Estimating electrical work cost per square foot is important to plan your projects. It is better to be aware of all the cost-related things before the actual time. This way, everyone is prepared and moves on with the projects without any errors. If you are aware of the exact cost per square foot, future issues can be avoided.
That is why we have prepared this comprehensive guide. It breaks down electrical costs per square foot based on the latest data. If you are working on large projects like commercial and industrial. It is better to outsource Electrical Estimating Services and get accurate estimates according to the size. No more wastage of time and losing bids. You can win profitable projects with the help of experts.
YOU NEED TO READ THIS BLOG FOR ESTIMATING ELECTRICAL WORK COST PER SQUARE FOOT ACCURATELY AND GET AN IDEA ABOUT THE RECENT COST OF THE COMPONENTS!
Average Electrical Costs Per Square Foot
Residential Projects
- New construction wiring costs $4 – $9 per square foot
- Rewiring existing homes costs $5 – $17 per square foot
- Electrical rough-in only costs $2 – $4 per square foot
Commercial Projects
- Standard commercial wiring costs $7 – $15 per square foot
- Complex commercial installations cost $11.50 – $20 per square foot
Residential Electrical Costs
New Construction Wiring
For new residential construction, the electrical price per square foot for wiring is between $4 and $9 per square foot. For:
- An 800 sq ft home costs $3,200 – $7,200
- 1,500 sq ft home costs $6,000 – $13,500
- A 2,000 sq ft home costs $8,000 – $18,000
Rewiring Existing Homes
Rewiring an existing home costs more. It ranges from $5 to $17 per square foot. If you rely on an expert Residential Electrical Cost Estimating, you will not have to worry about the final results. However, the cost depends on the following factors:
- Removing old wiring
- Cutting into drywall to access wall cavities
- Fishing new wires through existing walls
- Repairing and patching walls after installation
Electrical Rough-In Costs
The electrical rough-in phase cost is lower from $2 – $4 per square foot. In this process, the contractors install all wiring and junction boxes. But the final connections are left until the construction process is finished.
Commercial electrical installation cost per square foot
Commercial electrical work is more expensive than residential projects due to several factors. It costs $7 – $15 per square foot. For more complex projects, the cost can increase from this figure.
Commercial buildings are of different types that require various electrical needs. Such as:
- Office buildings: Lower end of the cost spectrum with standard lighting and outlets
- Retail centers: Mid-range costs with additional display lighting requirements
- Restaurants: Higher costs due to the requirement
- Industrial facilities: Highest costs for heavy machinery, etc.
Material Costs
Common Wire Types and Costs
- Non-metallic sheathed cable costs $0.50 – $3.00
- It is common residential wiring
- Good for indoor, dry locations
- Conduit costs 0.70 – $8.00
- Protects wiring in exposed locations
- Required in commercial applications
- Multi-conductor wiring costs $0.20 – $0.35
- Used for entertainment and security systems
- Coaxial cables costs $0.25 – $0.35
- Older technology for audio/visual equipment
- Direct burial cables: $0.40 – $0.50
- Can be buried underground without a conduit
Labor Costs
Hourly Rates
The average cost of an electrician is $40 – $100 per hour. Skilled electricians charge almost $125.
Project Duration
It takes 1 to 3 weeks to wire a house. Well, it also depends on the size of the building. In some cases, it can be more than three weeks due to the complexity of the job.
Component-Specific Costs
Outlets and Switches
The average cost to install a new outlet ranges from $133 – $352 per outlet. It includes labor and materials.
- Standard 120V outlets cost around $5
- Advanced outlets can cost $40 or more.
- Light switches cost $5 to $15
Electrical Panels
On average, you have to pay $850 to $2,500 to upgrade or replace an electrical panel. This estimate also depends on the size and the circuits. Upgrading from 100 amp to 200 amp means you need to pay $1,400 – $2,800. The best thing is to rely on Commercial Electrical Estimating Services and hand over financial issues to experts! They provide exact cost estimates for every electrical component required.
Circuits and Breakers
- New circuit and breaker costs $150 – $300
- Dedicated circuit costs $250 – $900
Light Fixtures
The average cost to install a basic light fixture ranges from $133 – $414. If you go with advanced features like chandeliers, it will add $200 – $700.
Industrial Electrical Costs Per Square Foot
Industrial electrical installations are quite complex and require more cost to complete the projects. So, it is better to get help from a reliable Industrial Electrical Estimator because these experts are aware of every simple and complex requirement.
However, the overall industrial electrical cost ranges from $10 to more than $60 per square foot.
Labor Costs for Industrial Work
- Journeyman industrial electrician cost is $65 – $125 per hour
- Master electrician cost is $85 – $150 per hour
- Industrial electrical contractor takes $90 – $175 per hour
Conclusion
Estimating electrical work cost per square foot is never an easy job. Especially when you are not aware of the market conditions. Plus, you are an inexperienced individual in this industry. A minor mistake in the electrical estimates derails the whole project. That is why contractors seek help from reliable estimators for complex projects. They also provide value engineering services to cut the cost without compromising the project quality. So, stop guessing and get professional assistance right away!
