Why Hire an Electrician is Expensive
Hiring an electrician to wire or rewire a home can be very expensive, often costing thousands of dollars. Electricians typically charge $50-$100 per hour and wiring a whole home can take days or weeks to complete. In addition to labor costs, you'll also have to pay for all the materials including wire, outlets, switches and more. This makes DIY home electrical wiring an attractive option for many homeowners looking to save money.
I decided to wire my new home addition myself without hiring an electrician. Here's how I did it and the thousands I saved in the process.
Dangers of Home Electrical Work
Before deciding to wire your home, it's important to understand the risks involved. Electricity can be extremely dangerous if wiring is not done properly.
Some key dangers include:
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Electrocution - Improper wiring can lead to serious injury or death from shocks. Always turn off power at circuit breaker before working.
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Fire - Faulty wiring is a major cause of electrical fires. Use proper gauge wire and ensure secure connections.
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Damage - Incorrect wiring can damage electrical devices and appliances in your home.
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Legal issues - Most jurisdictions require permits and inspections for home electrical work. Not obtaining these can cause legal problems.
So while DIY electrical work can save money, important safety precautions need to be taken. Make sure you educate yourself on proper techniques, codes and safety procedures.
Learning Basic Electrical Skills
To wire your home safely, you'll need to learn some basic electrical skills:
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Circuit types - Know the difference between 120V and 240V circuits and when each is used.
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Wire gauging - Using the right wire size is critical. Most home circuits use 12 or 14 gauge electrical wire.
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Outlet and switch wiring - Learn basic techniques for installing outlets, switches, light fixtures.
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Safety protocols - Wear protective gear, use tools properly, and follow safety procedures.
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Electrical code - Follow national and local codes for home electrical work to pass inspection.
I spent several weeks researching and learning the basics before tackling wiring my addition. I also had an experienced electrician friend double-check my work.
Gathering the Right Supplies
Wiring a room or home requires having the right supplies on hand. Key supplies needed include:
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Wire - I used 12/2 and 14/2 NM electrical wire for 15 and 20 amp circuits. Get more than you think you'll need.
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Outlets and switches - Choose decora style switches and tamper-resistant outlets. Get variety packs.
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Breaker box - New breakers may be needed depending on number of circuits.
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Electrical boxes - Ample supply of outlet and switch boxes.
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Wire connectors - Assortment of wire nuts and push-in connectors.
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Conduit - Flexible conduit used where wires are exposed.
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Tools - Wire stripper, voltage tester, staple gun, drill, ladder etc.
Buying supplies in bulk yielded discounts. I spent around $500 on everything needed.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
With education and supplies ready, I was prepared to wire my addition. The process took me 5 full weekends to complete.
Planning the Circuits
First I mapped out all the circuits I would need and the devices on each one. This determined how much wire I needed and number of circuits.
Typical home circuits:
- 15A general lighting
- 20A kitchen, bathrooms
- 20A outlets
- 240V dryer
- 240V AC
Running and Securing the Wire
Next up was running wire between the breaker, outlets, switches and devices:
- Used flexible conduit to protect exposed wire runs.
- Stapled wire to studs at regular intervals to securely fasten.
- Labeled wire runs at termination points for easy identification.
Boxes, Outlets and Switches
With wires run, I was ready to add boxes, outlets and switches:
- Installed electrical boxes using hole saws and hammer.
- Connected wires to devices using push-in connectors where possible.
- Used clamps and screwdrivers to secure devices to boxes.
- Carefully attached device cover plates when done.
Breaker Panel and Grounding
The final step was connecting circuits at the breaker panel and properly grounding:
- Turned off main breaker before wiring into panel.
- Added new breakers and ran wire from them to circuits.
- Connected copper ground wires and ensured proper grounding.
Completing the Project
After 5 long weekends, I successfully wired my home addition from start to finish. Now it was time for inspection:
The inspector checked all my work and the installation passed on the first try. Making a few minor tweaks, I was able to get full approval.
Cost Savings
By doing the wiring myself without an electrician, I estimated my total savings to be around $5,000 to $7,000. Well worth the time and effort!
While not for everyone, wiring your own home can yield huge cost savings with proper planning and safety diligence. Hopefully my experience gives you a good overview of what's involved so you can evaluate if a DIY electrical project is right for you. Always get insured professional help if you have any doubts.