How do I install lighting in a bedroom that has no wiring?
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I have an older house built in 1928! I think the big bedroom was once the living room. Okay to my question. I have to find a way to add a ceiling light. I have 3 rooms that do not have hard-wiring in the ceiling for a light! The first step I go buy a light that hangs from the ceiling. How can I make sure the electric cord is long enough and how do I cover the unsightly electric wires or cord coming across the ceiling and down the wall? There may be something that I haven’t thought of asking because I haven’t started any of my bedroom project ideas. So I may be back with more questions later!I bought the house and for a steal, and I am remodeling it and one thing I learned early on is when you think you have everything covered. The materials etc... Something always comes up with your planning a kink along the way! Oh, yeah I needed?? Something that you think will take an hour will take 3!!! Just speaking from my experience.Bless you all in advance for helping me!
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April do you have any wall switches that are shoulder high and near doorways? If so that might indicate that there was wiring in the ceiling. and it may be still there. It would be worth it to consult an electrician. The thing about fastening anything to the ceiling is it might hit a live wire. Our house was built in 1905 and all the ceilings had elec boxes Downstairs in the middle of the room, upstairs in the corners..
Congratulations on buying the house! Welcome to the world of home renovation. You will learn many new skills along the way. The key to any successful renovation is to know when to call in the pros, even if just for a consult so you don't waste time and money redoing things. Electrical is one of those things. I would go back to your home inspection report. What does that indicate? Next it is worth a trip to city hall or your local permit office to see when work was last performed. You might even get lucky and they might have the original blueprints on file. I would certainly get an electrician in to determine if any wall switches match up to electrical outlets - or if they do go to a now covered up electrical box in the ceiling. My mom's house was built in 1926 and I still own it so I understand the era well. Get an estimate or three from licensed local electricians. Not something you should fool with if you don't have the experience, if just for insurance purposes. Honestly I would have the entire house rewired and electrical panel upgraded at some point if it has not already been done. Start saving, as it is not an inexpensive endeavor. Building codes have changed and you don't want to risk fire from outdated wiring. Here is how to hire any contractor you will ever need.
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0242-hiring-contractor
Enjoy the process! At times it might be frustrating, but the end result is always worth the effort. And you will have completed something to be really proud about. Good luck! 🌞
If it does have wiring its probably old knob and tube wiring that will need to be replaced for safety. I got a good deal having a local apprentice do the work on my old house putting in a new power hookup and breaker box (goodbye to that ole fuse box).
Our house had no overhead lights in any room because of open beams. So I kow your paint. You can hide wiring in an electrical channel that you could run up the wall and across the ceiling. Paint the channel the same color as wall/ceiling and you really won't see it after a bit.
Thank you very much.
My husband crawled into the attic to add wiring to the upper level bedrooms. We did ceiling fans with light fixtures. We still don't have one in our living room. But I love the idea from Toni @ Girl, Just DIY. The electrical channel with paint would be a good idea. Good luck!