In most cases, it will take a licensed electrician around 3 – 11 days to wire a new house. When it comes to installing electrical wiring in a house, there are a lot of factors to consider. The size and layout of the home, the electrical load, and the type of wiring being used all play a role in how long it will take to wire a house. Here’s what you need to know about wiring a house in order to work out an accurate estimate of time.
Questions your electrician will ask
To provide an accurate estimate of how long it will take to wire a house, your electrician will ask questions such as the following to understand the scope:
- How big is the house?
- How many rooms?
- Is it single-storey or double-storey?
- Are there any special electrical codes or regulations, above and beyond standard NSW and Australian regulations that need to be adhered to for your area?
- What appliances will you have in and around the home? e.g. entertainment room, air-conditioning, spa, pool.
- Will you need network cabling?
- Will you have internal speakers installed?
- What lighting will you need outside?
- Are you planning on using three-way switches?
- Are there any special needs for your kitchen or bathroom?
- What heating will you need in winter?
Be prepared with answers to as many of these questions as you can, and you will find the quoting process much faster and easier.
Size of the house
The size of the house and its layout will affect how long it takes to wire a house. If you’re dealing with an older home or one that is larger than average, then wiring can take longer. The same goes for complex layouts and multiple levels. However, if you have a smaller, simpler-designed home, then you can expect wiring to take less time.
To provide a rough guide, here is a list of work that could be completed over approximately two days by two licensed electricians on a small brick veneer home with a 63 amp main circuit breaker:
- 25 power points
- 30 light fittings
- 5 ceiling fans
- Airconditioning circuit
- 1 electric hot water system
- 1 oven
- 1 hot plate
- 5 tv points
- 2 telephone outlets
- Electric switchboard wiring
- Earthing
Electrical load
The electrical load will affect how long it takes to wire a house. If your home has more outlets or larger appliances, then it will require more wiring and consequently take longer to complete. On the other hand, if you don’t have many outlets or appliances, wiring can be completed much faster.
Type of wiring
The type of wiring used will also affect how long it takes to wire a house. Some types of wiring are easier to install than others and can be completed in less time. Will you be using copper wiring or aluminium wiring? It’s essential to consult with your electrician about which type of wiring is best suited for your home. Once you know the type of electrical wiring you’ll be using and how much wire you’ll need, you’ll be able to start working out more accurate costs.
How much does it cost to wire a new house?
The total cost to wire a new house in Australia averages between $5000 to $10000. This is dependent on the hourly rate of the electrician being between $50 to $100 per hour and assumes the work required isn’t urgent. On top of labour, you will also have the cost of materials for items such as:
- Switches and power points: usually around $50 to $100 per switch.
- Copper electrical wiring: usually around $800+ per home, depending upon size.
- Electrical switchboard: estimated around $500 to $1000.
- Lights and other appliances: usually the most expensive component and can be anywhere around $4000 to $10000.
In conclusion, the amount of time it takes to wire a house can vary depending on the size and layout of the home, the electrical load, and the type of wiring being used. An experienced electrician should be able to give you an accurate estimate of how long it will take to complete your project. With their help, you’ll be able to get your new home wired in no time.