What is the average cost of whole house rewiring in Ottawa in 2026?

Whole house rewiring in Ottawa typically costs between $8,000 and $20,000+, depending on the size of your home, accessibility, and the complexity of the work. Most Ottawa homeowners with a standard 1,500–2,500 sq ft home can expect to land in the $10,000–$15,000 range for a complete rewire.

The wide price range reflects several real variables. Home size is the biggest driver — a 900 sq ft bungalow is a very different project than a 3,000 sq ft two-storey. Accessibility matters enormously: open-concept layouts or homes mid-renovation are far cheaper to rewire than fully finished homes where electricians must fish wire through walls, ceilings, and floors without tearing everything apart. Panel upgrades are often done simultaneously (and usually should be) — upgrading from a 100A to a 200A panel adds $1,500–$3,000 to the project. If your home still has aluminum wiring (common in Ottawa homes built in the 1960s–70s), remediation or a full rewire becomes even more critical and can affect scope.

Here's a rough breakdown by home size for the Ottawa market:

• Small home / bungalow (under 1,200 sq ft): $7,000–$11,000
• Mid-size home (1,200–2,200 sq ft): $10,000–$16,000
• Larger home (2,200–3,500 sq ft): $15,000–$22,000+
• Heritage or fully finished home (any size): Add 20–40% for complexity

Ontario and Ottawa-specific requirements add important context here. All electrical work must be permitted through the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), and only a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) can pull that permit. ESA inspections are built into the process — this is not optional, and it protects your home insurance coverage and your ability to sell the home later. You can verify a contractor's license at esasafe.com. Permit fees for a full rewire typically run $300–$700 depending on the scope filed.

This is not a DIY project. While Ontario law technically allows homeowners to do their own electrical work with an ESA permit and inspection, a full rewire is a major undertaking that requires professional expertise. The liability risk, insurance implications, and complexity of doing it correctly make hiring a Licensed Electrical Contractor the right call every time.

When getting quotes, make sure each contractor specifies what's included — number of circuits, panel upgrade or not, smoke/CO detector placement per OBC requirements, and whether drywall repair is in scope (it usually isn't, so budget separately for patching and painting). Get at least three quotes, ask for proof of ESA licensing, and request a WSIB clearance certificate before work begins.

Your next step is to have a licensed electrician assess your home in person — costs vary too much for a firm number without seeing your panel, wiring type, and finished wall situation. Browse verified, ESA-licensed electricians in our Ottawa contractor directory to connect with qualified professionals in your area.