How much do contractors charge for whole house rewiring in Vancouver?

Whole house rewiring in Metro Vancouver typically runs $8,000–$25,000+ depending on the size of your home, its age, and the complexity of the job. Most standard single-family homes in the 1,500–2,500 sq ft range land in the $12,000–$18,000 range when all is said and done.

Here's what's driving that wide range: a 1960s Vancouver Special in East Van with knob-and-tube wiring, a finished basement, and plaster walls is a very different job than rewiring a newer 1,200 sq ft rancher with open drywall access. The more finished the home, the more drywall needs to be cut, patched, and repainted — and that adds up fast. Electricians typically quote rewiring jobs as a flat project price rather than hourly, though some will quote time-and-material on smaller scopes.

Typical price ranges for Metro Vancouver:

• Small home (under 1,200 sq ft): $8,000–$12,000
• Mid-size home (1,200–2,500 sq ft): $12,000–$18,000
• Large home (2,500–4,000 sq ft): $18,000–$28,000+
• Heritage or complex homes (Shaughnessy, Kitsilano character homes, etc.): $25,000–$40,000+

Keep in mind Vancouver construction costs run roughly 15–25% above the national average, so don't be surprised if quotes come in higher than what you might read on national home improvement sites.

What's usually included in a full rewire: new wiring throughout, updated panel (typically 200-amp service), new outlets and switches, smoke and CO detector installation to current code, and the Technical Safety BC (TSBC) electrical permit and inspection. What's often not included: drywall patching and finishing, painting, or upgrading the service entrance from the utility pole — that's a separate BC Hydro coordination item that can add $1,500–$4,000.

On the regulatory side, all electrical work in BC must be done by a licensed electrical contractor registered with Technical Safety BC (TSBC). This is non-negotiable — unlicensed electrical work voids your home insurance and creates serious liability if there's ever a fire. TSBC will inspect the work and issue a certificate of acceptance. Make sure your contractor pulls the permit — never let a contractor talk you into skipping it.

When is a full rewire actually necessary? If your home has knob-and-tube wiring (pre-1950s), aluminum wiring (common in Metro Vancouver homes built 1965–1975), a panel under 100 amps, or frequent breaker trips and flickering lights, a full rewire is worth serious consideration. Many insurers in BC are now refusing to cover or are surcharging homes with knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring — so beyond safety, there's a real insurance cost angle here.

This is firmly in "hire a professional" territory — electrical work on your own home is not permitted under BC regulations beyond the most minor tasks, and whole-house rewiring absolutely requires a licensed electrician and TSBC inspection.

Your next steps: Get at least 3 quotes from licensed electrical contractors — prices can vary significantly. Ask each contractor to confirm they'll pull the TSBC permit, and ask specifically what's included around drywall repair. Browse licensed electricians serving your area through the Vancouver Construction Network directory to find vetted local pros.