How much does an electrician in the GTA charge per foot to run new wire through finished walls?

Running new wire through finished walls in the GTA typically costs $15-$35 per linear foot, depending on the wire gauge, accessibility, and complexity of the route. This includes the wire, labour to fish it through walls, and connection at both ends, but excludes drywall repair.

The wide cost range reflects the significant variables in finished wall wiring. Simple runs — like adding an outlet on the same wall as the panel, or running wire through an unfinished basement ceiling to emerge upstairs — fall on the lower end at $15-$20 per foot. Complex runs requiring multiple wall penetrations, navigating around plumbing or ductwork, or fishing wire through multiple floors can reach $25-$35 per foot or more.

Wire gauge significantly affects pricing. Standard 14-gauge wire (15A circuits) for outlets and lights costs less than 12-gauge (20A circuits) for kitchen counters or bathroom outlets. Heavy-gauge wire for dedicated circuits — 10-gauge for a dryer, 8-gauge for an electric range, or 6-gauge for an EV charger — increases both material and labour costs substantially. The thicker wire is harder to pull through walls and requires larger holes through framing.

Accessibility is the biggest cost driver. In many GTA homes, especially older Toronto houses, electricians encounter plaster walls with metal lath, insulation packed tight in wall cavities, and decades of previous renovations creating obstacles. Century homes in neighbourhoods like Cabbagetown, Riverdale, and the Beaches often require exploratory holes to locate clear paths, driving costs higher. Modern drywall construction in suburban homes is generally more predictable and less expensive to work with.

Drywall repair is typically extra — expect $50-$150 per hole for patching and painting, depending on wall size and finish quality. Some electricians include basic patching in their pricing, but most quote electrical and drywall work separately. In heritage homes with plaster walls, repair work can be more complex and expensive.

Additional costs to consider: The project requires an ESA permit ($100-$200 for typical residential additions), and each new outlet or switch adds device and box costs ($150-$300 per device installed). If the new circuit requires GFCI protection — mandatory for bathrooms, kitchens, garages, outdoors, and unfinished basements — add $50-$100 per GFCI device over standard outlets.

Seasonal timing affects pricing. Winter months see higher demand for electrical work as homeowners tackle indoor projects, while summer brings competition from outdoor electrical projects like pool wiring and landscape lighting. Ice storm damage in winter can also strain electrician availability, particularly for emergency service calls.

Most electricians quote finished wall wiring as a complete project rather than strict per-foot pricing. A typical bedroom outlet addition might run $400-$800 total, while a kitchen renovation requiring multiple new circuits can cost $2,000-$5,000 depending on scope. Always get detailed written estimates that specify wire gauge, number of devices, permit costs, and whether drywall repair is included.

This type of work absolutely requires a licensed electrician and ESA permit. Running new circuits involves working with live electrical systems, ensuring proper wire sizing for the intended load, and making code-compliant connections that will pass ESA inspection.

Need help finding a licensed electrician for your wiring project? Toronto Electrical Repair can match you with local professionals for free estimates through the Toronto Construction Network.