Electrical work for a new house cost builders $27,383 on average in NAHB’s 2024 survey, about 6.4% of construction cost. Applied to a 2,000 sq ft home at the 2026 US median, that share is about $21,200. Plumbing ($27,180) costs about the same, and the two together with HVAC make up 19.2% of construction cost.
How much does it cost to wire a new house?
| House size | About 6.4% of median build cost |
|---|---|
| 1,500 sq ft | about $15,900 |
| 2,000 sq ft | about $21,200 |
| 2,500 sq ft | about $26,600 |
| 3,000 sq ft | about $31,900 |
These are our estimates using NAHB’s electrical share of construction cost and our $166 per sq ft US median. Get a quote from a licensed electrician for your plan.
What does the electrical budget include?
- Service entrance and main panel (200 amps is common for new homes)
- Wiring, boxes, outlets and switches for every room
- Dedicated circuits for the kitchen, laundry, HVAC and water heater
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Permits and inspections
Light fixtures are counted separately in NAHB’s survey ($5,392 on average under interior finishes).
What adds to the cost?
- EV charger circuits, generators or solar-ready panels
- Smart-home, data and security wiring
- Larger homes, more circuits and higher-amp service
- Long runs from the utility pole to the house on rural lots
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 200-amp panel cost?
It is usually included in the electrician’s bid for a new house. Upgrading service on an existing house is a separate, more expensive job.
Can I wire my own house?
Some states let owner-builders do their own electrical work with a permit and inspection, but many lenders and insurers require a licensed electrician. Check your local rules.
More cost breakdowns
- Full cost breakdown by stage
- Foundation cost
- Framing cost
- Roofing cost
- Electrical wiring cost
- Material cost
- Land cost
- Septic system cost
- Well drilling cost
- Driveway cost
- House plans cost
Sources
- NAHB: Cost of Constructing a Home in 2024 (survey published January 2025)
- Pennsylvania Association of Realtors: summary of NAHB 2024 cost figures (dollar amounts per stage)
- Autodesk: How much does it cost to build a house in 2026? (state totals for a 2,000 sq ft home, based on Today’s Homeowner data; the $166/sq ft US median used on this site)