Electrical panel upgrades and rewiring projects rank among the most expensive home electrical work—and costs vary wildly depending on what you actually need done. Understanding the breakdown by service type helps you budget realistically and avoid surprise invoices halfway through the job.
Main Panel Upgrade Costs
A full electrical panel replacement typically runs $1,500 to $4,000, with labor eating up roughly 40–50% of that total. The job involves disconnecting the old panel, installing new breakers, and reconnecting circuits—work that requires a licensed electrician and often a permit from your local authority. If your home is older and needs a 100-amp-to-200-amp upgrade, expect the higher end of that range, especially if your existing wiring can't handle the new capacity.
Sub-Panel Installation
Adding a sub-panel for a garage workshop, new addition, or dedicated appliance circuit costs between $800 and $2,500. This is cheaper than a full panel upgrade because you're not replacing your main service—instead, you're running a feeder line from the main panel to a smaller secondary panel. Common reasons include powering a hot tub, charging an EV, or expanding a detached structure. Installation time is typically 6–10 hours.
Circuit Rewiring and Additions
Rewiring existing circuits or adding new ones costs roughly $150–$300 per circuit, depending on how many circuits you need and how accessible your walls are. If you're fishing wire through existing walls (non-destructive), expect the higher end; adding circuits in a newly constructed wall is cheaper because the electrician has better access. Most homeowners add 2–5 circuits at a time, so budget $400–$1,500 for a modest expansion.
Service Entrance Upgrade
Upgrading your service entrance—the connection between the utility line and your meter and panel—runs $1,200 to $3,500. This work often requires coordination with your utility company and new meter installation. You'll need a permit, and timelines can stretch if the utility is slow to schedule their part. If your service entrance is the only bottleneck (not the panel itself), this targeted upgrade might be all you need.
What Affects Your Final Cost
Several factors push prices up or down:
- Amp capacity you're upgrading to (100 → 150 amps vs. 150 → 200 amps)
- Age and condition of your home's wiring (knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring adds cost)
- Permit and inspection fees (typically $100–$500, varies by municipality)
- Wall accessibility (finished drywall costs more to work through than open framing)
- Distance from the meter to the main panel (longer runs = more wire and labor)
- Whether you need new conduit or can reuse existing (new conduit adds $200–$500)
- Local labor rates (urban areas run 20–40% higher than rural regions)
Why You Shouldn't Skip Professional Installation
DIY electrical work is illegal in most jurisdictions and voids homeowner insurance if something goes wrong. Inspectors will catch unpermitted work when you sell your home, and you'll face costly corrections or legal liability for fires or shock hazards. Licensed electricians carry insurance, pull permits, and guarantee their work—that protection is worth the cost.
Timeline Expectations
A full panel upgrade typically takes 1–2 days on-site, but permitting and utility coordination can add 2–4 weeks total. Simpler jobs like circuit additions usually complete in a single day. Always ask your electrician if permits are required and who handles the utility company contact—some electricians include this in their quote, others don't.
Getting Accurate Quotes
Call 2–3 local electricians and describe exactly what you need: "Replace 100-amp panel with 200-amp, upgrade service entrance, add 4 circuits." Vague requests lead to vague quotes. A reputable contractor will visit your home, check existing wiring and codes, and provide a detailed written estimate that includes labor, materials, and permit costs separately.
Mercoly helps you find and compare trusted electrical contractors for panel upgrades and rewiring in your area, so you can evaluate multiple quotes side-by-side without cold-calling ten numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade? Yes—every jurisdiction requires a permit for electrical panel work, and most utility companies won't connect upgraded service without an inspection certificate. Skipping this creates insurance and liability problems.
Q: How long does a panel upgrade take from start to finish? On-site installation is 1–2 days, but add 2–4 weeks for permits and utility scheduling.
Q: Can I upgrade my panel if I have old aluminum wiring? Aluminum wiring can stay if it's in good condition, but the electrician will inspect it closely; corroded aluminum may need replacement in sections, adding $500–$1,500.
Compare detailed quotes from licensed electricians near you on Mercoly today.