How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Computer Network or Wiring?

Estimating Home Computer Network Repair Costs

Computer network repair is a specialized subset of computer repair and jobs cost anywhere from $50 to $400. The typical homeowner will spend around $150, though that price increases if there is a need for rewiring or for a complete overhaul of the major network components, such as the modem, router, and PC.

Labor will run you anywhere from 50% to 90% of your total project. In some cases, labor will count for the entirety of project costs, as the job just requires overall troubleshooting and software retooling. While material pricing doesn’t change much depending on location, a higher cost of living means higher professional rates in many cases.

Computer Network Repair Material and Component Prices

In some cases, you won’t have to pay anything for materials if the problem lies with software. If your technician suggests some necessary replacements, however, here is the cost of each major computer network component and related materials.

Electrical Wiring

Replacing the wiring in your home costs an average of $1,375, though you may only need to rewire a small area at $2 to $4 per square foot. Though home computer networks typically rely on a wireless router instead of a series of ethernet cables, the electrical wiring throughout your house may be out-of-date and could be contributing to your issues.

Some older homes still have aluminum wiring instead of the standard copper, which can be a problem as aluminum wiring is more susceptible to loose connections as it expands and contracts. This would require a full rewiring from aluminum to copper, which can cost up to $10,000. You also may need to replace two-pronged outlets with grounded outlets, which costs $20 to $50 per outlet.

Network Wiring

The cost of installing ethernet cable in a house ranges from $0.25 to $0.70 per foot of cable, for materials only. If your home network's wiring resides within your walls then finding, diagnosing, and fixing the problem is both time-consuming and expensive, as it requires drilling into the walls and pulling the wiring out to fix it or replace it.

If the wiring for your network is fully exposed then the diagnosis can be very simple and much faster, and the needed repairs, although they may be extensive, will be less expensive than they would be if the wires were inside your walls.

Modems and Routers

If the cable modem or router is the source of your woes, a technician will likely recommend replacement over repairs. A cable modem costs $40 to $90, with some outliers priced much higher. A router costs $20 to $180, depending on the signal strength and additional features. A combination unit that includes both a modem and a router costs $80 to $200.

Computer Network Repair Labor Costs

Both electricians and computer network specialists charge around $50 to $100 per hour, and the cost for repair is completely dependent on the extent of the problem. If your issues are multi-pronged, look for a pro with experience in both wiring issues and in issues specific to computer networking, to save both time and money.

Sometimes with computer repair, what you believe to be an electrical issue is actually a networking or connectivity issue. A computer specialist may be able to recognize and fix your problem faster and more effectively than an electrician without those skills. Generally speaking, start with a computer specialist and move on to an electrician if required.

Computer Network Repair Cost Factors

There are some additional factors that impact the overall cost that may only come up in certain scenarios.

Network Installation

Installing a computer network from the ground up costs between $190 to $640, depending on the complexity of the job. This kind of work is only necessary if your home computer network needs a complete overhaul, such as when you are switching from coaxial cables to fiber cables.

Permits and Inspections

The cost of an electrical inspection ranges from $125 to $250. If you are replacing a large chunk of your home’s electrical wiring, you may need associated permits and may need to conduct an inspection after completion of work. These inspections ensure your wiring is up to local code and that the electrical system is safe for long-term use.

Wall Demolition and Repair

Removing drywall from ceilings and walls runs $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot and repairing holes in drywall costs $50 to $300. If your wiring needs a major overhaul, an electrician may need to get in your walls to access the wires. Make sure this is absolutely necessary before going ahead with wall demolition, as running wires through the attic or basement is much more cost-effective than running wires through walls.

DIY vs. Hiring a Computer Network Pro

If your issues are software-related and not due to hardware or materials, it costs nothing to repair a computer network yourself, though you may spend hours troubleshooting to diagnose the problem. But you may still require the services of a professional computer or networking specialist. Purchasing and replacing cable modems and routers cost just the price of the hardware itself.

Fixing the wiring, however, requires a licensed electrician. Any wiring repair runs the risk of electrocution or other hazards. If you have a network of computers and something is faulty with the network, then a professional can help you diagnose the problem and figure out the easiest way to fix it.

Home Computer Network Repair FAQs

How much does internet service cost?

The average cost of internet service averages between $50 to $100 per month, though access to higher speeds drives up this price. The top speed for most providers is 1,000 Mbps for residential service. If your only option is satellite internet, you’ll pay $100 or more per month.

How much does a computer cost?

The cost of a basic computer system starts at about $800, which assumes an average-sized monitor and enough power to accomplish most basic tasks. This price increases significantly for applications like gaming, music production and video editing, all of which require a larger monitor, more memory, and beefy CPUs. A small business, even run from home, may also require computers with additional storage.

How much does computer repair cost?

The average labor cost to repair a desktop computer or laptop computer is $60 per hour, but parts and accessories vary wildly depending on the type, make, and model.