How to Rewire an Old House Yourself on the Cheap

Rewiring an old house can seem like a daunting task, but with some planning and elbow grease, I was able to rewire my entire home on a budget. Here's how I did it and how you can too.

Assessing the Existing Electrical System

The first step is to understand what you're working with.

I started by making a diagram of the existing wiring layout. This included mapping which fuses/circuits controlled which parts of the house.
I tested all the outlets to see which ones were grounded vs ungrounded.
I checked for knob and tube wiring or any other outdated or dangerous wiring methods.
I located the electrical panel and verified the amperage it could handle.

This assessment helped me understand what wiring could stay vs what definitely needed to be replaced. It also gave me an idea of the scope of the project.

Creating a New Wiring Plan

Next, I planned out the new wiring system:

I drew up a diagram of where I wanted switches, outlets, lighting fixtures, etc.
I calculated the amperage needed for each circuit.
I purchased the appropriate gauge wiring and circuit breakers.
For safety, I opted to replace all the wiring, even sections that seemed ok.
I also added more circuits than previously existed to prevent overloading.

Planning the new layout ahead of time made the rewiring much smoother.

Removing Old Wiring

Before installing the new wiring, the old system had to go:

I turned off the main circuit breaker then disconnected and removed each circuit one by one.
I labeled wires as I went so I'd know what they powered.
For tricky spots like wall cavities, I used a toner and probe to locate hidden wires.
I was careful to avoid contact with any live wires during this stage. Safety first!
I disposed of the old wires according to local regulations.

Taking the time to fully remove the old wiring helped avoid issues down the road.

Installing New Wiring

The fun part was running all the new wires through the house:

I started by routing the wires from the panel through the walls and ceilings to each outlet or switch.
I stapled the wires every few feet for stability and protection.
At junction boxes, I connected individual circuits using wire nuts.
I labeled each wire and circuit according to my wiring diagram.
I inserted the wires into their outlets and switches then screwed them securely in place.

I took it slowly, double checking all connections before moving to the next outlet.

Connecting the Electrical Panel

With all the new wires run, it was time to connect everything back to the main panel:

I trimmed and stripped the wire ends and attached them to the appropriate circuit breakers.
I labeled each circuit clearly in the panel.
I ensured all the neutral and ground wires were properly connected.
I double checked that all connections were tight and secure.
Finally, I turned the main power back on and tested each circuit one by one.

Seeing all the new breakers and wiring come to life was a great feeling!

Helpful Tips

Here are a few useful tips I learned from rewiring my old house:

Shut power off at the breaker BEFORE working on any wires. Safety first!
Take photos as you go so you know how things were originally wired.
Only open walls/ceilings as necessary to limit damage.
Consult an electrician if dealing with knob and tube wiring. Don't DIY it!
Label, label, label everything to avoid confusion later.
Check local building codes -permits and inspections may be required.
Be prepared for unexpected delays and complications - it's all part of the process!

With good planning and attention to detail, rewiring your old home is very doable. The improved safety and functionality is well worth the effort. So turn off that power and start wiring!