Having your home rewired can feel like an overwhelming task, but it’s an important step in ensuring the safety, function, and efficiency of your electrical system and your home. Whether you’re upgrading outdated wiring, addressing safety concerns, or preparing for a major home renovation, understanding what to expect during a home rewiring project can make the project less stressful. From potential disruptions to the process of selecting the right electrician, preparation is the key to making the experience as smooth and efficient as possible. In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps to prepare your home for rewiring, outline what you can expect during the project, and offer practical tips to help you navigate this home improvement task with confidence and ease.
Understanding the Need for Home Rewiring
Home rewiring projects may be needed for a variety of different reasons. For some homeowners, an outdated electrical system may be the reason for rewiring the home. For others, they may be starting a remodeling project, home renovation, or an add-on to the home. In our high-tech world, some homeowners will work with their local electricians for rewiring before upgrading their homes to handle smart appliances and home automation technologies.
Your home can present many signs that point towards the need for rewiring. The following list of events may be indicators that your home needs rewiring:
- If your breakers are frequently tripping.
- If you notice flickering lights even after changing light bulbs.
- If you notice a burning smell in the home without a known source.
- Sparking appliances or those that produce a “shock.”
- If you are hearing a faint buzzing or crackling sound coming from any electrical appliance, light, outlet, or breaker box.
- If you are noticing signs of burning around your electrical sockets.
- If your home’s wiring is older than 25 years old. (This age does not guarantee the need for rewiring, but it’s worth having a professional perform an inspection to see if it is needed or not).
Preparing Yourself for a Home-Rewiring Project
Knowing why your home needs rewiring is the first step in preparing for the project. If you have been experiencing any of the above-mentioned events, it will be important for you to make a list of what’s happening in your home to provide to the electrician performing the rewiring project.
Make a list of all the outlets in your home and current appliances. Create another list, anticipating your future power needs and future appliances.
Have a well-thought-out plan, starting with a rough drawing of your home’s current layout that includes current appliances, electronics, lights, switches, and outlets. Identify each zone in your drawing by labeling the kitchen, living room, bathrooms, and bedrooms. This list will help your electrician understand your current system and your goals for the rewiring project.
Having a budget set for your project will help you and your electrical contractor. Be aware that costs can vary depending on the size of your home and also the extent of the rewiring project. Home size, home age, labor, material, permits, and inspection fees all contribute to the total cost of your project. Setting aside backup funds will help if unexpected costs arise.
Preparing Your Home for Rewiring
Although many electrical contractors make themselves available to move large appliances and furniture, the homeowner should move as many items away from the walls, outlets, and switches as possible. Making electrical units accessible to the electrician will help things move along more quickly.
Leave room around light fixtures for ladders to be used to access the fixtures.
Pack away as many small items as possible and store them. Removing as much clutter as possible will give your electrician better access to the home and the ability to work more freely. It will also protect your possessions from the dust produced during the project.
Remove anything valuable from the home or store out of the way to avoid damage.
Use plastic dust sheets to cover larger furniture and seal at the bottom. Rewiring projects are dusty.
If at all possible, plan on moving away while the rewiring project is taking place. Not only will this help your project move more quickly, but also reduce your exposure to the dust caused by the project.
If you have a pet, plan on rehoming them while the project is being completed. These projects are not only dusty but extremely noisy. Moving your pets away from the home will avoid any anxiety they could experience from the noise.
What to Expect During the Rewiring Project
Be prepared for disruptions. Home rewiring projects have two different phases. The first phase will consist of preparing the home and completing the structural work of replacing the wires, wiring the new circuits, and mounting boxes. The second phase of the project will be to address the operation of the new electrical system. This is when new face plates, sockets, switches, and light fixtures will be installed.
The average three to five-bedroom home can take up to a week and possibly longer if there are unexpected issues.
Plan on having no electricity for extended periods of time while the work is being completed. If temporary relocation is not possible, work with your electrician to coordinate power in parts of the home.
If you are not relocating, plan on using battery-powered lights and portable cooking supplies. Keep other emergency tools available.
Expect lots of dust and lots of noise while the rewiring project is being completed. Many times, drywall will have to be removed to access wires or install new sockets or lights.
Choosing the Right Electrician for the Job
If you need an electrical service upgrade in Southborough, the importance of finding a licensed, insured, and experienced electrician cannot be underestimated.
Look at past reviews of electrical companies and verify references if unsure.
Using a licensed contractor eliminates the worry about meeting code and passing inspections.
Although home rewiring projects can seem like a major undertaking, proper preparation can make the process far more manageable and less stressful than anticipated. By understanding why the rewiring is necessary, taking the time to plan ahead, and preparing both your home and yourself for the disruption, you can ensure that the project runs as smoothly as possible. Though rewiring may require some temporary sacrifices, the long-term benefits of a safer, more efficient electrical system will be worth the effort. Home rewiring projects will enhance the functionality of your home and keep you safe for years to come.