Why Rewiring May Be Necessary
Rewiring a home can be a daunting task for any homeowner. However, there are several reasons why rewiring may be necessary:
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Upgrading to modern electrical standards: Home electrical standards have changed dramatically over the decades. If your home still has outdated knob and tube wiring or aluminum wiring, an upgrade is highly recommended for safety.
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Insufficient amperage: If you find yourself frequently tripping breakers when using multiple appliances, your home may need rewiring to allow for more amperage. This will prevent nuisance trips and allow you to run more devices safely.
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Faulty wiring: If you have experienced flickering lights, discolored outlets, or frequent shorts and blown fuses, faulty wiring is likely the culprit. Rewiring will eliminate the fire and shock risks faulty wiring presents.
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Remodeling needs: Any major renovation that involves moving walls or fixtures will require rewiring to accommodate the new layout.
Though rewiring requires significant investment, it is far less expensive than fire damage or the risks posed by outdated electrical systems.
Dangers of DIY Home Electrical Work
While rewiring may seem like a DIY project for a handy homeowner, some key dangers make hiring a professional electrician the wise choice:
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Electrocution risk - Working with live wiring and connections puts you at serious risk of electrocution if wires are handled improperly. Professionals have extensive training to avoid these hazards.
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Fire hazard - Faulty wiring is the number one cause of electrical fires. One small mistake in installation or repair can lead to devastating flames. Electricians avoid common pitfalls.
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Injury hazards - From falls, shocks, burns, and more - inexperienced DIYers face many physical hazards undertaking major electrical work. Pros have the right safety equipment.
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Code violations - If wiring does not meet local electrical code, you may need to redo the work. Professionals ensure code compliance the first time.
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Insurance issues - Rewiring done incorrectly may not qualify for homeowners insurance claims if fire or shock damage occurs. Using a licensed electrician avoids this risk.
Though DIY electrical work may seem straightforward, safety should be the number one concern. Hiring a professional handles the job safely.
Steps to Rewire a Home Safely
When performed by a trained professional, rewiring a home can be completed with minimal disruption to daily life. Here is an overview of the process:
Preparation
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The electrician will evaluate the current wiring situation and discuss your needs to create a detailed rewiring plan.
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They will obtain any necessary permits based on local building codes.
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A plan will be made to address how power will be temporarily supplied during the rewiring process.
Wiring Installation
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Existing wiring and outlets are removed, along with any previous protective covers, clamps, etc.
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The new updated wiring system is installed, secured properly, and connected to the main electrical panel.
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Any new outlets, switches or fixtures will also be installed at this point.
Testing & Inspection
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Thorough testing will be performed by the electrician to ensure all new wiring is properly connected and functioning.
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Local building inspectors will assess the safety and code compliance of the new system as well.
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Only once everything passes inspection can the walls be patched up and closed.
Clean Up
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The work area is thoroughly cleaned up, removing any excess materials or debris.
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Paint, drywall, fixtures and other materials are repaired/replaced to restore the aesthetics and function of the area.
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The electrician will provide documentation of the completed work and any warranty information.
Following this process ensures your home's new electrical system is safe, modern, and minimally disruptive to install.
5 Tips for Hiring the Right Electrician
Don't trust just any handyman for your home's electrical work. Follow these tips to hire the best pro:
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Verify licensing & insurance - Electricians should be fully licensed, bonded and insured for liability and workers comp. This protects you financially.
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Check ratings & reviews - Online reviews, testimonials and ratings from past customers reveal reputable electricians known for quality work.
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Ask about their experience - Find out how many years of professional electrical experience they have, especially with whole home rewiring jobs.
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Get multiple quotes - To find the best value, get quotes from 3-5 highly rated electricians to compare pricing.
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Trust your gut - If anything seems off about a potential electrician, from attitude to availability, look for someone who inspires confidence.
Don't cut corners when hiring an electrician - the safety of your home depends on their skills. Following these tips helps find the ideal pro for the job.
Conclusion
While rewiring your home is a major undertaking, having a true professional handle the job makes the process as smooth and safe as possible. Paying close attention to preparation, installation, testing, and clean-up ensures optimal safety. Following the tips above allows you to hire the ideal electrician for your specific needs. With the right electrician, you can have a new, modern electrical system without burning your house down!