Moving an electrical outlet up a wall is a common project that many homeowners take on to make outlets more accessible or to meet code requirements. While it may seem like a simple task, moving an outlet does involve some costs. In this article, we’ll break down the main factors that impact the cost of moving an electrical outlet up the wall so you can budget and plan this project accordingly.
Cost Factors
There are several key factors that influence the total cost of moving an outlet up a wall:
- Electrician fees – If you hire an electrician to move the outlet, this will likely be the biggest cost. Electrician hourly rates average $40-$100 per hour.
- Materials/supplies – New electrical boxes, covers, wiring, and tools needed for the project.
- Wall repair – Drywall patching, repainting, etc. to repair the wall once the outlet is moved.
- Permit fees – Your local jurisdiction may require an electrical permit, which can cost $100+.
- Location/accessibility – Moving an outlet higher up a wall or working around obstacles can increase the time and complexity.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these cost factors:
Electrician Fees
Hiring a professional electrician to move an outlet is the most significant cost for most homeowners. Here are some points about electrician costs:
- Hourly rates – Electricians typically charge between $40-$100 per hour, with the average being around $65/hour.
- Minimum fees – There is usually a minimum 1 hour fee or a flat rate for simple outlet moves.
- Experience – Electrician rates vary based on experience, with master electricians charging premium rates.
- Overhead – You pay for the electrician’s general business expenses in their rate.
- Location – Electrician rates are higher in expensive metro areas vs. rural areas.
While DIY is an option, an electrician can move an outlet much more quickly and safely. They also ensure it is done up to code.
Materials and Supplies
If you move an outlet yourself, you’ll need to purchase supplies which can include:
- Electrical box – $5 to $15 for a new plastic or metal box.
- Wall plate – $2 to $10 for a new decorative outlet cover plate.
- Wire – $20 to $50 for enough 14/2 gauge wire to extend circuit.
- Wire connectors – $5 pack of wire nuts to connect wires.
- Tools – Drywall saw, voltage tester, screwdrivers, etc. if you don’t have them.
Assuming you need a full supply run, you should budget $50 to $100 for materials as a DIYer. An electrician typically supplies all materials and tools.
Wall Repair
Once the outlet is relocated, you’ll need to repair and refinish the wall which will require:
- Drywall patch – $10 for drywall compound and tape.
- Drywall tools – Joint knife, sanding block, etc. if you don’t have them.
- Paint – Matching paint for the wall, which could be $20+ for a full gallon.
- Paint supplies – Brushes, rollers, trays, drop cloths.
Factor $50 to $100 for materials to patch drywall and repaint the wall around the moved outlet. An electrician may include repair/refinishing in their overall rate.
Permit Fees
Many jurisdictions require you obtain an electrical permit before moving or installing an outlet, which allows the work to be inspected. Typical electrical permit fees range from $100 to $250.
Always check with your local building department to see if a permit is needed before moving an outlet in your home.
Location and Accessibility
The final factor affecting outlet relocation cost is the location and accessibility. Some things that can increase the price include:
- Height – Moving an outlet higher up a wall requires more wire and larger holes.
- Obstacles – Working around studs, pipes, cabinets, etc. makes the job more difficult.
- Finished spaces – Moving outlets in finished rooms takes more time and care.
- Distance – Moving the outlet across a larger span of wall increases material needs.
Simple projects like moving an outlet just 12″ higher in an unfinished basement will cost less than moving an outlet several feet across a wall in a kitchen.
Cost by Project Scope
With those main costs factors explained, let’s look at estimated price ranges based on the scope of different outlet relocation projects:
Project Type | Estimated Cost Range |
---|---|
Small relocation – 12″ up a wall in an unfinished room | $125 – $300 |
Upgrading receptacle in finished room | $175 – $350 |
Moving outlet across a kitchen wall | $200 – $500 |
Moving multiple outlets across room | $300 – $750 |
Relocating outlet very high up a wall | $225 – $550 |
Here are some details about typical costs for different outlet moving scenarios:
Small Relocation in Unfinished Room – $125 to $300
For small relocations of just 12″ or so higher up a wall in an unfinished basement, garage, attic etc. the costs are on the lower end. This assumes easy access and no need to work around obstructions. The minimum electrician fee would apply.
Upgrading Receptacle in Finished Room – $175 to $350
If you’re moving an outlet in a finished room like a bedroom or living room to update it or make it more accessible, the costs go up slightly. The electrician has to take more care patching and painting the wall, which takes more time.
Moving Outlet Across Kitchen Wall – $200 to $500
Relocating an outlet more significantly across a wall, like moving it across a kitchen backsplash area, raises costs more. The electrician has to buy more wire, cut into more drywall, patch a larger hole, and work carefully around existing finishes.
Moving Multiple Outlets Across Room – $300 to $750
Larger projects where multiple outlets need to be moved around a room like a kitchen, living room or office are more labor intensive. The electrician may provide a discount on multiple outlet relocations. But much more wiring, drywall work, and painting is required.
Moving Outlet Very High Up a Wall – $225 to $550
If you need to relocate an outlet very high up, like above a tall cabinet or shelving unit, labor and materials costs go up. The electrician needs more wire and has to cut larger holes to reach the new, higher box location. This also takes extra work to repair.
Saving on Costs
If you want to save money on moving an electrical outlet, consider these money-saving tips:
- DIY the work if you’re comfortable – avoids electrician labor costs
- Only hire an electrician for complex rewiring
- Buy outlet boxes and covers in bulk online
- Check for outlet relocation coupons from hardware stores
- Ask electrician about a discount for moving multiple outlets
- Get multiple quotes to find the best electrician rate
- Do your own repairs and painting to avoid markups
Hiring a licensed, professional electrician is highly recommended for outlet relocations, but you can save by doing prep and finish work yourself. Compare rates and get quotes from at least 3 electricians before hiring one.
Conclusion
The total cost to move an electrical outlet higher up a wall can range from $125 to as much as $750 or more, depending on the scope of the project. The major costs include electrician labor, materials and supplies, wall repair, permit fees, and factors like location and accessibility.
Carefully considering the details of your specific outlet relocation project will help you budget accurately. And utilizing money-saving tips like getting quotes from multiple electricians, buying supplies in bulk, and doing your own repairs can help reduce costs. Just make safety the top priority whenever electrical work is involved.