house is old enough the plugs are not grounded. The lighting in the house is falling apart..?

Question

What does a person do when some of the plugs are not grounded (house is from the 1956 era)... Some have been updated, some not. Then there are these horrible traverse lights that are in most rooms. If an electrician is needed, about how much are they going to charge to change out most lights and plug outlets in a 2000 sq foot house? I can buy the lights at Home Depot, or Lowes, but I don't have any idea of how to change them out from the old to the new...

Any suggestions would be appreciated!!

Answer 1

Basically, you are really opening up a can of worms. The electrician is obligated by law to (not just change the outlet) but, upgrade the enitre branch cirucit. Basically from the oulet all the way back to the panel. That is the only proper and safe way for the work to be done.

You could be in for serveral hundred to serveral thousand dollars.

My suggestion you be to have a local electrican go out and give you a free estimate. He will be able to see what you're wiring is like "first hand" and be able to give the proper advise that complies with your local building codes.

Best thing is, you get a professional assesment and $0.00

You will know exactaly what you are up against.

Answer 2

A electrician just cant change out the outlets with out rewire the house and if you live with a city limit a permit is required which means the house will have to be brought up to local codes which include service up grade the rewiring GFCI outlets in kitchen bath outside or any where there is water within 6 feet and any other sub standard wiring its something you can do yourself with a homeowners permit if you are outside of the city only national electrical code is required its quite a job and I would not recommend it unless you are experienced in this Field and will run thousands of dollars

you can also run a single wire# 12 to each outlet as you would have to 'fish' the wire tho the walls or under it and in most older house's there are fire blocks about half way up the walls to prevent fire from reaching the attic but good luck

Answer 3

Jennifer, this is a prime example of a barter situation. Head over to http://www.craigslist.com and under barter, explain that you need an electrician's services for a few of hours, and in exchange, you'll provide whatever you're talented at. Some folks offer calligraphy, or massage, or baked goods, or a keg of beer, or whatever. Maybe you're really good at landscaping or painting.

You'll buy the needed parts, and the labor exchange will save you - and the electrician - hundreds of dollars.