Short answer: The electrical cost of a renovation depends mainly on scope (how many new circuits, power points and lights), the condition of the existing wiring and switchboard, access (open walls vs finished rooms, roof space, double brick), the fittings you choose and how the work is staged. A switchboard upgrade or partial rewire can be the biggest single item in older Inner West homes. We don’t publish set prices, so call 0421 772 661 for a fixed quote.
Electrical work is often a line item that grows during a renovation. A builder’s allowance might cover the basics, then the old wiring turns out to be rubber-insulated, the switchboard is full, and the new kitchen needs three extra circuits. This guide explains what drives the cost, so you can budget realistically and avoid surprises.
We haven’t quoted renovation price ranges here because renovations vary too much for a typical figure to mean anything. For related costs with sourced market ranges, see switchboard upgrade cost and cost to rewire a house.
The main cost drivers
| Factor | Why it changes the price |
|---|---|
| Number of new points | Every power point, light, switch and data point adds labour and materials |
| New circuits | Cooktops, ovens, air conditioners, heat pumps and EV chargers often need dedicated circuits |
| Switchboard | No spare space, ceramic fuses or no safety switches may mean an upgrade |
| Existing wiring | Old rubber or cloth-insulated wiring may need replacing in the renovated area or the whole house |
| Access | Open walls during the rough-in are far cheaper to wire than finished rooms |
| Construction type | Double brick, concrete slabs and no roof space make cable runs slower |
| Fittings | Designer lights and smart switches cost more than standard LEDs and switches |
| Staging | Several visits for rough-in, fit-off and changes add time |
| Variations | Changes after rough-in, like moving a power point after tiling, cost the most |
| Supply | If a supply upgrade is needed, Level 2 network work adds cost (Blue Link is not Level 2 accredited) |
Room by room
Kitchen
Usually the most electrically complex room: dedicated circuits for cooking, lots of bench power points, appliance outlets, layered lighting and a rangehood. See kitchen renovation electrical planning.
Bathroom
Exhaust fans, heat lamps or heated towel rails, lighting, shaver outlets and wet-area zone rules. See bathroom exhaust fans and heat lamps.
Living areas and bedrooms
Lighting, extra power points, TV and data points, ceiling fans and air conditioning.
Extensions
A new extension may need a new circuit, a sub-board and possibly a switchboard upgrade, plus smoke alarms to current standards.
Hidden costs in older homes
- Old wiring discovered once walls are open
- Asbestos backing boards at the switchboard, which need careful handling; SafeWork NSW explains why
- Circuits that won’t hold a safety switch once one is fitted, because of existing faults
- DIY work from previous owners that has to be made safe
An electrical inspection before you finalise your budget can surface many of these early.
How to keep the cost under control
- Involve the electrician at design stage. A plan agreed before work starts avoids variations.
- Finalise positions before the rough-in. Mark every power point and light on the plans.
- Group the work. Doing the switchboard, rewiring and new circuits in one program saves repeat visits.
- Choose fittings early. Some lights need specific mounting, drivers or dimmers.
- Ask for a fixed price with clear inclusions, rather than open hourly rates, for defined scopes. See electrician cost per hour for the trade-offs.
- Get it in writing. In NSW, residential building work over $5,000 needs a written contract, and work over $20,000 has extra requirements, according to the NSW Government.
What a good renovation quote includes
- the number and type of points and circuits
- switchboard work, if any
- removal of old wiring in the renovated area
- rough-in and fit-off visits
- testing and the Certificate of Compliance for Electrical Work
- an allowance or process for variations
Renovating an older Inner West home? Talk to us at design stage so the electrical is planned and priced properly. See our residential electrical services or lighting and power page.
We work on renovations in Balmain, Rozelle, Petersham and Leichhardt.
For your renovation, call 0421 772 661 for a fixed quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does renovation electrical work cost?
It depends on the scope, the existing wiring and switchboard, access and the fittings you choose. Call for a fixed quote based on your plans.
When should I get an electrical quote for a renovation?
At design stage, before finalising the budget, so the electrician can price the full scope and flag switchboard or wiring issues.
Will I need a switchboard upgrade when renovating?
Often in older homes, especially if the board has ceramic fuses, no safety switches or no spare space for new circuits.
How can I avoid electrical variations during a renovation?
Finalise power point and lighting positions before the rough-in, choose fittings early, and avoid moving points after walls are closed.