What to Know When Rewiring a House

Written by  //  April 10, 2020  //  Home Construction  //  Comments Off on What to Know When Rewiring a House

house rewiring

Many people decide to purchase older or fixer-upper homes with the intention of updating them. People often think updating a home just involves remodeling kitchens and putting in new flooring in. These are important updates to make, but when you buy an older home, you’ll likely need to make some major modifications.

One big change that needs to happen in most older homes is rewiring. Old wiring can be dangerous, and it often can’t keep up with the electrical needs of today’s appliances and devices. Check out this guide on what to know when rewiring a house. With so much time to spend at home, you may be itching to get a project underway—what better project than one that will improve your home’s functionality and safety?

Consult an electrician

If you plan to rewire the house on your own, be sure to consult an electrician before you begin. They can identify any problem areas in the home and recommend materials and methods. A professional electrician can guide you in the right direction so that you don’t make any devastating mistakes. Electrical work is dangerous if you’re not experienced. If you start the project and don’t feel comfortable completing it, hire a professional to do it. It’s better to be safe and confident in your house’s electrical systems than to always have to worry.

Be safe

Electrical work is dangerous, even for professionals. Safety should be your first priority when you’re rewiring a house. Faulty or old wiring is one of the most common causes of electrical fires. Double-check your work and ensure you’ve done it properly before turning on the electricity again. While you’re working, make sure to take the necessary steps to ensure your own safety. Avoid working near water or liquids; turn the electricity off before starting work; and never touch live wires.

Check local codes and obtain permits

Your local government may have codes you must follow and certain standards your home’s electrical work must meet. You’ll also likely need to acquire permits. Starting a project without the correct permits can lead to large fines and a halt on your work. Call your local town, city, or village government with any questions you may have. If you have a homeowner’s association, you may also need to check with them and obtain certain permissions before doing any work on the house.

The most important thing in electrical work is to stay safe and keep your home’s build and needs in mind. Try to wire your home strategically so that appliances have direct lines. Follow all safety precautions, and if you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to call a professional electrician or service to give you advice or take over the project if necessary.

image credit: Pixabay

About the Author

View all posts by

Comments are closed.