How to Rewire Your Home's Electrical System on a Budget

Introduction

Rewiring your home's electrical system can seem like a daunting task, especially if you're trying to do it affordably. However, with some planning and effort, it is possible to rewire your home's electrical system on a budget. As an electrician and homeowner myself, I have learned how to complete an electrical rewiring project efficiently and cost-effectively. In this guide, I will share my tips for how to rewire your home's electrical system on a budget.

Assess Your Electrical System and Usage

The first step is to thoroughly assess your current electrical system and usage.

• Examine all of your electrical wiring, outlets, switches, and appliances. Make note of any outdated wiring, frayed cords, flickering lights, etc. that indicate your system needs to be updated.

• Consider how you currently use electricity in your home. Make a list of all appliances and devices that are plugged in and when/how often you use them. This will help you determine how much power you need.

• Evaluate if your home's electrical panel is sufficient. Note the amperage rating and number of available slots for breakers. You may need an electrical panel upgrade to install new wiring.

Thoroughly evaluating your current electrical system will help you determine the scope of work needed.

Create a Rewiring Plan

Next, you need to come up with a detailed rewiring plan.

• Decide which sections of your home you will rewire first. Prioritize rooms with the oldest or most hazardous wiring.

• Determine the wire gauge you need. Consider wire gauge charts and your home's electricity needs. 12 AWG is suitable for most lighting and outlet circuits.

• Develop a circuit map indicating all of the new outlet and lighting locations you need. Reference building codes for required number/placement of outlets.

• Plan which circuits will be on each of the home's breakers. Balance the electricity load appropriately.

• Include plans to upgrade your electrical panel if needed.

Having a well-developed rewiring plan is crucial for staying on-track and budget.

Purchase Supplies

When purchasing supplies, look for ways to save money:

• Buy bulk packages of wire, electrical boxes, receptacles, etc. Bulk purchases can offer significant per-item discounts.

• Check for deals on supplies at big box hardware stores. Sales and coupons can provide major savings on electrical supplies.

• Consider used materials. Check classified ads and salvage warehouses for discounted electrical supplies. Just carefully inspect for defects.

• Buy store brand labeled electrical products rather than the more expensive name brands. The quality is often comparable.

• Only purchase what you need for the current stage of the project. Buying supplies for hypothetical needs wastes money.

Being strategic about purchasing supplies for your rewiring project will help keep costs down.

Safely Install New Wiring

Once you have supplies, you can start the hands-on electrical work. Safety should be your top priority.

• Turn off electricity at the main panel before starting work each day. Use a contact voltage tester to confirm it is off.

• Work carefully and methodically. Do not rush or take shortcuts that could create hazards.

• Follow local building codes and permit requirements. Have an electrician handle any work you are not comfortable doing or legally allowed to do yourself.

• Use the right tools for the job, such as wire strippers, a linesman pliers, a volt meter, etc. This will improve safety and efficiency.

• Label all wires clearly and keep your circuit map at hand. This will avoid confusion.

By making safety the priority, you can complete a cost-effective rewiring job without compromising quality.

Add Finishing Touches

The finishing touches will take your newly rewired electrical system from functional to fabulous:

• Test all circuits thoroughly. Verify each outlet is wired correctly and operating safely.

• Add wall plates, covers, and fixtures to give outlets and switches a polished, finished look.

• Mark breaker switches clearly with labels noting each circuit. This makes shutting off specific circuits easier.

• Examine walls, floors, and ceilings for any damage that occurred during installation. Make repairs as needed.

• Seal any holes and repaint any walls you disrupted to hide signs of electrical work.

These finishing touches will help you get the most value from the time and money invested into your home's electrical upgrade.

Maintain Your Electrical System

Your work is not done once the rewiring project is complete. Ongoing maintenance is crucial:

• Check wiring for problems annually. Look for corrosion, damaged insulation, moisture incursion, etc.

• Test GFCIs and AFCIs regularly per manufacturer directions. These safety devices wear out over time.

• Ensure electrical connections are still tight. Vibrations can cause screws on outlets and switches to loosen over the years.

• Examine the electrical panel and all breakers for signs of overheating or arcing as part of routine inspections.

• Have an electrician make larger repairs that are beyond your skill level. Do not attempt electrical work you are not qualified to perform.

Proper maintenance will keep your rewired electrical system working safely and efficiently for decades to come.

Conclusion

Rewiring your home's electrical system on a budget takes careful planning, strategic purchasing, safe installation, and ongoing maintenance. But it can successfully be completed as a do-it-yourselfer. The result is a much safer, more robust electrical system that adds value and enjoyment to your home for years to come. With the tips in this guide, you can take on an electrical rewiring project affordably.