while the new service is connected.

Signs you need electrical updates include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, outlets that don't hold plugs firmly, or any aluminum wiring or Federal Pacific panels. If your home still has the original electrical from the 1970s or earlier, it's worth having a licensed electrician assess whether updates are needed for safety and functionality.

For a comprehensive assessment of your electrical needs and a detailed quote, contact Justyn Rook Contracting. We work with licensed electricians and can coordinate electrical updates as part of larger renovation projects, ensuring all permits are properly handled and work meets current Ontario standards.