Rewiring an old house is a major project that not only improves electrical safety but also increases your home’s value and functionality. If you’re living in or considering purchasing an older property, chances are the electrical system hasn’t kept pace with modern standards. This raises a vital question for many homeowners in Wellington: how much does it cost to rewire an old house?
At Weka Electrical, we’ve been helping Wellington residents upgrade outdated wiring systems for years. Whether it’s a charming Edwardian villa in Thorndon, a 1920s bungalow in Newtown, or a 1960s weatherboard in Island Bay, old houses come with unique electrical challenges. Many of these homes still have original wiring—sometimes dating back more than 50 or 60 years—installed before modern safety codes, power demands, and electrical appliances existed.
Rewiring an old house isn’t just about swapping out old wires for new ones. It’s a comprehensive process that may include replacing old fuse boxes with modern switchboards, adding new power points, installing safety switches (RCDs), upgrading lighting circuits, and ensuring the entire system complies with current AS/NZS 3000 electrical standards. For many Wellington homeowners, rewiring also provides an opportunity to add more outlets, upgrade switch locations, and plan for future technologies like electric vehicle chargers or smart home systems.
Why Rewiring Is Essential for Old Homes
Old electrical systems were never designed to handle the load of today’s appliances. In the 1950s, most homes had just a few lights and power points. Fast forward to today, and the average home powers televisions, computers, heat pumps, microwaves, and countless chargers—all pulling electricity from circuits that were never intended for such loads.
Signs your home may need rewiring include:
- Frequent blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers
- Flickering lights or dimming when appliances turn on
- Discoloured power outlets or switches
- Electrical shocks when plugging in devices
- Old-style ceramic fuses or rewirable fuse boards
- Lack of safety switches (RCDs) on circuits
- Exposed wiring, frayed cables, or brittle insulation
Beyond safety concerns, older wiring can limit your ability to install modern appliances, add heating and cooling systems, or integrate smart home technologies. Insurance companies may even decline coverage or increase premiums for homes with outdated electrical systems.
Table of Contents
- Key Factors Affecting the Cost of Rewiring an Old House
- Typical Costs of Rewiring an Old House in Wellington
- The Rewiring Process Explained
- Why Weka Electrical Is the Best Choice for Rewiring Old Houses
- Frequently Asked Questions
Factors Affecting Rewiring Costs
One of the reasons it’s difficult to give a “one-size-fits-all” answer to how much does it cost to rewire an old house is because every property is different. Factors influencing the final price include:
- Size of the house: A larger home requires more cabling, circuits, and labour than a small cottage.
- Accessibility: Homes with easy ceiling and underfloor access are simpler (and cheaper) to rewire than those with tight or obstructed spaces.
- Wall construction: Timber-framed homes are generally easier to work on than those with concrete or brick internal walls.
- Existing wiring condition: Severely degraded or unsafe wiring may need additional repair or removal work.
- Additional upgrades: Replacing light fittings, adding power points, or installing new switchboards adds to the cost.
- Compliance upgrades: Ensuring the system meets modern electrical standards may involve extra safety installations such as RCDs.
For these reasons, quotes for rewiring projects can vary significantly—even for houses of similar age or size.
Understanding the Value Behind the Cost
While the upfront price of rewiring can feel like a major investment, it’s important to consider the long-term value. A safe, modern electrical system reduces the risk of fire, protects your appliances, increases property value, and ensures your family’s safety. Many homeowners also find their energy bills drop after rewiring, as modern wiring and circuit designs are more efficient.
At Weka Electrical, we believe in transparent pricing and tailored solutions. Every rewiring job begins with a detailed inspection so we can provide an accurate quote based on your home’s specific needs—not generic estimates. We’re always happy to discuss ways to stage the work, prioritising safety upgrades first if budget is a concern.
In the sections that follow, we’ll break down what goes into the cost of rewiring an old house, including typical price ranges for Wellington homes, what’s included in a rewiring project, and how to budget for any additional upgrades you may want to consider at the same time.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how much does it cost to rewire an old house in Wellington and what steps you need to take to get started.
Let’s begin by exploring the key factors that influence rewiring costs in more detail.
