How to Rewire Your Home Safely on a Budget

Introduction

Rewiring a home can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to break the bank if done properly. As a homeowner looking to rewire on a budget, safety should be your top priority. This guide will walk you through the basics of rewiring your home safely without spending a fortune. I'll cover planning the project, materials needed, safety precautions, step-by-step instructions, and cost-saving tips. With some diligence and common sense, you can rewire your home safely and affordably.

Planning the Rewiring Project

Before touching a single wire, careful planning is crucial. Rushing into a rewire without preparation can lead to electrocution hazards, fire risks, and wasted money. Follow these planning steps:

Evaluate the Current Wiring

• Hire a qualified electrician to inspect the existing wiring and provide a detailed report on its condition. This upfront cost will save you trouble later.

• An inspection will reveal if a total rewire is needed or if you can get by with only rewiring certain circuits. Fixing a few bad circuits is much cheaper than rewiring everything.

Research Local Building Codes

• Building codes provide legal standards for safe electrical work. Research your local codes thoroughly so your work complies.

• Codes may dictate things like wire gauge required, outlet placement rules, required safety devices like GFCIs, etc. Adhering to codes protects you from fines and ensures safety.

Create a Detailed Rewiring Plan

• Map out which circuits need rewiring and plot the exact routes for the new wiring. Mark locations for any new outlets or switches.

• Planning carefully minimizes wrong turns, wasted wire, and holes in walls you don't need. It also provides a clear work order for methodical progress.

Get Needed Permits

• Electrical work usually requires permits from your local building department. Research permit needs for your scope of work and budget this cost in.

• Permits ensure your plans meet codes. Avoid fines by pulling permits before starting.

Gather Materials

With a plan in place, it's time to gather supplies. Focus on quality for critical safety components, but go budget on items like outlet covers.

Electrical Boxes

• Invest in sturdy metal junction boxes and outlet boxes. Plastic versions are prone to cracking and creating fire risks.

• Make sure boxes are large enough for the number of wires being connected inside. Overfilled boxes increase overheating risk.

Wires

• For 15- and 20-amp household circuits, copper wiring is ideal for safety and conductivity. Aluminum wiring requires special precautions to avoid fire hazards.

• Match wire gauges to circuit amperages. For 15-amp circuits, use 14-gauge wire; for 20-amp circuits, use 12-gauge wire as required by code.

Conduit

• Conduit protects wiring from damage and is required for exposed wiring runs.

• Flexible plastic conduit is inexpensive and easy to work with. Use rigid metal conduit only where bending is not required.

Outlets, Switches, and Cover Plates

• Choose budget-friendly options since these don't impact safety as long as they are UL approved.

• Buy extra wall plates - mistakes happen and plates break. Stock up on blanks and common toggle switch sizes.

Safety Gear

• Invest in quality leather gloves and eye protection. One hospital visit would undo any savings.

• Other necessities: clamps, hand tools, ladder, hard hat, and a voltage tester.

Safety Precautions

Electrical work carries serious risks if proper safety precautions aren't taken. Follow these rules to avoid electrocution, shocks, or fire hazards:

Turn Off Power at Main Breaker

• Before touching any wires, turn off power at the main breaker panel.

• To confirm power is off, use a non-contact voltage tester on wires. Turn power back on only when all work is 100% complete.

Work on One Circuit at a Time

• Label each circuit at the breaker panel before disconnecting wires. Rewire and test each circuit individually before moving to the next.

Connect Green Grounds First

• When wiring outlets and switches, always connect the bare copper ground wires first before touching any hot wires. Grounds protect you if hot wires are accidentally energized.

Secure Exposed Wiring Immediately

• Don't leave wires hanging out of boxes unattended. Secure them in boxes with clamps immediately to prevent accidental contact.

Keep Box Covers On

• At end of each work day, install cover plates on boxes and close the breaker panel cover. This avoids accidental contact with live wires.

Step-by-Step Rewiring

With planning and safety preparations made, it's time to get to work. Follow these steps in sequence:

1. Turn Off Power at Breaker

• Shut off the main breaker. Then turn individual breakers to OFF for circuits you'll be rewiring that day.

2. Open Walls and Remove Old Wiring

• Cut holes in drywall just big enough to access wiring. Remove old wires from boxes carefully by unscrewing connectors.

3. Feed New Wiring to Boxes

• Starting at the outlet closest to the breaker panel, feed new wiring through walls and conduit to each box along the circuit.

4. Connect Wires in Boxes

• Secure the ground wires to boxes using green screws. Connect hot and neutral wires to outlets and switches using screw terminals or push-in connectors.

5. Secure Wiring in Boxes

• Use cable clamps to anchor armored cable sheathing firmly to boxes so wires don't tug loose.

6. Close Walls and Test Circuit

• Seal drywall holes with cement patch. Turn breaker back on and test outlets to ensure the circuit is working properly before moving to the next circuit.

7. Label Breakers

• Clearly label each circuit at the breaker once it is successfully rewired.

8. Install Cover Plates

• With all circuits fully rewired and tested, install cover plates on all boxes and switches.

Cost-Saving Tips

Even with budget materials, rewiring bills add up. Keep your total costs down by:

• Handling demolition and drywall repairs yourself rather than hiring work out.

• Rewiring lights and outlets on one multipurpose circuit instead of separate circuits.

• Using metal old work boxes that mount into drywall rather than plastic new work boxes that require nailing into studs.

• Buying wire in bulk rolls rather than pre-cut lengths when large amounts are needed.

• Checking for coupon codes when ordering materials online.

• Only rewiring the bare necessity. If old wires check out fine, just leave them.

Summary

Rewiring your home is a project any determined DIYer can tackle. By planning thoroughly, investing in critical safety gear, adhering to codes, and using cost-saving techniques, you can overhaul your electrical system and gain peace of mind while sticking to your budget. Just be sure to get a professional involved if any aspect exceeds your skill level - electrocution and fires aren't worth the risk to save money!