California homeowners are upgrading older electrical systems in record numbers. Whether you own a 1920s Craftsman in Sacramento or a 1980s ranch in San Diego, a full home rewire is the safest way to meet today’s power demands and building codes. But the first question every homeowner asks is the same: “How much will it cost?” In this guide, CountBricks explains the price variables, timelines, and smart ways to control costs when rewiring a house in California.
California does not offer a one-price-fits-all rewire. Costs depend on several factors that experienced estimators at CountBricks weigh before we generate a quote.
• Square footage and number of stories
• Accessibility of walls and attic spaces (lath and plaster vs. drywall)
• Panel upgrade requirements to 200 amps or higher
• Local permit fees and Title 24 energy compliance
• Premium finishes that require surgical drywall removal and patching
• Smart-home device rough-ins and EV charger circuits
Based on thousands of projects in our AI database, CountBricks sees the following averages:
• 1,200–1,600 sq. ft. single-story: $12,000 – $18,000
• 1,800–2,400 sq. ft. two-story: $18,000 – $28,000
• 3,000+ sq. ft. custom homes or historic properties: $28,000 – $45,000+
These figures include new copper wiring, AFCI/GFCI breakers, tamper-resistant receptacles, California permit fees, and standard drywall repairs. They do not include luxury fixtures or full-panel solar tie-ins.
1. Voice Walk-Through: We start a real-time video or on-site voice session, capturing room-by-room details and photos.
2. Instant Takeoff: Our AI matches footage to national electrical code assemblies and local pricing.
3. Material Sync: CountBricks pulls live wire, breaker, and conduit costs from California distributors.
4. Labor Calibration: We adjust for regional prevailing wage rates and project complexity.
5. Transparent Quote: You receive a downloadable proposal, payment schedule, and project timeline in minutes.
Labor represents roughly 60 – 70 % of a rewire. California’s stringent licensing requirements and higher wage standards push that portion up, especially in coastal counties. CountBricks allocates licensed electricians efficiently so you never pay for idle time.
Many older homes sport 60-amp or 100-amp panels. Modern appliances, HVAC, and EV chargers demand 200 amps or more. Upgrading a panel adds $2,000 – $5,000. CountBricks bundles panel work into our rewire packages to limit inspection fees.
California cities require multiple inspections: rough wiring, service panel, and final. Fees range from $300 in rural counties to $1,200+ in metropolitan areas. Our permit team files paperwork digitally to cut turnaround times.
Opening walls accounts for up to 15 % of project cost. CountBricks uses stud finders and thermal imaging to minimize demolition. When patches are unavoidable, our in-house finishers match texture and paint so repairs disappear.
• Schedule work during offseason months (January-March) when electrician demand is lower.
• Combine your rewire with HVAC or insulation projects to share drywall repair costs.
• Opt for mid-grade switches and outlets now; upgrade to designer plates later.
• Provide a clear path to the attic and crawlspace to reduce labor detours.
• Approve digital change orders promptly to avoid crew standby charges.
1,500 sq. ft. single-story homes typically need 5 – 7 working days. Two-story homes push to 8 – 12 days. Historic plaster homes can take up to three weeks. CountBricks schedules staggered crews—demolition, wiring, and finish—so you regain full power faster.
California’s TECH Clean California program and local utility rebates sometimes cover panel upgrades when paired with heat-pump installations. CountBricks keeps tabs on evolving incentives and folds them into your estimate. For remaining balances, we partner with lending platforms offering 0 % promotional APR for qualified homeowners. Learn more at CountBricks.com/services.
A 1,400 sq. ft. 1935 bungalow had knob-and-tube wiring and a 60-amp panel. Using voice capture, CountBricks produced an $14,750 estimate in under 15 minutes. After permit approval, our electricians completed the rewire in six days. Drywall repairs were finished by day eight, and the homeowner passed final inspection without a single correction notice. See similar projects at CountBricks.com/portfolio.
Traditional bids can take weeks and multiple site visits. With CountBricks, you’ll know exactly how much to rewire your California home in one conversation. Book a free AI estimate at CountBricks.com/consultation and power your home safely for decades.
Even seasoned homeowners are surprised by the “little” charges that balloon a rewire budget. CountBricks’ data-centric workflow spots these pitfalls early.
Older California homes often have a drywall façade over original lath. Cutting through both layers doubles patch time. CountBricks technicians use endoscopic cameras to confirm wall composition before issuing an estimate, sparing you mid-project surprises.
Homes wired during the 1960s energy boom might hide aluminum conductors. Replacement is mandatory for safety, but aluminum scrap has value. CountBricks credits homeowners the salvage price, trimming final invoices by 2–3 % on average.
PG&E and Southern California Edison now favor side-wall service masts. Relocating from a roof mount can cost $1,000 in carpentry alone. By modeling mast placement in our AI takeoff, CountBricks aligns conduit runs to minimize roofing repairs.
Strategic empty conduits add pennies per foot today and save thousands on tomorrow’s solar or battery upgrades. CountBricks designs spare runs to the garage and attic, boosting resale value without breaking current budgets.
• Transparent forecasting beats reactive change orders.
• Salvage credits and smart conduit routes offset required upgrades.
• CountBricks’ predictive analytics reduce hidden costs by up to 15 % compared to traditional bids.
For a no-obligation walkthrough tailored to your home, contact the experts at CountBricks.com/consultation today.
