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Install home wiring: costs and estimates

If sections of your house suddenly have no power, a quick check of the breaker switch or circuit fuse can let you know if you are going to need to install home wiring.

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Install home wiring at your own risk! Photo by deejayres on Flickr.It is common to forget all about your home's electrical wiring until there is a problem. If sections of your house suddenly have no power, a quick check of the breaker switch or circuit fuse can let you know if you are going to need to install home wiring. Any time the wiring needs replacing, this needs to be done as soon as possible to avoid a possible house fire.

Before you decide to install wiring in your home, you need to check with the city and get any permits that may be needed. While you are waiting, buy the parts you need and make a plan of action. You do not want to just start off pulling out plugs and wall receptacles. Find out where wiring electrical problems seem to be bad and check a few sockets with a voltage tester.

Find professional contractors for installing home wiring!

When wiring a circuit for lights, use a 15-ampere circuit breaker; a receptacle uses a 20-ampere breaker. Before beginning any work, be sure to flip the breakers off so you are not accidentally shocked while trying to install home wiring.

The wire will cost you roughly $20 for 25 feet of 12-gauge electrical wire. You will also need wire nuts, a receptacle and box. If you only need to install home wiring requiring less than 25 feet of wire, all materials will cost you less than $30 if you already have a voltage tester and electrical tape.

If you have any doubt about your electrical abilities, hire a contractor. While it will cost you more money, you will also get a warranty to protect your investment if you have problems with the work performed.

Reply! can provide you with the contact information for a number of licensed and bonded electricians in your area. Contact at least three and get an estimate from each before hiring one.

In general, you can expect to pay between $50 and $100 per hour or pay per fixture to have the work done by a professional. 

Whether you decide to do your own work or to have an electrician do it for you, having an inspection once the work is done is important. A small mistake done on accident is a serious fire hazard. For your own safety, you should never attempt to do any electrical work without someone else at home in case you fall from a ladder or get shocked.

You can find books or websites that can give you exact details on how to install home wiring. Doing it yourself will save a lot of money, however, do not attempt to do it if you are afraid. You will be too preoccupied with getting hurt or shocked. It is better to pay a professional in such cases.

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Photo credit: deejayres via Compfight CC.