Cost of Rewiring a Home in Des Moines Iowa

You might be feeling uneasy about the wiring in your home — especially if it’s older or built with aluminum or knob-and-tube. Maybe an inspector raised concerns… or your gut is just telling you something isn’t right.

At Integra Electrical, we’ve performed rewiring projects in thousands of homes across the Des Moines area over the last 20+ years from updating one circuit to replacing every wire in the house. And if there’s one question every homeowner asks first, it’s this: “How much is this going to cost me?”

The truth is, that whole home rewiring costs can vary more than most homeowners expect — and not understanding why can create a lot of unnecessary stress.

But here’s something most homeowners don’t realize: You might not need to rewire your entire home.

At Integra, once we’ve had a good look at your system, we often find that only a few rooms or circuits actually need to be updated — and that kind of targeted work typically costs far less than a full rewire.
In this guide, we’ll break down:

• What you can expect to pay in Des Moines
• What drives the cost up and what can bring it down
• What to ask about warranties
• And whether you should worry about surprise fees

What you can expect to pay for a Whole home rewiring in Des Moines

If you’re considering rewiring your whole home in the Des Moines area, expect to pay between $8,000 and $50,000.  That’s a wide range — and understandably, it can feel overwhelming.

Most homes fall somewhere in the middle. At Integra Electrical, we typically see full rewiring projects land between $8,000 and $20,000, depending on the size and scope of the job. Smaller homes or partial rewiring projects may cost less, while larger homes or homes needing major updates may fall on the higher end.

If your system is mostly in good shape, and only certain sections need updating, your project may fall below this range. For example, we often complete small rewiring projects — like updating one floor, replacing a panel, or adding new circuits — for under $8,000.

What drives the cost of a whole home rewiring up, and what can bring it down

No two homes are exactly alike, which means the cost to rewire can vary quite a bit. Here are the most common factors that influence the final price, both up and down.

What Can Drive the Cost up

• Home Size and Square Footage - Larger homes mean more wire, more circuits, and more labor, which naturally increases the total cost.

• Age of the Home - Older homes often require extra work to bring the electrical system up to code. This can include removing outdated knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, or correcting unsafe past repairs.

• Accessibility of Wiring - Homes with plaster walls, finished ceilings, or tight crawl spaces take more time and care to rewire, which can drive up labor costs.

• Permits & Inspections - Required permits and final inspections vary by location, but they’re a necessary part of the process, and they do add to the total cost.

What Drives the Cost Down?

• Open Access to Wiring - If your home is already under renovation or has exposed walls, electricians can work faster and with fewer labor hours.
• Simplified Electrical Needs - A home with fewer outlets, switches, and circuits may require less material and time, which can help lower your quote.
• Modern Electrical Panel - If your panel is already up to date and doesn’t need replacing, that’s one less major item to include in the project cost.
• Clear Project Scope - Costs stay more predictable when the project is well-defined (like rewiring just a specific part of the home).
  
  

What do you think about rewiring warranties?

Rewiring a home is a major investment, and any time you're spending thousands of dollars on electrical work, it’s smart to ask: “What kind of protection comes with this?”

Warranties from the Electrical Contractor

Most reputable electricians offer a warranty on both materials and labor, but the length and coverage can vary.

Here's what to look for:

• Labor & Workmanship Coverage: A solid warranty should cover any issues that arise due to improper installation or defective work.
  
• Parts & Materials Warranty: Some materials (like breakers, panels, or outlets) may come with manufacturer warranties. Be sure your contractor explains what’s covered and for how long.
• Written Terms: Always ask for the warranty in writing. A clear scope of what is — and isn’t — included protects both sides and avoids confusion down the road.
  

Home Warranties

If you have a home warranty policy (through a provider like American Home Shield, Choice Home Warranty, etc.), it may or may not cover electrical issues. It is important to note that home warranties usually won’t cover a full rewire.

Home warranties often cover repairs to existing systems (like fixing a faulty circuit or breaker), but not full replacements or system-wide upgrades. Rewiring your home is usually considered a major upgrade and is seen as the homeowner’s responsibility, not something covered under a general home warranty. Some companies may offer optional coverage for limited electrical work, but again, not a full rewire.

Whether you’re hiring an electrician or checking your home warranty, the key is to ask upfront what’s included and for how long. A trustworthy contractor won’t hesitate to walk you through the details — and if you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to get it in writing.

Are there hidden fees?

One of the biggest concerns homeowners have when it comes to rewiring is “Am I going to get hit with unexpected charges once the job starts?”

The good news? Most professional electricians will provide a detailed, upfront quote that outlines exactly what’s included. But it’s still smart to understand what can lead to additional costs, especially in older homes.

• Drywall or Patch Repairs - Rewiring often involves opening walls, ceilings, or floors to access wiring. Some electricians include basic patching, but for full restoration (like retexturing or painting) this will most likely be an additional cost through another provider. Feel free to ask your trusted contractor if they have recommendations on a drywaller.
• Permit Fees & Inspection - Depending on your location in the Des Moines area, permits and inspections may be billed separately. Be sure to ask whether they’re included in your estimate before they begin work.
• Panel or Service Upgrades - If your electrical panel isn’t large enough to support a full rewire or if it’s outdated, an upgrade may be required. Make sure your contract includes this in the price before the work begins.
• Hidden Damage - In some older homes, electricians may discover damaged, hazardous, or improperly installed wiring once the walls are open. If that happens, additional work might be needed to bring the system up to code. That is why it is important to find a contractor who will communicate with you throughout the whole process.

It is important to ask your contractor to walk you through the full quote before they begin work. It can also be helpful to have a written estimate that includes pricing. Don’t be afraid to ask “what’s not included in the quote. A trustworthy electrician will welcome these questions and will be transparent if anything unexpected pops up along the way.

What to Expect When It Comes to Payment

A full home rewire isn’t just a major project — it’s a major investment. So it’s fair to wonder how payment usually works.
Here’s what’s typical:

• A deposit up front – Many electricians require a down payment to secure your spot on the schedule and cover initial material costs. This is usually 10–30% of the total price.
• Progress payments – For larger jobs, payments may be made in stages as the work moves forward.
• Final payment upon completion – You should never be expected to pay the full amount until the work is done and passes inspection.

What form of Payment is accepted?

Every company handles payments a little differently, so it’s a good idea to ask upfront. At Integra, we accept:

• Cash
• Checks
• Credit or debit cards
• financing through third-party lenders

Many homeowners choose to combine payment methods — for example, using a credit card for the deposit, paying part in cash, and financing the rest.

And while some companies offer longer payment terms (like Net 30 or Net 60), COD (cash on delivery) is typically the expectation for residential projects, meaning the final payment is due when the job is complete and passes inspection.

A few red flags to avoid:

• Being asked to pay the full amount before any work begins
• Requests to make payment to an individual rather than the company
• No written agreement outlining the work and payment terms
• Vague or unclear financing options

If something feels off, pause and ask. A reputable contractor will always explain how and when payment is expected and put everything in writing.

Next Steps

Rewiring your home isn’t just a major project — it’s a major decision. And if you’re like most homeowners, you don’t want to move forward until you feel confident about the process, the price, and the people you’re hiring.

Here’s the good news: when you understand what drives the cost, what to expect from a contractor, and what questions to ask, rewiring doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

The best way to know an exact cost is to reach out to a licensed, experienced electrician and schedule a no-pressure, no-cost safety evaluation. You’ll walk away with answers — and a clear plan forward.