Outdated wiring is causing frequent outages or posing a fire risk in your home. You’re not alone. Many homeowners face this dilemma, especially with older houses that still rely on knob-and-tube or aluminium wiring. The big question: can you rewire a house room by room?
The short answer: Yes, you can rewire a house room by room, but it requires careful planning, knowledge of electrical codes, and safety measures. For beginners, full-house rewiring might be simpler, but if you want to avoid living in a construction zone for weeks, phased room-by-room rewiring could be a smart alternative.
What Does Rewiring a House Room by Room Mean?
Rewiring a house room by room means upgrading your home’s electrical wiring gradually, tackling one room at a time rather than rewiring the entire house at once. This approach involves replacing old wires—such as knob-and-tube, aluminium, or cloth-insulated wiring—with modern, safer electrical cables, such as NM-B (commonly known as Romex).
You focus on one room, like the bedroom or kitchen, updating outlets, switches, and connections there before moving to the next. This method lets you live in your home during the rewiring process and spreads costs over time.
Pros of Room-by-Room Rewiring
- Minimises disruption: You don’t have to move out or live without power for weeks.
- Cost-effective for targeted fixes: Fix only the rooms that need urgent rewiring.
- Easier permits: Getting permits in phases is often simpler than for a full rewire.
Cons and Challenges
- Code compliance issues: Some wiring rules require whole-house circuits, so piecemeal work can cause problems.
- Incomplete grounding: Partial rewiring might leave some circuits ungrounded, which is a safety risk.
- Higher long-term costs: If not done right, you might pay more later to fix incompatible wiring.
Comparing Room-by-Room vs. Full House Rewiring
Aspect Room-by-Room Rewire Full House Rewire
Disruption Low High
Cost per sq ft $4-8 $3-6
Time 1-2 days per room, 1-2 weeks total
Is It Legal and Safe? Can You Rewire a House Room by Room Yourself?
If you’re wondering, can you legally and safely rewire a house room by room ? The answer is mostly yes—but with important caveats.
Legal Requirements
- Permits: Most regions in the US, UK, and India require you to pull electrical permits before starting work—sometimes per room if phased.
- Inspections: Electrical inspectors must approve the work before walls are closed up.
- Code compliance: Follow local electrical codes, such as NEC in the US or IEC in India. For example, GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlets are required in wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
- Local rules: Some places, like West Bengal, India, require licensed electricians for major rewiring, so double-check before you start.
Safety First: Can You DIY?
- Beginners: It’s not recommended. Electrical work has real risks—shocks, fires, and code violations.
- Experienced DIYers: Possible for simple rooms if you know how to isolate circuits and handle wiring safely.
Essential Tools and Materials for Room-by-Room Rewiring
Before you begin, make sure you have all the right tools and materials on hand. Here’s a quick list to get you started:
Tools
- Voltage tester: To check if wires are live before touching.
- Wire strippers: For removing insulation cleanly.
- Fish tape: To pull wires through walls and conduits.
- Drywall saw: For opening small sections of wall safely.
Materials
- 12/2 NM cable (Romex): The standard for most residential wiring.
- Outlets and switches: Choose modern, code-compliant styles.
- Circuit breakers: For your panel or subpanel.
- Junction boxes: To house wire connections safely.
Safety Gear
- Insulated gloves and goggles: To protect yourself.
- Lockout/tagout kit: To ensure power stays off during work.
Budget Estimate for a 12×12 Room
Item Cost (INR)
NM Cable (50 ft) 2,500
Outlets/Switches 1,200
Basic Tools 3,000
Total ~6,700
Step-by-Step DIY Guide: How to Rewire a House Room by Room
If you’re set on doing it yourself, here’s a detailed walkthrough for re-wiring a house room by room, safely and correctly. Remember: consult a professional if you feel unsure at any step.
Prep Phase (Example: Bedroom)
- Turn off main breaker: Always start by shutting off the power to your home’s main panel. Use a voltage tester to confirm wires are dead.
- Map existing wiring: Note where outlets, switches, and fixtures are located. Use a stud finder and circuit tester to track wiring.
- Open walls minimally: Cut drywall carefully around outlets and switches to access old wiring.
Wiring Phase
- Run new cable: Use fish tape to pull new NM cable from your breaker panel or subpanel to the room. Go through joists and walls carefully.
- Install boxes and connect wires: Put in new outlet and switch boxes. Connect ground (green or bare), neutral (white), and hot (black) wires properly.
- Add safety devices: install GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens, and AFCI breakers if required by code.
Finish Phase
- Connect to panel: Attach new circuits to breakers in your electrical panel. If unsure, get an electrician to help.
- Patch drywall: Repair the openings with drywall patches and paint.
- Test circuits: Turn power back on, test outlets and switches with a tester.
- Final inspection: Schedule an inspection if required by your local authority.
Room-Specific Tips
- Bedroom: Focus on ample outlets and ceiling lights.
- Kitchen: Use 20-amp dedicated circuits for appliances.
- Bathroom: GFCI protection is required for all receptacles.
Cost Breakdown: Rewiring a House Room by Room
Understanding the costs upfront helps you budget better. Here’s a breakdown tailored for homeowners in Medinipur, West Bengal, India.
DIY Costs
- Materials: INR 4,000–8,000 per room.
- Tools: INR 5,000 one-time investment (reusable for multiple rooms).
Professional Costs
- Labour + materials: INR 8,000–20,000 per room.
- Full house rewiring (5 rooms): INR 1–2 lakhs.
Factors Affecting Costs
Factor Cost Impact
Room Size +20% per additional 100 sq ft
Old Wiring +30% (knob-and-tube or aluminium)
Permits INR 2,000 per permit
Safety Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
Electrical work is serious business. Follow these tips to stay safe and avoid costly errors:
- Always de-energise and test wires before working.
- Use the right wire gauge: 12 AWG for 20-amp circuits, 14 AWG for 15-amp circuits.
- Label breakers clearly to avoid confusion later.
- Avoid daisy-chaining outlets: Each outlet should be wired properly, not in series.
Common Mistakes
- Skipping permits (can lead to fines up to INR 50,000).
- Overloading circuits (leading to breaker trips or fires).
- Ignoring asbestos or other hazards in old walls.
When to Call a Professional: Expert Advice
So, can you rewire a house room by room by yourself? If you are skilled and confident, yes, but some jobs are better left to licensed electricians:
- Removing hazardous knob-and-tube wiring.
- Upgrading your main electrical panel.
- Rewiring rental properties or commercial spaces.
