Is it hard to wire a house? I went through voc school back when I was learning a trade. And I've watched hours of My Old House with Steve and I figured that I could wire it as good as anybody. Maybe I could get a book somewhere to show me, just to make sure I don't blow a fuse. I thought I could save money if I wired it all myself. Can I do this?
2006-10-05 01:11:55 · 17 answers · asked by The Method 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
I hope one of you is a certified electrical technician. You can wire your own house, but you better have it checked by a qualified technician, or if something happens to your house, your insurance will not cover it.
2006-10-05 01:14:23 · answer #1 · answered by Mary Smith 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No offense, but no matter how well you think you'll do the job, the possibility exists that Murphys Law will come into effect.
I guess I'm a bit confused as to why you'd want to in the first place. I realize you said, save money. Many DIY projects end up costing more than they should have,,,because a contractor wasn't used.
Certainly you'd have to know every code regarding residential wiring, and electrical service, and have multiple inspections, before any of the install is covered up,,, or tested.
"Can I" is a valid question, and the answer is, "Perhaps?"
Has construction begun on the house itself? If so is it at the stage to be wired? Is this also a DIY project or did you hire a building contractor, OR is it a subdivision home where contractors are already employed, by the company doing the construction? Have you investigated the cost of doing the wiring, by yourself or any electrical contractors,,,OR, if it's a subdivision house have you attempted to find out what $$$ amount is designated for wiring the house?
As one answerer states it may be an Insurance issue at some point, but I suggest a couple of additional things to consider. Assume that anything can go wrong,,,even in a professional transaction. Assume then,,,who would have the liability. Can you handle or afford your house burning to the ground? Has it been a thought that you may not only lose property, but endanger human or animal life, if something ever goes wrong, and have no recourse after the fact?
I suggest biting the bullet and leave work like that to the professionals.
Again, no offense, but why not do your own plumbing as well, or roofing, flooring, start to finish construction???
Rev. Steven
2006-10-05 01:30:43 · answer #2 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can only speak for the USA code. Get a book to help that works with the rules in your area.
YOU can wire your home !!! You must first file an affidavit with the state you are in for state inspection. You will have numerous visits by an electrical inspector throughout the process. You can start wiring, run wire, install all boxes & make home runs. You must then leave all the walls open and boxes uncovered for inspection at rough-in time. If you close up the walls the inspector has the authority to make you rip open al the walls which will cost you plenty !! SO PAY ATTENTION TO CODE !!!
YOU PROBABLY CANNOT ((depending upon state))hook up the house from the pole ((main power source frm the electrical provider)) and most electric providers do not touch anything that is on the customes side of responsibility. A licensed electrician will have to do that and YOU do not want to anyway for one wrong move and you are TOAST !!!
After you have finished with rough-in, the the walls are now done and you have everything in place, the inspector will make a final visit and place a sticker on the panel approving the wiring which is then HUGE pat on the back for YOU !!
Last BUT NOT LEAST... YOU and your spouse can wire your home.... NOT your friends !! If an inspector thinks you are having outside help he can make it so you wished you had hired a licensed electician !! ((( if you have friends help then keep it hush hush and make sure they know what they are doing for a fire down the road will not only kill the friendship but YOU and your family !!!)))
The inspectors are not out to get you they are simply out to save you !! So follow the codes... Everyone likes to save some money and wiring yourself can save you approx. $7,000 to $10,000 or more if your home is huge.
Good Luck and BE CAREFUL !!! Electricity IS not a joke !
2006-10-05 03:38:19 · answer #3 · answered by Kitty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know where in the world (literally) you live, but in America it varies from state to state. In general, you can pull your own permit and wire your own house.
As for how hard it is, the work is fairly easy, the wiring techniques will require some study, and the building codes are very strict, and can vary from township to township.
You can do it yourself. DO get some books and study, but first tell your local building department what you want to do and ask their advice. I work with a company that has been helping people build their own homes, including doing their own electric and plumbing, for over 20 years. Building inspectors are usually pretty good at working with homeowners and it's a good idea to find out before you start what they will want to see done.
2006-10-05 01:26:32 · answer #4 · answered by dave 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you ever have a fire as a result of DIY wiring, insurance will not pay off.
If you have it inspected by a city inspector and it passes code, you're OK, BUT, they require a permit and only a licensed electrician can pull one. I don't think an electrician will jeopardize a job and gamble on a DIY, as he is responsible for any failure under the permit.
If you know an electrician, they may allow you to help pull wires, but not do the hookups and determine the voltage/amps for each room and number of outlets, such as kitchen, laundry, etc.
2006-10-05 01:28:13 · answer #5 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can, but one thing you may consider. Some city's require an inspector to sign off on the work that you do, they may not do this unless a licensed electrician signs off on the job. You will still save thousands by doing all the work yourself, then having a electrician come in and inspect your work. Do not cover any of the wiring with sheet rock or insulation until all the work as been inspected. Good luck to you.
2006-10-05 01:17:55 · answer #6 · answered by loser 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my dad did his when he built his house, however he also hired an electrician, as a consultant, basically. The elevrtician came over before the job, gave my father the basics, marked on the studs where the outlet and junction boxes should go, then my dad did the work. The electrician came over before the inspetor came, made sure it would pass.
I don't know if you can find one that will work this way, I remember the elecrtician was hired, then had to pull out at the last minute leaving my dad hanging, soo this was the deal he and my father worked out.
2006-10-05 01:26:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't recomend it - most places have construction codes that state that a pro has to complete certain jobs - electrical is one of them.It is supposed to be completed by a certified electrician.One wrong wire in the wrong spot and you - A) will probably fail your inspection and B) could burn your new house down.
It's not worth it or legal - suck up the cost and hire a pro.
2006-10-05 01:25:20 · answer #8 · answered by taterhead30 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can wire your own house. My husband and I did ours. He installed the panel and I did all the rest. Get a one of the step by step books on wiring. Make sure that you have a "code" book for your area. You will have toget the place inspected by an electrical inspector (we did ours in Ontario). No sweat. You will save a ton of money and trust me it isn't brain surgery.
2006-10-05 01:21:41 · answer #9 · answered by Gone fishin' 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you are experienced in wiring, I would highly recommend you let a pro do it. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Your inexperience and faulty wiring could cause a fire and burn down your house. A word to the wise is sufficient.
2006-10-05 01:14:33 · answer #10 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