Key Factors Affecting the Cost of Rewiring an Old House
Understanding how much does it cost to rewire an old house begins with looking at the different factors that contribute to the total price. Rewiring isn’t a standardised process; every old house presents unique challenges based on its age, design, and existing electrical infrastructure. Below, we explore the key variables that impact the cost of rewiring a home in Wellington or similar regions.
1. Size of the House
The size of your home is one of the biggest cost drivers. A small two-bedroom cottage will cost significantly less to rewire than a large five-bedroom villa with multiple living spaces. Larger homes require more cable, outlets, switches, and labour time. Typically, the cost is calculated per circuit or per square metre, making it proportional to the building’s size.
2. Number of Circuits and Power Points
Modern living demands more circuits than older homes were built with. Adding extra power points, dedicated kitchen appliance circuits, or outdoor circuits increases the total wiring required. Each additional circuit adds material and labour costs. It’s also common to upgrade lighting circuits or add data and TV cabling during a rewire, which adds further complexity and expense.
3. Accessibility of Wiring Routes
How easy it is to access your home’s wiring pathways plays a huge role in the project’s cost. Homes with accessible roof cavities and underfloor spaces are much easier (and cheaper) to rewire than those with sealed ceilings, no crawl spaces, or solid wall construction. In some cases, plaster or linings may need to be removed to install new wiring, adding repair costs on top of the electrical work.
4. Type of Wall and Ceiling Construction
Timber-framed homes tend to be easier for electricians to work on than homes with brick, block, or concrete walls. Lath and plaster walls, common in older Wellington houses, can be fragile and require extra care. Hard-to-penetrate materials increase labour time and may require additional tools or surface-mount solutions if chasing into walls is not possible.
5. Existing Wiring Condition
Some old houses have wiring that’s dangerous to leave in place. For example, homes with Vulcanised Indian Rubber (VIR) cabling, cotton-insulated wires, or aluminium wiring may need complete removal for safety reasons. The more hazardous or deteriorated the old wiring is, the more time and care is required to remove it safely, adding to labour costs.
6. Upgrades to the Switchboard
Most rewiring projects in old homes involve upgrading the switchboard (fuse box) at the same time. Outdated ceramic fuses or rewirable fuse boxes must be replaced with modern switchboards featuring RCD safety switches and MCBs. A switchboard upgrade adds $800–$2,000 or more depending on the configuration and safety requirements.
7. Compliance and Safety Requirements
Electrical work in New Zealand must comply with AS/NZS 3000 wiring standards. In some cases, additional safety measures like bonding, earthing upgrades, or smoke alarm installation are required as part of the rewire. Each compliance item adds to the scope—and therefore cost—of the project. While these are unavoidable, they improve safety and may be required for insurance or resale compliance.
8. Additional Electrical Features
Many homeowners take the opportunity to add extra features during a rewire. Things like USB power points, sensor lighting, under-cabinet lighting, data cabling, or home automation systems can all be included—but each comes with an added cost for materials and labour. It’s often cheaper to include these upgrades during a rewire than retrofit them later, but it’s wise to factor them into your budget upfront.
9. Restoration Work After Wiring
Depending on the method of installation, some parts of the house may need cosmetic repairs after the electrical work is complete. This can include patching plaster, repainting, or fixing skirting boards or wall linings that were removed for wiring access. Restoration is typically not included in the electrician’s quote, so it’s important to budget separately for this work.
10. Regional Labour Rates
Labour rates vary across New Zealand, with Wellington generally sitting in the mid-to-high range due to demand and cost of living. Choosing a reputable local electrician like Weka Electrical ensures you get qualified, experienced professionals who understand the unique challenges of wiring older Wellington homes. While it might be tempting to choose a cheaper quote, ensure your contractor is licensed and provides a Certificate of Compliance for the work.
Each of these factors contributes to answering the big question: how much does it cost to rewire an old house? In the next section, we’ll look at typical cost ranges for Wellington homes and what’s included in a standard rewiring project.
