How to Rewire Your Home Yourself on a Budget

Rewiring a home can seem like a daunting task, but with some planning and preparation, it can be done safely and cost-effectively. Here is a step-by-step guide on how I rewired my home without breaking the bank.

Assessing the Current Wiring

Before starting any rewiring project, it's important to thoroughly assess the existing electrical system. Here are some key steps I took:

I started by creating a diagram of the current wiring layout. This included marking all outlets, switches, lights, appliances, fuse box/circuit breaker panel, and wiring runs as best I could.
Next, I tested all the outlets and switches with a outlet tester to see if they were properly wired and grounded. I made note of any issues.
I also checked for hazards like exposed wires, overloaded circuits, improper wire gauges etc. Safety should always be the top priority.
Additionally, I looked for signs of knob and tube wiring, which can be a fire hazard and is usually recommended to be completely replaced.

By fully understanding the current state of the wiring, I could better plan out the rewiring project.

Planning the New Wiring Layout

My goal was to rewire only the essential parts of the house to save money, while still upgrading the electrical to modern standards.

I drew up a new wiring diagram with any changes I wanted to make, like adding circuits, moving outlets/switches, or replacing fuse box with breaker panel.
I researched the local electrical code requirements so the new wiring would pass inspection. Key things to check are proper wire gauges for circuits and required number of outlets per room.
I also planned which circuits I wanted to upgrade to 20 amps, like in the kitchen or bathrooms. This determines the required wire gauge (20 amp circuits need 12 gauge wire).
For any new wiring runs, I measured out the approximate length and counted fixtures to determine how much wire I needed.

Thorough planning prevents surprises halfway through the job.

Gathering the Right Materials

With my new wiring plan complete, I made a comprehensive list of all the materials I needed and priced them out at various hardware stores to get the best deals. Some essential items included:

Electrical wire - I purchased both 14 gauge (for 15 amp circuits) and 12 gauge (for 20 amp circuits) NM 2-wire with ground in a variety of lengths. Getting different colors helps with organization.
Breakers - I bought enough 15 amp and 20 amp single pole breakers to replace the fuse box. Always get more breakers than you think you’ll need.
Junction boxes and receptacles - I made sure junction boxes were the correct size for the number of wires. Receptacles needed to match the amperage of the circuits they’d be on.
Wire connectors - I got a variety pack of wire nuts in various sizes.
Electrical tape - This is a must for securing connections.
Conduit and fittings - I needed these for protecting any exposed wiring runs.

Buying supplies in bulk helped keep costs down overall.

Step-by-Step Rewiring Process

Once I had all the necessary supplies, I was ready to start the rewiring. I followed these steps:

Shutting Off Power and Removing Old Wiring

I turned off power to the entire house at the main breaker and verified it was off with a voltage tester for safety.
Starting in one room, I removed all wall outlet and switch cover plates to access the wires.
I dismantled the outlets and switches and labeled each wire as I disconnected them.
For any sections I was rewiring, I pulled the old wires out of the wall. This may require cutting wire in inaccessible areas.

Installing New Wiring and Components

I drilled holes and ran the new wires through framing, securing them regularly with staples. I made sure to match wire colors consistently for hot and neutral throughout.
I connected the new wires to outlets and switches and securely fastened them to the boxes. I made sure wires were long enough to reach terminals comfortably with no strain.
After confirming wires were properly connected, I securely mounted the outlets and switches into the boxes.
For new sections, I installed junction boxes to hold spliced wire connections. I made sure junction boxes remained easily accessible.
I also replaced the old fuse box with a new circuit breaker panel. I labeled each circuit clearly.

Testing and Finishing Touches

Once everything was wired up, I turned the power back on and thoroughly tested each outlet, switch and appliance on the updated circuits.
I addressed any issues found and confirmed proper voltage at outlets.
Finally, I turned power off again in order to secure loose wire connections and confirm safety.
With all wiring completed and double checked, I reinstalled wall plates, turned power back on to the whole house, and plugged appliances back in.

Rewiring a whole house is a big endeavor, but taking it step-by-step and staying organized made it a manageable DIY project. The savings were worth the effort!

Tips for Staying on Budget

Rewiring an entire home can get expensive if you’re not careful. Here are my top tips for controlling costs:

Buy electrical supplies in bulk online – Purchasing wire, receptacles, breakers etc in bulk from online retailers can be much cheaper than buying individual items at the hardware store.
Choose less expensive wire when possible – Using 12-2 wire with ground instead of 12-3 with ground can save a lot when wiring many new circuits.
Consider downgrading very lightly used circuits to 15 amps - For things like bathrooms, laundry rooms and lighting, 15 amp circuits may suffice rather than running more expensive 12 gauge 20 amp wire.
Research prices across multiple hardware stores - Prices can vary greatly between brands and stores for identical items. Shopping around helps get the best deal.
Rent or borrow tools when possible – There’s no need to buy expensive power tools like rotary hammers or cable pullers for a one-time project. Rent or borrow from friends/family.
Plan layout carefully to minimize wire lengths – Since wire makes up a big chunk of material cost, optimizing the layout to use less wire saves money.
Inspect everything first before buying replacements - Upgrading unsafe or overloaded wiring is needed, but some components like switches and receptacles may be reused rather than replaced.

Staying organized and proactively cost-conscious at each step of the rewiring process allows DIY electrical upgrades to be done affordably.

Ensuring Electrical Safety

Working with electrical wiring can be hazardous if proper precautions aren’t taken. Here are some key tips for staying safe:

Turn off power at the main breaker and verify it's off before starting any work. Lock the breaker box if possible.
Wear rubber-soled shoes and insulated gloves when handling wires.
Carefully inspect all wiring connections to ensure they are tight and fully enclosed in electrical boxes. Loose connections can overheat.
Use the correct size wires for the amperage rating of each circuit. Undersized wire is a fire hazard.
Install GFCI outlets anywhere near water sources like bathrooms or kitchens. They can prevent lethal shocks.
Keep extension cords only for temporary uses. Do not use for permanent wiring.
Label all circuits clearly in the breaker box so the purpose of each is obvious.
Check for wiring issues annually like loose connections, overloaded circuits or damaged insulation.
Hire an electrician if you are ever uncertain about wiring tasks or electrical codes. Safety is paramount when working with electricity.

Taking the time to thoroughly research and carefully execute each wiring task is crucial when undertaking DIY electrical work. Never compromise safety to cut costs.

Final Thoughts

Rewiring a home is a major undertaking, but also extremely rewarding. By equipping myself with the right knowledge and materials, I was able to completely upgrade my home's electrical system with minimal professional help.

The most important thing is to always put safety first and get the proper permits/inspections for significant electrical work. Do your homework before buying materials to get the best deals. Map everything out in advance and work methodically.

While daunting at first, rewiring a house truly is a DIY project that anyone can tackle successfully with good planning and preparation. The savings are tremendous compared to hiring an electrician. Just be sure to research local codes thoroughly and get experienced advice when needed. With some perseverance, you can rewire your home affordably and safely.