How to Rewire Your Entire Home in Just One Weekend (On a Budget!)

Introduction

Rewiring your entire home may seem like an intimidating task, but with some planning and dedication, it can be done in a single weekend - even on a budget! As a homeowner who recently rewired my house by myself, I learned a lot about how to tackle this project efficiently and affordably. In this guide, I'll share everything I learned so you can rewire your home in a weekend too.

Develop a Plan First

Before buying any materials or getting started, develop a detailed plan. This will make the project go much smoother once you begin. Here are some key things your plan should include:

Map out the current wiring - Note what wires go to which rooms and label everything clearly. This will help when reconnecting later.
Decide what to rewire - Determine which circuits need to be redone or replaced. Prioritize essential rooms like the kitchen.
Choose a main panel - Select a new electrical panel to connect all your new wires to. Get one with enough spaces for all your planned circuits.
Pick a wiring method - Decide whether to use NM cable or conduit. Conduit is more robust but NM cable is faster to install.
Make a supplies list - Note all the wiring, connectors, switches, outlets, tools, and safety gear you'll require.
Schedule electrician inspections - Electricians will need to inspect your work before reconnecting the power. Schedule this in advance.

Purchase Supplies Within Your Budget

Once your plan is set, buy all the necessary supplies while keeping costs down. Here are some tips:

Shop sales at home improvement stores and browse secondhand sites like Craigslist.
Prioritize essentials like wire, boxes, and a voltage tester. Hold off on extras you can add later.
Buy NM cable in bulk - it's cheaper. Get multiple reels in different wire gauge sizes.
For conduit, purchase inexpensive EMT rather than costly rigid pipe.
Choose basic, affordable switches, outlets, and cover plates for now. Fancy upgrades can come later.
Rent big tools like wire pullers instead of purchasing. Borrow basic hand tools from friends if needed.

Safely Prep the Home's Electrical System

With supplies in hand, take safety precautions and prep the electrical system:

Turn off power at the main breaker - Shut off all electricity to the home before working.
Disconnect old wiring - Remove existing wires from outlets, switches and the main panel.
Inspect the panel - Check for damage or corrosion. Replace it if needed.
Install ground wires - Ensure a ground wire is connected to metal electrical boxes.
Label everything - Use sticky notes to mark all wires for easy reconnection.
Put on safety gear - Wear rubber-soled shoes, glasses, and electrician's gloves.

Install New Wiring and Components

Now comes the big task - installing all the new wiring and electrical components room-by-room:

Start by stringing the NM cables between the main panel and the planned outlet and switch locations. Pull multiple wires through at once.
Anchor the cables securely along the route using cable staples. Keep wire runs neat and tidy.
Cut wires to length at boxes, strip insulation properly, and connect outlets and switches using screw terminals or push-in ports.
Connect the grounds first when wiring devices, followed by hot and neutral wires. Double check your work!
Affix components securely inside boxes. For a cleaner look, mount boxes flush to the wall surface.
Label every wire at both ends for easy troubleshooting. Use color coded tape for hot and neutral.
Follow local building codes and permitted wiring methods. Use cable clamps and conduit when required.

Inspect, Test, and Restore Power

You're almost done! Double check your work and restore power safely:

Visually inspect all wiring connections and ensure wires are firmly secured.
Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm wires are dead before touching. Better safe than sorry!
Have an electrician inspect your work and sign off on any required permits before proceeding.
When ready, switch the main breaker on and test outlets and lights. Fix any issues immediately.
Connect large appliances again - your hard work powers the whole home! Monitor voltages for a few days.

Conclusion

While rewiring an entire house is challenging, proper planning and preparation makes it feasible even for DIYers on a budget. Work safely, be diligent in your wiring methods, adhere to codes, and don't hesitate to consult an expert electrician when needed. Your home's new modern electrical system will provide peace of mind for years to come.