Typical Costs of Rewiring an Old House in Wellington
One of the most common questions we hear at Weka Electrical is: how much does it cost to rewire an old house? The reality is, no two homes are exactly alike—so costs can vary widely depending on the size, age, accessibility, and condition of the property. To give homeowners a clearer picture, we’ve developed a house rewiring cost calculator that estimates pricing based on key factors specific to your home.
How Our House Rewiring Cost Calculator Works
Rather than guessing or relying on broad averages, our calculator takes into account:
- Property type (house or apartment)
- Number of bedrooms
- Whether a switchboard upgrade is required
- Accessibility of underfloor and roof spaces
It starts with a base cost determined by the size of your home:
- $10,000 for 1–2 bedrooms
- $15,000 for 3–4 bedrooms
- $20,000 for 5+ bedrooms
If your home needs a switchboard upgrade (which is common in older homes with ceramic or rewirable fuses), the calculator adds an extra $3,000 to the estimate. It also factors in average costs for installing new power outlets, downlights, and switches as part of a complete rewire package.
Accounting for Complexity
Older houses often present extra challenges that increase labour and material costs. For example, if you live in an apartment rather than a standalone house, access is more complex. Our calculator automatically applies a 1.4 multiplier for apartments to reflect these added complexities, including working within body corporate rules and shared building infrastructure.
Access is another key factor. If your property lacks accessible underfloor or roof spaces—meaning electricians need to cut through linings or remove panels—the calculator applies a 1.3 multiplier per access limitation. For example, if both underfloor and roof access are unavailable, the total estimate is multiplied by 1.3 twice, reflecting the increased time, labour, and restoration required to complete the rewiring safely.
What Does the Estimate Include?
Our calculator’s estimate is designed to cover:
- Removal of old or unsafe wiring
- Installation of new cabling to AS/NZS 3000 standards
- New power points and light switches in existing locations
- Standard downlight replacements
- Switchboard upgrade (if applicable)
- Testing, inspection, and Certificate of Compliance
It’s important to note the estimate excludes plastering, painting, or decorative repairs to any linings removed for access. These are usually arranged separately with a builder or decorator after the electrical work is complete.
Example Cost Scenarios
Here are a few example calculations to illustrate:
- 3-bedroom standalone house with switchboard upgrade, accessible underfloor and roof: $15,000 + $3,000 = $18,000 (no multipliers applied)
- 2-bedroom apartment needing switchboard upgrade, limited roof access: ($10,000 + $3,000) x 1.4 x 1.3 ≈ $23,660
- 5-bedroom house with no underfloor or roof access, no switchboard upgrade: $20,000 x 1.3 x 1.3 ≈ $33,800
These examples highlight how accessibility and property type influence the final price. Every home is different, so it’s vital to get a professional assessment before committing to a budget.
Why Use the Calculator?
Our rewiring calculator isn’t a replacement for a formal quote—but it gives you a realistic starting point to plan your budget and understand the main cost drivers. By considering property size, access, and upgrades upfront, you avoid surprises and can prioritise essential work if the budget is tight.
At Weka Electrical, we use this same methodology when preparing tailored quotes for Wellington homeowners. We’re always happy to visit your property, confirm the calculator’s assumptions, and provide a formal quote with a clear scope of work.
In the next section, we’ll explain what’s involved in the rewiring process itself—so you know exactly what happens during a typical rewiring project from start to finish.
The Rewiring Process Explained
Understanding how much does it cost to rewire an old house isn’t just about numbers—it’s also about knowing what the rewiring process involves. At Weka Electrical, we believe an informed homeowner makes better decisions. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from start to finish when rewiring an old house in Wellington.
1. Initial Inspection and Assessment
Every rewiring project starts with a detailed inspection of your home’s existing electrical system. We check the type and condition of your wiring, the age of your switchboard, the number of circuits, and access points such as roof cavities and underfloor spaces. This assessment allows us to spot hazards, plan cable routes, and confirm any additional compliance requirements before quoting the job.
In older Wellington homes, we often encounter obsolete wiring like VIR (Vulcanised Indian Rubber) cabling, rewirable fuses, or mixed wiring systems from past alterations. Identifying these risks early ensures they’re fully addressed during the rewire.
