How to Rewire a Commercial Building on a Shoestring Budget

Assess the Existing Electrical System

Before beginning any rewiring project, it's crucial to thoroughly assess the existing electrical system. This will help you understand what needs to be upgraded or replaced, and where potential cost savings can be found.

• Hire an electrician to inspect the full electrical system. Have them identify overloaded circuits, outdated wiring, and any safety issues. Their professional assessment will be invaluable.

• Map out the current wiring. Note what areas or systems are on shared circuits. This will help optimize the new wiring.

• Inspect all electrical panels. Check for sufficient capacity and if upgrades are needed. Panel upgrades can get very expensive.

• Document any wiring hazards such as damaged insulation, exposed wires, knob and tube wiring, etc. These will need to be addressed.

• Evaluate energy efficiency. Replace inefficient lighting, motors, appliances, etc. with energy-efficient models to save substantially on electricity costs.

Thoroughly understanding the current electrical system will reveal the scope of the rewiring project and most pressing issues to address.

Reduce Costs Through Strategic Rewiring

Once the electrical assessment is complete, strategic rewiring can optimize the new system while reducing costs.

• Prioritize critical updates like replacing old fuse boxes with up-to-date circuit breaker panels. Focus first on urgent fixes.

• Rewire one section at a time. Rewiring the entire building at once will be incredibly disruptive and expensive. A phased approach is much more manageable.

• Run all new wiring through accessible spaces like drop ceilings instead of inside walls. This simplifies installation and future access for maintenance.

• Combine multiple existing circuits into shared new circuits as permitted by code. This reduces the amount of new wiring needed.

• Use lower-cost wiring like NM cable for runs inside walls instead of costly conduit. Consult an electrician for the most cost-effective, code-compliant wiring methods.

• Install wiring strategically to avoid obstacles and minimize labor time. Careful planning is essential.

Taking a phased, optimized approach to rewiring will provide major cost savings on the project.

Work With Your Electric Utility for Rebates and Aid

Electric utilities often provide rebates, technical assistance, and other aid for commercial rewiring projects focused on safety and energy efficiency.

• Contact your electric utility to learn about available rebate programs. rebates may cover a portion of new lighting, HVAC systems, appliances, insulation, and more.

• Ask about technical assistance programs. Many utilities will provide free energy audits and consultations with efficiency experts to identify savings opportunities.

• Inquire about low-interest financing for efficiency upgrades. Some utilities offer 0% or very low-interest loans for qualifying projects.

• Discuss potential incentives for participation in demand response programs that occasionally cycle off equipment during peak demand. These can provide revenue to offset project costs.

• Consider renewable energy additions like solar panels or battery storage. Ask your utility about incentives to support installation.

Leveraging all available utility assistance and incentives provides tremendous value and reduces rewiring project costs. Maintain ongoing communication with your utility throughout the process.

Control Labor Costs With Owner Participation

Labor will likely be the largest rewiring expense. You can significantly reduce labor costs through substantial owner participation.

• Personally handle all demolition, cleanup, materials transport, and preparatory work to reduce paid labor hours. Tasks like removing old wiring do not require an electrician.

• Assist the electrician directly whenever possible rather than observing. Take direction and provide all requested materials to minimize their search time.

• Learn basic electrical skills like installing boxes, running and stripping wire, etc. Offload simpler tasks from the electrician when permitted by law.

• Provide access to work spaces by moving furniture/equipment and securing ladders. Electricians charge for time navigating cluttered spaces.

• Manage the project schedule to ensure the electrician can work efficiently from start to finish. Disorganization results in wasted time.

While sweat equity can be demanding, a hands-on owner can reduce total labor hours significantly. An experienced electrician will still be required for complex and hazardous tasks.

With careful planning, phasing, utility incentives, and ample owner participation, rewiring a commercial building affordably is very achievable. Stay organized and be prepared to get your hands dirty!