How to Re-Wire Your Home Without an Electrician and Save Thousands

Assess Your Electrical Needs

Before I start any electrical project, I first take stock of my home's electrical system and identify areas that need upgrading or repair. I check things like:

The age and condition of the electrical panel - Older panels may need to be replaced to increase capacity.
Number of circuits and what they supply - More circuits may be needed for larger homes/more appliances.
Amperage rating of circuits - Higher amperage may be needed for large appliances like AC units.
Presence of grounding wires - Grounded outlets are safer.
Any flickering lights, tripped breakers - Signs of problems like old wires.

I also think about my future needs. Will I install an EV charger? Add a pool pump? Planning ahead ensures my new wiring can handle increased electrical demand.

Learn Electrical Safety Basics

Safety is crucial when doing my own electrical work. I research and follow proper safety procedures:

Turn off power at the main breaker panel - Use a contact voltage tester to be sure power is off.
Work one circuit at a time and label each clearly.
Use personal protective equipment like glasses and gloves.
Use insulated tools designed for electrical work. Never use metallic ladders or tools which can conduct electricity.
Connect wires securely so loose connections do not arc and cause fires.
Keep flammable materials away from electrical work area.
Double check all connections are tight before restoring power.
Never touch live wires or work on live circuits. De-energize wires before working on them.

Following these simple precautions helps ensure I stay safe while re-wiring.

Determine Needed Upgrades or Changes

Once I understand my current electrical system and safety protocols, I determine what upgrades or changes would benefit my home:

Additional Circuits: Does my home need more circuits to reduce overloads? I examine my electrical panel to see if I have breaker spaces for new circuits.
Grounded Outlets: Are all outlets properly grounded for safety? I test outlets to see if they are modern 3-prong grounded outlets vs outdated 2-prong.
Higher Amperage: Do I need higher amp circuits for large appliances? Typical household circuits are 15-20 amps. Large appliances like AC units may require upgrades to 30 amp or 50 amp circuits.
Aluminum Wiring: Does my home still have outdated aluminum wiring which is dangerous? Copper wiring is safer and more compatible with modern electrical devices.
Lighting Circuit Upgrades: Is my lighting on overloaded circuits? Lighting circuits are often undersized. I may add new lighting-specific circuits.

Purchase Electrical Supplies and Tools

Once I decide on my electrical project scope, I purchase the necessary supplies and tools:

Wiring - Use proper gauge copper wiring based on amperage needs. Have extra on hand.
Breakers - Match breaker amperage to connected wiring. Have extra in case of replacement needs.
Junction boxes, Conduit - As needed to house and protect new wiring runs.
Wire connectors, Terminals - For secure connections.
Cable staples, Anchors - To securely fasten wiring to framing and surfaces.
Voltage Tester - To safely check that power is off before working.
Hand Tools - Wire strippers, cable cutters, screwdrivers, pliers, hammer. Make sure insulated.
Drill/Bits - For drilling holes in framing to route wiring.
Ladder - Non-conductive ladder.

Having the right supplies prevents delays and ensures I can complete my electrical project safely.

Install New Circuits and Wiring

Once preparations are complete, I carefully install my new circuits and wiring:

Turn power off at the main breaker panel. Double check with a voltage tester.
Remove any old wiring I may be replacing.
Drill holes through joists/studs to route new wiring. Run wiring through wall cavities or conduit.
Anchor wiring securely along its run using cable staples or hangers. Keep wires neat and contained.
Leave excess wiring at endpoints to make connections.
At the panel, properly terminate wire ends and connect to new breakers. Match wire size to breaker amperage.
Install new electrical boxes if needed. Connect new wiring to outlets and switches.
Label all new circuits clearly on breakers and junction boxes.
Restore power only after double checking all connections are tight.
Test new wiring using circuit tester.

Taking it slow and methodical ensures safety. My new wiring is complete and ready to enjoy!

Important Tips and Warnings

Based on my experience, here are some important electrical wiring tips:

Permits - Get any required permits from my city/town for electrical work.
Inspections - Schedule an inspection of my work if required by local permitting office.
Current Codes - Ensure all wiring meets the latest NEC and local codes. Outdated wiring can be hazardous.
Circuit Capacity - Do not overload new circuits. Balance electrical load appropriately.
GFCI Protection - Use GFCI outlets or breakers where required by code for areas like kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors.

And key warnings:

Never work on live electrical wiring. De-energize circuits fully before touching wires.
Do not attempt electrical work without proper training and understanding of safe procedures.
Do not leave halfway complete jobs unattended. Barrier off incomplete wiring.

Staying compliant with codes and heeding important safety warnings helps my DIY re-wiring project go smoothly and safely. Handled correctly, I saved thousands doing the work myself!