2. Preparing the Home
Before work begins, our electricians advise you on how to prepare your home. This may include moving furniture away from walls, removing fragile items, and providing clear access to key areas. If your roof or underfloor access is blocked, we may need to arrange safe entry points.
Depending on the home’s layout, some wall linings or ceiling panels may need to be removed to access wiring. We aim to minimise disruption but will explain upfront where this might be necessary.
3. Disconnecting Old Wiring
On the scheduled workday, we isolate the power supply and begin removing unsafe or outdated wiring. This process must be done carefully, particularly in homes with brittle insulation or asbestos-backed switchboards. Any non-compliant circuits are fully disconnected to prevent future hazards.
We also remove any obsolete electrical components, such as old junction boxes or unlabelled fuse holders, to streamline and modernise your electrical system.
4. Installing New Wiring
Once old wiring is cleared, we begin installing new cables in line with AS/NZS 3000 standards. This includes dedicated power and lighting circuits, appropriately sized circuit breakers, and earth bonding where required. We use high-quality materials to ensure durability, safety, and efficiency.
At this stage, we also install new power points, light switches, and wiring for any extra features you’ve chosen—such as USB sockets, outdoor lighting, or futureproofing provisions for electric vehicle chargers.
5. Switchboard Upgrade
If your old house has a ceramic fuse board or outdated switchgear, we install a modern switchboard equipped with RCDs (Residual Current Devices) and MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers). This upgrade is critical for protecting against electric shock and electrical fires and is required under current New Zealand regulations for new circuits.
We also clearly label all circuits so future maintenance is easier and safer.
6. Testing and Certification
Once installation is complete, we conduct thorough electrical testing to confirm the safety and compliance of the entire system. This includes insulation resistance testing, earth continuity checks, polarity verification, and functionality tests for all RCDs and MCBs.
After passing inspection, we issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) and Electrical Safety Certificate, ensuring your new system meets all legal and insurance requirements.
7. Handover and Advice
Before we finish, we walk you through the new system, explaining the switchboard layout, how to reset breakers, and how to test safety switches. We’re always happy to answer questions and provide practical tips on maintaining electrical safety in your home.
Any cosmetic repair work (plastering, painting) required after access points are sealed is arranged separately, though we can recommend reliable local contractors for restoration work if needed.
How Long Does a Rewire Take?
Most rewiring projects for an average Wellington home take between 5–10 working days, depending on the size, accessibility, and complexity of the property. You may need to vacate certain areas during high-disruption stages, but we always aim to keep your home functional and safe wherever possible during the process.
Minimising Disruption
At Weka Electrical, we plan rewiring projects carefully to reduce disruption. We can stage work by area or circuit if required and communicate daily progress updates. Our team keeps worksites clean, safe, and tidy throughout the project.
In the next section, we’ll explore why choosing the right electrician is essential—and how Weka Electrical delivers peace of mind, quality workmanship, and value for Wellington homeowners tackling a major rewire.
Why Weka Electrical Is the Best Choice for Rewiring Old Houses
Rewiring an old house is a major investment in your family’s safety, comfort, and future. While many electricians offer rewiring services, few have the specific expertise required to handle the unique challenges of older Wellington homes. At Weka Electrical, we specialise in rewiring heritage properties, villas, bungalows, and character homes throughout Wellington—and we understand what it takes to do the job right.
Specialists in Older Homes
From fragile plaster walls to obsolete wiring methods, older houses require a thoughtful, skilled approach to rewiring. Our team has hands-on experience dealing with brittle wiring insulation, non-standard circuits, and the quirks of pre-1960s construction. We know how to work around original features while ensuring the installation meets modern safety standards.
Transparent Pricing and Tailored Quotes
Unlike generic estimates, Weka Electrical provides detailed, itemised quotes based on an in-person assessment of your property. We factor in the true cost drivers—like access issues, switchboard upgrades, and compliance requirements—so you’re never blindsided by hidden fees. Our rewiring cost calculator gives you a helpful starting point, and our formal quote confirms everything in writing before work begins.
