How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a House in Calgary? (2026)
A whole-house rewire in Calgary usually costs $8,000 to $25,000, and most 1,200–1,800 sq ft homes land between $12,000 and $18,000 with permits included. Plaster walls, two storeys and a panel upgrade at the same time push it up. Here is how to tell whether you need a full rewire or a targeted fix.
By the Voltra Electrical team · Updated
Quick Answer
What does it cost to rewire an older house in Calgary?
Most Calgary homeowners pay $12,000–$18,000 to rewire a 1,200–1,800 sq ft house, permits included. A 1,000 sq ft bungalow runs about $8,000–$12,000 and a 2,500 sq ft two-storey about $20,000–$25,000. Voltra’s quotes for a 1,200 sq ft bungalow typically fall between $8,000 and $15,000, more if a panel upgrade is included.
Per square foot
Roughly $7–$15 per sq ft across Calgary quotes.
Permits
Permits and inspections are a few hundred dollars of the total.
Older homes cost more
Plaster walls in wartime inner-city bungalows add labour.
Typical rewiring costs in Calgary by home size
Ranges from Calgary sources checked November 6, 2026. Older homes with plaster walls sit at the top of each range.
Home
Typical range
Source
1,000 sq ft bungalow
$8,000–$12,000
Calgary Construction Network (Mar 2026)
1,200 sq ft bungalow
$8,000–$15,000
Voltra Electrical quotes
1,200–1,800 sq ft home
$12,000–$18,000
Calgary Construction Network (Mar 2026)
2,500 sq ft two-storey
$20,000–$25,000
Calgary Construction Network (Mar 2026)
Which Calgary homes need rewiring?
Age is the best first clue. Knob-and-tube wiring is associated with homes built before about 1950, which in Calgary means the older inner-city bungalows in areas like Altadore, Killarney, Capitol Hill and Sunnyside. Aluminum branch wiring was used in many homes built from about 1966 to 1974. Homes from the 1960s to 1980s often still have their original 100A panel and early wiring.
Age alone is not a reason to rewire. The reasons are ungrounded two-prong outlets, cloth-insulated wire, knob-and-tube still in service, aluminum wiring with failing connections, frequent trips, warm outlets, or an insurer asking questions.
Full rewire or targeted repair?
Not every older system needs to come out. Aluminum branch wiring can often be made safe by reconnecting it with connectors rated for aluminum at every device, which costs far less than a rewire. Knob-and-tube is different: it has no ground, the insulation is near the end of its life, and most insurers want it gone, so replacement is usually the answer.
A safety inspection tells you which case you are in. Voltra’s inspections give you a written list of what is safe, what needs repair, and what a full rewire would cost, so you can decide with numbers in hand.
What drives the cost of rewiring?
Labour is most of the cost, and access decides the labour.
Wall finish: plaster and lath takes longer to fish and patch than drywall.
Storeys and access: open basements and attics make runs faster.
Scope: a full rewire vs specific circuits, kitchens or a single floor.
Panel upgrade: often done at the same time; see the panel upgrade guide.
Drywall repair and painting: check whether your quote includes them.
Do I need a permit to rewire a house in Calgary?
Yes. Rewiring is permitted work with rough-in and final inspections. If wiring was covered up without a permit, the City can require drywall to be opened for inspection, which is why the permit should be pulled before walls are closed.
FAQ
House Rewiring Cost: common questions
Most 1,200–1,800 sq ft Calgary homes cost $12,000–$18,000 to rewire, permits included. Small bungalows start around $8,000, and large two-storeys reach $20,000–$25,000.
It shows up mainly in homes built before about 1950, such as older inner-city bungalows. Most insurers ask about it, and replacement is usually recommended.
Not always. Aluminum branch wiring from the late 1960s and early 1970s can often be made safe by reconnecting it with aluminum-rated connectors at every outlet, switch and fixture. An inspection tells you which approach fits.
Usually yes. Rewires are normally done room by room or floor by floor, so ask your electrician how the work will be staged and which circuits will be off each day.
Sources
Outside prices and rules on this page come from the sources below, checked on November 6, 2026. Voltra’s own prices come from its written quotes; every job is quoted free and itemized after an on-site look.