How to Get Your Home's Wiring Up To Code On The Cheap

Getting your home's wiring up to code can seem like a daunting and expensive task. However, with some strategic planning and cost-cutting measures, it is possible to get your wiring up to code without breaking the bank. Here is how to do it:

Assess Your Current Wiring Situation

The first step is to thoroughly assess the current state of your home's electrical system.

• Hire an electrician to conduct a full inspection and point out any issues or code violations. This will give you a clear picture of what needs to be addressed.

• Ask the electrician to provide a detailed estimate for all the required updates. This will help you budget and prioritize the work.

• Identify the biggest issues - such as outdated fuse boxes, overloaded circuits, improperly grounded outlets etc. Focus on addressing the most serious violations first.

Research and Understand the Electrical Code

Educate yourself on the National Electrical Code (NEC) standards for your area. Different regions may have specific local codes too.

• Read up on the latest NEC requirements for things like:

• Circuit capacity and layout

• Outlet spacing and location

• Wire size and type

• Grounding and bonding

• GFCI and AFCI protection

• Understand the reasoning behind code updates - it's all about safety. This will help you prioritize the most important fixes.

• Check with your local permitting office for any unique regional wiring codes to be aware of.

Consider a Service Panel Upgrade

An outdated electrical service panel can be a major code violation and safety hazard.

• Consult your electrician if your current service panel should be upgraded to meet capacity needs and safety codes.

• Upgrading the service panel can be expensive. Get multiple quotes and look into lower cost panel options like those made by Square D or Cutler Hammer.

• See if you can maintain the existing panel enclosure and just swap out the interior components. This avoids costly rewiring.

• Apply for local utility rebates or incentives available for upgrading to a more energy efficient electrical panel. This can help offset costs.

Add New Circuits and Outlets Strategically

One of the most common wiring updates needed is adding new circuits and outlets as needed to meet NEC capacity and spacing requirements.

• First optimize your existing circuits - move loads around to balance capacity better across circuits.

• Add new circuits only where absolutely needed according to code rather than rewiring everything.

• Install residential-grade outlets at a fraction of the cost of commercial-grade.

• Use 12-2 Romex wire for 15 & 20 amp branch circuits instead of costlier 10-2 wire.

• Consider surface mounted raceways to add new outlet runs instead of tearing into walls.

Leverage DIY Where Possible

Carefully examine which wiring fixes you can safely DIY vs. which require a professional electrician.

• I handled the simple outlet and light fixture replacements myself.

• I hired a licensed electrician for the complicated service panel upgrade.

• Shop around for an experienced handyman at reasonable rates for things like installing new outlets.

• Take advantage of DIY workshops at home stores to learn skills for minor electrical fixes.

Shop Around for the Best Rates

The biggest cost factor when contracting electrical work is labor. Be sure to get multiple quotes from reputable electricians in your area.

• Check rates from smaller independent electricians , not just the big firms.

• Ask other homeowners in your area who they used and if they would recommend.

• Consider having multiple smaller jobs bundled together to take advantage of bulk labor pricing.

Summary

Updating your home's wiring to meet code requirements and modern safety standards is very important, but can also get expensive quickly if you're not strategic about it. Follow the tips above to assess your needs, prioritize the most critical fixes, leverage DIY where possible, and shop around for the best electrician rates. Your home will meet code for a lot less with some planning and cost-saving measures.