Certified and Compliant Workmanship
Every rewiring job we complete comes with a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) and Electrical Safety Certificate. We work strictly to AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules, ensuring your home is safe, insurable, and future-proofed. Our electricians are registered, licensed, and continually trained on the latest safety standards and technologies.
Minimised Disruption
We know that rewiring can be disruptive, especially in a home you’re living in. That’s why we plan projects around your schedule, communicate clearly at every stage, and respect your home by keeping work areas tidy and safe. We aim to minimise downtime, working in stages where possible to maintain essential services during the project.
Guaranteed Peace of Mind
Choosing Weka Electrical means choosing peace of mind. We stand by our workmanship, offering guarantees on materials and labour. We’re available for post-project support, answering any questions and providing follow-up assistance if needed.
Supporting Wellington’s Character Homes
As a proud local business, Weka Electrical is committed to preserving the charm of Wellington’s older homes while bringing them safely into the modern era. Whether you own a villa in Thorndon, a bungalow in Karori, or a heritage-listed property, we have the expertise to protect both your home’s integrity and your family’s safety.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re wondering how much does it cost to rewire an old house or if your home needs rewiring at all, we’re here to help. Contact Weka Electrical today to arrange an in-person assessment and receive a tailored quote. We’ll walk you through the process, explain your options, and give you a clear, honest recommendation based on your home’s needs and your budget.
Call us now or submit an enquiry online to take the first step towards a safer, modern electrical system for your old house in Wellington. Trust the local experts who know old homes inside and out—trust Weka Electrical.
GET A FREE REWIRING QUOTE
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to rewire an old house in Wellington?
The cost to rewire an old house in Wellington typically ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 NZD depending on the size of the home, accessibility, and whether a switchboard upgrade is required. Factors like limited access, additional circuits, and compliance upgrades can increase the price. Using Weka Electrical’s rewiring cost calculator provides a tailored estimate based on your property’s specifics.
2. Why is rewiring an old house so expensive?
Rewiring an old house is labour-intensive and often involves working around fragile structures, outdated wiring methods, and access challenges. Costs cover removal of unsafe wiring, installation of compliant cabling, new switchboards, safety devices, testing, and certification. Extra expenses may arise if walls or ceilings need to be opened for cable access or if restoration work is required after installation.
3. How long does it take to rewire an old house?
The average rewiring project for an older Wellington home takes between 5 and 10 working days, depending on the property’s size, complexity, and access. Larger or multi-storey homes may take longer, especially if significant wall or ceiling access is required. Weka Electrical always provides a project timeline estimate in your tailored quote.
4. Do I have to move out while my house is being rewired?
Not always. In most cases, you can stay in the home while rewiring takes place, although certain rooms may be temporarily unavailable during stages of the work. For major rewiring projects, or if safety cannot be maintained in occupied areas, we may recommend arranging alternative accommodation for a few days. We’ll discuss this during the planning stage.
5. What are the signs that an old house needs rewiring?
Common signs include frequent blown fuses or tripped breakers, flickering lights, discoloured or warm outlets, electric shocks from switches, a burning smell near sockets, or an outdated fuse board with ceramic fuses. If you notice any of these issues, it’s essential to have your wiring assessed by a licensed electrician like Weka Electrical.
6. Will rewiring increase my home’s value?
Yes—rewiring an old house improves safety, ensures compliance with modern electrical standards, and makes the property more attractive to buyers. A rewired home is often easier to insure and meets the requirements of building inspections, adding long-term value and peace of mind.
7. Does rewiring an old house include upgrading the switchboard?
In most cases, yes. Older homes often have fuse boards that do not meet current safety regulations. Rewiring usually includes replacing the switchboard with a modern version featuring RCDs (Residual Current Devices) and MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) for enhanced safety and compliance. This upgrade typically adds $1,000–$3,000 NZD to the overall rewiring cost.
8. Can I get a rewiring estimate without an inspection?
While our rewiring cost calculator provides a helpful starting estimate, an accurate quote requires an on-site inspection to assess wiring condition, access, and compliance needs. Weka Electrical offers no-obligation assessments throughout Wellington to provide a tailored quote based on your home’s specific requirements.
