By Kara Masterson
When you own a home, there will come a time when you have to undertake different home maintenance projects. One of them could possibly be rewiring your home. After all, owning a home with faulty electrical wiring is risky to your family’s safety and dangerous for the home’s value. Therefore, ensuring your home is in order regarding the wiring and electricity in general is vital. Below is a guide on how to go about rewiring your home with ease.
Conduct a Home Inspection
The first step to take, even before rewiring your home, is conducting a thorough home inspection. This involves checking every corner of your home to identify the areas that need your attention, as well as assessing just how bad the damage is. Some areas to check include your circuit breakers, old light switches or electrical outlets, and all other electrical components to ensure that everything is in order. If you find any major faults or problems that are beyond a simple fix, consider contacting a professional electrician to get an accurate analysis of your problem areas or to employ their electrical services.
Get the Right Tools
Acquiring the correct tools before commencing any project is crucial for ensuring its success. With regard to electrical work, you’ll need things like wire strippers, volts testers, circuit breakers, and switches. When dealing with things such as electricity, improvisation is not your friend and can, in fact, lead to further complications, so make sure you have exactly what it is you need to get the job done. If you are unfamiliar with the needed electrical tools or lack the necessary knowledge and expertise to complete the job, it is advisable to seek the services of a professional electrician to ensure the work is done safely and correctly.
Plan the Wiring Process
Once you have identified the areas that need rewiring and have procured the necessary tools, it’s time to plan your rewiring process. This involves figuring out the circuits and outlets needed for each room while considering future electrical needs. You might be tempted to do it yourself, but in some cases, it’s easier to bring in a professional electrician that can help you with the planning.
Rewiring the Home
After careful planning, you are now ready to start rewiring your home. During the rewiring process, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the electrical wiring codes in your area. Following the wiring codes will ensure that you install electrical wiring that is safe and up to standard. During the process, ensure that you keep all wires neat and in order and fasten them correctly to their respective wires. It's vital to check your work as you go up and ensure that everything is in order before moving on to the next wiring connection.
Rewiring your home doesn't have to be daunting if you have a plan and the appropriate tools. The tips mentioned above will make rewiring a home a simple process. Remember that proper electrical wiring is vital to your family's safety and your home value. Always consult a qualified electrician if in doubt or lacking the right expertise. A licensed professional will ensure that everything is up to code and running safely. Remember not to cut corners, and take your time rewiring your home. Following the right steps will give you a good result, and you’ll be able to enjoy a safe and functional electrical system in your home.
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from Utah. She enjoys playing tennis and spending time with her family.