Introduction
Rewiring your entire home may seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and materials, I was able to complete a full rewire of my 1,500 square foot house in a single weekend for under $500. With some basic electrical knowledge and the help of a few friends, you can tackle this project efficiently and cost-effectively.
In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through every step I took to replace all of the wiring in my home, from developing a plan to removing old wires and installing new ones. I will also share tips for staying on budget by sourcing affordable materials and avoiding unnecessary costs. Whether you want to upgrade your home's electrical capacity, replace outdated wiring, or add new circuits, this guide will equip you with the key information you need to get the job done right.
Develop a Rewiring Plan
The first and most important step is to develop a detailed rewiring plan. This will serve as your roadmap and help ensure the project stays on track.
Map Out All Circuits
-
Walk through your home room-by-room and create a list of all existing circuits, outlets, switches and lighting fixtures. Note which fuse each circuit is connected to.
-
Mark their locations on a floor plan so you have a visual reference.
-
I color coded each circuit to simplify the process.
Determine New Circuit Layout
-
Evaluate your home's electrical needs and decide where you want new circuits or lighting features.
-
Plan how to group rooms and fixtures into circuits efficiently.
-
I grouped all kitchen appliances into one 20-amp circuit and put outdoor lighting onto its own circuit as well.
Develop a Materials List
-
With your new circuit plan mapped out, compile a list of all necessary materials including:
-
Wire - Use 12 or 14 gauge for 15 to 20 amp circuits
-
Circuit breakers
-
Receptacles and switches
-
Junction boxes
-
Conduit and fittings as needed
-
I purchased most supplies at my local home improvement store. Buying in bulk yielded some savings.
Prepare for the Rewire
Before starting the actual rewiring work, some prep work is required:
Safety First
-
Turn off power at the main circuit breaker panel and verify it is off using a contact voltage tester. Working with live wires can result in electrocution.
-
Wear personal protective equipment at all times, including safety goggles, gloves and dust mask.
Remove Existing Wires
-
Take each circuit out of service at the panel as you remove its wiring.
-
Carefully pull existing wires out of outlets and junction boxes. Coil up and secure for disposal.
-
I was able to resell the old copper wiring to a local salvage yard.
Install New Boxes
-
Upgrade any outdated boxes and install new electrical boxes anywhere additional circuits are needed.
-
The box type varies based on location - choose accordingly.
-
Plastic boxes are inexpensive and easy to install.
Execute the Rewiring
Now comes the biggest task - routing and installing all new wiring throughout the home:
Route Circuits
-
Plan the most efficient path for each new circuit to run from the panel to its endpoints.
-
Decide whether to use cable or conduit - I chose NM cable for most runs.
-
Fish cables through walls and ceilings between boxes. Use care not to damage insulation.
Connect Switches and Receptacles
-
Attach the hot, neutral and ground wires to the correct terminals.
-
Maintain consistency in wire colors for easier troubleshooting.
-
Use pigtails to connect multiple wires to a single terminal.
Install Breakers
-
Connect the new wiring to fresh breakers in the main panel, labeling each clearly.
-
Verify breakers are appropriately sized for the circuit wire gauge.
-
Arrange breakers systematically to simplify future maintenance.
Connect Fixtures and Devices
-
With all new wiring in place, attach lighting fixtures, outlets, switches and appliances using wire nuts and terminal screws.
-
At each box, confirm connections are secure before moving on.
Testing and Cleanup
-
With all wires secured, restore power and methodically test each circuit. Verify proper operation.
-
Patch drywall, add insulation and secure any displaced items. Thoroughly clean the space when finished.
Tips for Staying on Budget
Completing a full home rewire in a weekend for under $500 required sticking to a tight budget. Here are a few of the ways I kept costs down:
-
Purchase wire, breakers and other supplies in bulk or on sale. Shop around for deals.
-
Carefully plan the circuit layouts to minimize excess wire runs.
-
Limit lighting and receptacle upgrades to only where needed.
-
Utilize less expensive NM cable for most runs rather than costly conduit.
-
Do as much of the labor yourself as possible rather than hiring electricians.
Conclusion
While rewiring an entire house is a major undertaking, it can be executed efficiently in a weekend with the right preparation. By developing a detailed plan, securing necessary materials and supplies, and methodically installing each new circuit, this project can be completed cost-effectively without major headaches. With this comprehensive guide, a little elbow grease, and help from friends, you can successfully rewire your home within a weekend and on a tight budget. Just be sure to always put safety first.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I'm happy to provide more details on any aspect of my home rewiring project.