How to Do Home Wiring Yourself on a Tiny Budget

Doing your own home wiring can seem daunting, but with some planning and budget-friendly materials it can be done safely and affordably. Here's how to wire your home yourself without breaking the bank.

Assess Your Electrical Needs

Before beginning any wiring project, take stock of what needs to be wired in your home.

• Make a list of all lighting, outlets, switches and any appliances or devices that will need power. This will help determine how much wiring you need to do.

• Consider what rooms or areas of the house need new wiring or updated wiring. Bedrooms, kitchen, living areas and any older areas of wiring should be prioritized.

• Decide if you will need to run all new wiring, or if you can tap into existing wires and add additional circuits. Inspect existing wires to see if they are in good condition first.

• Plan where your electrical panel is located and how you will route wires to the rooms needing wiring.

By assessing your needs first, you can determine the scope of the project and better budget for materials.

Purchase Electrical Materials Wisely

When wiring on a budget, strategic purchase of materials is key.

• Buy basic 12-2 and 14-2 NM electrical wire for standard receptacle and lighting circuits. Avoid very expensive high-heat wire unless absolutely needed.

• Purchase receptacles and light switches, but opt for basic models instead of designer finishes to save money.

• Use plastic electrical boxes instead of metal for most household wiring.

• Buy a basic label-making machine to professionally label all circuits at the panel.

• Take advantage of coupons and sales at home improvement stores. Buying in bulk can also yield savings on materials.

• Rent specialty tools like wire pullers, cable cutters and stud sensors instead of purchasing.

• Purchase a good basic wiring guide book to use as a reference instead of hiring an electrician.

Work Safely

When DIY wiring, safety should be the top concern.

• Turn the main power off at the panel and verify it is off before starting work. Use a contactless voltage detector.

• Follow local electrical codes for proper wiring methods. Improper wiring can cause fires or shock.

• Use safe electrical procedures, like cutting power before working on a circuit.

• Wear rubber-soled shoes and gloves when working with wires.

• Keep flammable materials away from electrical equipment.

• Label all circuits clearly at the panel so future issues can be addressed easily.

• Hire a licensed electrician if you feel unsafe performing a part of the wiring work yourself. Safely wiring a home takes skill.

Work in Phases

Don't try to re-wire an entire house at one time. Staging the work makes it more budget-friendly and manageable.

• Rewire one room or area at a time, starting with more essential areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

• Inspect, plan and purchase materials for each phase of the project before starting the work.

• Complete the major wiring first, like running cables and installing receptacles and switches.

• Schedule small finishing tasks like installing wall plates and light fixtures as separate final steps. They can be done slowly when time and money allow.

• Take advantage of sales on finishes and lighting to purchase over a period of time after the major wiring is complete.

• Allow inspected work to pass inspection before beginning the next stage.

With careful planning, budget shopping and safe electrical practices, you can tackle wiring your home yourself and save substantially over hiring an electrician. Just be sure to get the proper permits and inspections for safety. Take it one step at a time, and you can DIY your home's electrical system successfully.