Quick Answer
$8,000 – $20,000
Average cost to rewire a 3-bedroom home in Australia in 2026, including switchboard replacement. A 2-bedroom unit can cost $5,000–$12,000. Large or complex homes can reach $25,000+.
Cost by house size
| House type | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom unit | $4,000–$8,000 |
| 2-bedroom home/unit | $5,000–$12,000 |
| 3-bedroom home | $8,000–$18,000 |
| 4-bedroom home | $12,000–$22,000 |
| 5+ bedroom / large home | $18,000–$30,000+ |
What affects the price?
House size
More bedrooms = more circuits = more cable
Wall construction
Brick homes are harder to run cable through than weatherboard
Two-storey vs single
Two-storey requires cable between floors — adds cost
Switchboard replacement
Often done at the same time — adds $1,500–$3,000
Partial vs full rewire
Replacing just one circuit or room is significantly cheaper
Regional vs metro
Regional labour rates can be lower, but travel may add cost
When do you need to rewire?
Signs your home may need rewiring:
- ⚡ Wiring older than 25–30 years (especially rubber-insulated cable)
- ⚡ Aluminium wiring (common in homes built 1960–1980)
- ⚡ Frequent circuit breaker trips or blown fuses
- ⚡ Burning smell near power points or the switchboard
- ⚡ Flickering lights when you switch appliances on
- ⚡ Switches or outlets that feel warm to the touch
- ⚡ Insurance renewal requiring electrical compliance upgrade
How to get a fair quote
- 1
Get at least 3 quotes
Prices vary significantly between electricians. Getting 3 quotes takes an hour and can save thousands.
- 2
Verify the licence before you commit
Every Victorian electrician must hold a current licence with Energy Safe Victoria . Check before you sign anything.
- 3
Ask what's included
Some quotes include switchboard replacement, safety switches, and a Certificate of Electrical Safety — others don't. Confirm scope in writing.
- 4
Ask about the Certificate of Electrical Safety
In Victoria, a licenced electrician must issue a CES for all prescribed electrical work. If a quote doesn't mention it, ask explicitly.
Never DIY electrical work in Australia
In all Australian states, performing electrical work without a licence is illegal and extremely dangerous. Unlicensed work voids home insurance and can result in fines of $10,000–$40,000. Only use a licensed electrician for any work beyond replacing a light globe.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to rewire a house? ▼
A full house rewire typically takes 3–7 days for a standard 3-bedroom home. Two-storey homes or those with complex layouts may take 7–10 days. A partial rewire (one circuit or one room) can take half a day to a full day.
Do I need to move out while my house is rewired? ▼
For a full rewire, power is off during active work. Many families stay elsewhere for convenience, but it's possible to stay if the electrician works in stages and restores power each evening. Discuss this with your electrician at the quote stage.
Is rewiring worth it for an older home? ▼
Yes — modern wiring improves safety, supports modern appliance loads, and is increasingly required by insurers. Many policies exclude or increase premiums for homes with wiring older than 25–30 years. A full rewire adds value to the property and removes a significant safety risk.
Find a licensed electrician in SE Melbourne
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