Is it expensive to add more electrical outlets after the basement walls are closed up?

Adding electrical outlets to a finished basement is significantly more expensive than doing it during initial construction, typically costing 2-3 times more due to the additional work required to access wiring and repair finishes.

Cost breakdown for Ottawa basement outlet additions:

• During renovation (walls open): $150-250 per outlet including materials and labor


• After walls are closed: $400-800 per outlet, depending on access difficulty and finish repairs needed

The higher cost comes from several factors. First, your electrician needs to cut into finished drywall to run new circuits, which means additional patching, priming, and painting work afterward. If your basement has more complex finishes like wainscoting, built-ins, or textured walls, the repair costs increase substantially. The electrician also needs more time to work carefully around existing finishes and may need to run wire through more challenging routes.

Access challenges significantly impact pricing. If the new outlets can connect to existing circuits with easy access (like an unfinished utility room above or accessible ceiling), costs stay on the lower end. However, if new circuits need to run back to your electrical panel through finished spaces, or if your panel is already at capacity requiring an upgrade, costs can easily exceed $1,000 per outlet.

Ontario electrical code requirements add complexity. All new basement outlets must be GFCI protected and meet current spacing requirements (maximum 3.6 meters apart along walls). Your electrician must pull proper permits through the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), adding $100-200 in permit fees plus inspection requirements. Only licensed electricians can perform this work legally in Ontario.

Planning considerations for Ottawa homes: Many older Ottawa homes have limited electrical capacity, especially in areas like the Glebe, Westboro, or Sandy Hill. If your panel needs upgrading to handle additional circuits, budget an extra $2,000-4,000 for panel replacement. Winter installations may face delays if exterior work is required.

Professional recommendation: If you're planning any basement renovations in the next few years, wait and add outlets during that project. However, if you need outlets now for a home office or entertainment area, get quotes from at least two licensed electricians. For complex installations requiring significant finish repairs, consider hiring a contractor who can coordinate both electrical and drywall work for better results and warranty coverage.

For comprehensive basement renovations that include proper electrical planning from the start, Ottawa Basements can help you avoid these costly after-the-fact additions.