A dimmer switch helps home owners save electricity. Meanwhile, it helps rehabbers make the property look more professionally rehabbed. This is a very cheap improvement that has a huge impact on the overall appeal of the house. In this how to flip house projects article, you’ll learn how to install dimmers.

The most important thing before you even begin this fix and flip project is to check with local authorities if you’ll need a permit to perform it. Some local councils might even require professional electricians to do the job for you. If you’re hiring a subcontractor, this should be an easy task. If you’re allowed to do it, you should be done in a few minutes as well.

For this how to flip house project, you’ll need a dimmer switch, wire connectors, and some 12/2 or 14/2 home wire. When choosing a dimmer switch, be sure to calculate the combined wattage of the light bulbs it will control. Select one that has a wattage rating that can control the total wattage of the bulbs. You’ll also need basic electrician tools like an electrical tester, a circuit tester, wire strippers/cutters, and your good ol’ screwdriver.

Now, let’s get this how to flip house project on. First thing you need to do is to turn off the general switch. Also, be sure to lock the service panel or leave a note on it indicating that someone is working on the wires. You don’t want anyone turning it on while you’re touching the wires, right?

Next, open the faceplate. Unscrew the switch from the mailbox and carefully pull it out. You need to disconnect the ground wire from the switch. You’ll also need to remove the black wires. Inspect the exposed copper ends. If they are in useable condition, keep them as is. If not, cut the damaged ends and expose new copper wire by stripping around half an inch of the black coating.

Now, proceed with this fix and flip project by connecting the wires. Using wire connectors, connect the black copper wires to the black pigtails in the dimmer switch. As for the ground wire inside the workbox, connect it with the ground pigtail in the switch. Use a wire connector for this connection as well. Then, carefully push back the wiring and the switch into the box. Secure it with screws and place the faceplate.

To complete the how to flip house project turn on the general switch on the service panel and test if the dimmer switch is working. If it is, good job! If it isn’t, turn off the service panel again and have your work checked by a professional.

Now, some final reminders when installing dimmers. One thing you should keep in mind when working with electricity is that it is deadly. That is why it is imperative that you ensure that the power line is off. If you can lock the service panel, lock it. Or tell everyone that you are working on power. Also, test the wires for additional safety. Finally, it always pays to have it done by a licensed electrician.