Rewiring your entire home may seem like a daunting task, but with the right planning and preparation, it is possible to complete in a single weekend while saving thousands of dollars. As a homeowner with DIY experience, I recently took on this challenge and successfully rewired my 2,000 square foot house over one weekend.
Gather the Necessary Supplies
Before getting started, be sure to have all the necessary supplies on hand. This includes:
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Electrical wire - Have plenty of 12/2 and 14/2 NM electrical wire available in varying lengths. Calculate the total amount you need based on the number of circuits.
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Electrical boxes - Stock up on electrical boxes, including junction boxes, switch boxes, and outlet boxes. Make sure they match the size of the wiring.
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Circuit breakers - Purchase any additional new circuit breakers needed for the electrical panel.
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Wire connectors - You'll need plenty of wire nuts in assorted sizes to make connections.
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Cable staples - Have cable staples and an applicable staple gun ready to secure the wiring.
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Voltmeter - An AC voltmeter is essential for testing connections.
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Basic hand tools - Have screwdrivers, wire strippers, cable cutters, ladder, and basic tools on hand.
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Safety equipment - Wear safety glasses and gloves when working with electrical wiring.
Rewire One Circuit at a Time
The key to successfully rewiring in a weekend is to focus on one circuit at a time. Turn off the main breaker to cut power to the entire house. Then:
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Identify each existing circuit and label it at the breaker.
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Disconnect and remove the old wiring from the first circuit.
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Starting from the breaker box, install the new wiring along the same path.
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Repeat for each individual circuit until the entire home is rewired.
Rewiring one circuit at a time prevents overwhelming yourself and enables testing each completed circuit as you go.
Add Additional Circuits
When rewiring, it's a perfect opportunity to upgrade and add new circuits to your home. Consider adding:
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Dedicated 20 amp small appliance circuits for the kitchen.
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Individual 20 amp circuits for each bedroom.
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A dedicated circuit for heavy appliances like the refrigerator.
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Extra lighting circuits to remove load from general outlets.
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A separate circuit for the central AC system.
Adding these new dedicated circuits will allow your home's electrical system to run more efficiently.
Install Insulated Grounding Wires
For safety, it is crucial to install insulated grounding wires on each new circuit. The grounding wires:
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Create a safe path for electricity to follow to the ground in the case of a fault.
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Ensure all new wiring is up to the current National Electrical Code.
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Prevent the risk of electrocution or sparks from short circuits.
Properly installed ground wires are a must to protect your home and family.
Work Safely
When dealing with electrical wiring, take every safety precaution possible. Turn the main breaker off and verify power is cut with a voltmeter prior to starting work. Post warning signs indicating active electrical work is in progress. Work carefully when on ladders and when cutting or stripping wires.
Following these simple safety steps is crucial when rewiring to avoid electrical hazards or injury.
Test Each Completed Circuit
As you finish installing each new circuit, take the time to thoroughly test and verify proper operation before moving to the next. With the breaker turned off, use a voltmeter to confirm no stray voltage. Then turn the breaker on and methodically test every outlet, switch, and light fixture on the circuit. Mark off each working circuit on your diagram as it is tested.
Testing as you go will catch any potential wiring issues and prevent bigger problems down the road after the walls are closed up.
Save Thousands on Labor Costs
Taking the DIY approach to rewire your home will save thousands of dollars compared to hiring an electrician. The materials for a home rewiring project typically run just a few hundred dollars. But professional labor costs often start at $100 per hour and run into the thousands for a full home rewiring.
Tackling this project yourself allows you to pocket those labor cost savings. Just be sure to research local building codes and pull any required permits prior to getting started.
With diligent planning and preparation and a solid weekend of hard work, I was able to successfully rewire my entire house in a single weekend. Following the steps outlined above will allow you to safely upgrade the wiring in your home while avoiding the steep costs of hiring a professional electrician. Let me know if you have any other questions about taking on your own home rewiring project!