How to Rewire Your Entire Home in Just One Weekend (And Actually Enjoy It!)

Introduction

Rewiring your entire home may seem like an intimidating task, but with the right planning and preparation, it can actually be an enjoyable weekend project. As a homeowner, keeping your electrical system up-to-date improves safety, adds value to your property, and allows you to take advantage of new technologies.

In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through all the steps needed to rewire your entire house in just two days, from creating a plan to installing new circuits. With my tips and advice, you'll gain the confidence and know-how to tackle this project yourself. Let's get started!

Develop a Rewiring Plan

The first step is to develop a detailed plan and checklist for your rewiring project. This will help you stay organized and catch any potential issues ahead of time.

Create electrical drawings of your home, marking all existing and proposed new circuits. Note the locations of outlets, switches, lighting fixtures, and major appliances.
Research local electrical codes to ensure your new wiring will meet safety standards and pass inspection.
Decide if you'll add circuits - now is the time to upgrade overloaded circuits or add new ones for a remodel.
Purchase all necessary supplies, including wire, outlets, breakers, and tools. Having everything on hand will make the process smooth.
Develop a room-by-room workflow so you can systematically move through the house as you rewire.

Safety First! Turn Off Power at the Breaker

Before touching any wiring, shut off the main circuit breaker to cut power to the entire home. Verify power is off by testing outlets with a multimeter or voltage tester.

For extra safety, also turn off the water supply. We'll be working behind walls, and it's easy to accidentally nick plumbing pipes while fishing wires. Better to avoid potential water damage.

Working with live electrical wires is extremely hazardous and can cause serious injury or death from electrocution. So always double check the power is OFF!

Removing Old Wiring

Now we're ready to get rid of that outdated, hazardous old wiring.

Remove cover plates from all outlets and switches with a screwdriver. Place them in labeled bags to keep track of where they go.
At the main circuit breaker box, disconnect and remove all the old breakers.
Go room by room, extracting wires from outlets and switches by unscrewing and disconnecting wires.
Pull wires out from holes in walls and ceilings. This may take some force if old insulation is stuck.
Take notes on wire colors and connections as you remove them so you can replicate later.
Carefully extract any wiring stapled inside the walls by prying or cutting them out.

Go slowly and beware of buried junction boxes as you remove old wires. Having an electrician partner inspect helps catch any hidden issues.

Fishing New Wires

Now for the fun part - running fresh new wiring throughout your home!

Start by cutting lengths of wire needed for each room. Always leave extra length for mistakes and future changes.
Feed wire down from the attic through holes near switches and outlets. Or up from the basement near receptacles.
Use fish tape to easily snake wires through walls and ceiling cavities. Have a partner in the attic/basement to grab the end and pull through.
To hide junction boxes, I mount plastic old work boxes directly in wall cavities. This avoids cutting open drywall.
Make sure to securely staple wires every 1-2 feet and avoid over-tightening.
Use wire splicing connectors to extend short wire runs as needed. Stagger connections to prevent bulky splices behind boxes.

Take your time fishing wires and be extremely careful not to kink or damage wire coatings. It's tedious work, but very satisfying seeing all that fresh wiring throughout the house!

Installing New Outlets, Switches and Breakers

Time to make those electrical connections!

Carefully strip 1/2" of insulation from wire ends using a sharp wire stripper. Avoid nicking copper.
Follow your wire notes to reconnect wires to new outlets and switches. Securely fasten with terminal screws.
Use wire nuts to splice pigtails when necessary. Wrap clockwise and tightly twist on.
Double check hot and neutral wires are connected to the correct outlet terminals.
Make sure all ground wires are securely attached to outlet ground screws or connected to box itself.
Mount new outlets and switches into boxes and securely fasten with long screws.
Install covers and label each circuit at the breaker box.
Carefully insert new breakers, then reconnect feeder wires to main lugs.
Use a circuit tester to double check all your outlet and light wiring connections. Fix any issues before re-energizing the panels.

Follow local codes for outlet placement, tamper-resistant models, GFCI circuits, and AFCI breakers. Having an inspector verify the panel and a sample of outlets will give you peace of mind!

Wrapping Up the Project

You're in the home stretch! Follow these last steps to button up your new electrical system:

Replace any insulation or drywall removed during the rewiring process.
Confirm all wires are safely secured behind walls and not pinched.
Clean up and dispose of any old wiring offcuts and trash.
Close up the walls and replace trim removed during the rewire.
Turn main power back on and do a final test to confirm all circuits are working.
Make a record of all new circuits and locations for future reference.

Pat yourself on the back - you've just completely rewired your home! Flipping those old breakers back on is a satisfying feeling after all your hard work.

Tips for a Successful Rewire

Follow these tips and tricks to make your rewiring project go smoothly:

Label everything - color code wires and label each connection. This avoids mixups.
Only work on one circuit at a time to avoid connection mistakes.
Use a voltage tester to double check the power is OFF before working.
Run wires with at least 6 to 12 inches of extra slack at ends for adjustments.
Keep all wire coatings intact - don't overbend or damage insulation.
Always consult local building codes when planning your rewiring.

Rewiring your whole house yourself is completely doable in a weekend with the right preparation. Just work methodically through each room, stay organized, and follow safety procedures. Soon you'll have a rewired home to enjoy for years to come!