Running Electrical Wire

My dad went shopping with me yesterday and we bought all of our supplies at The Home Depot.  Electrical wire, cans, lights, drywall, drywall screws, speaker wire (we are adding ceiling mounted speakers to the room), sandpaper, etc...  I am so glad he took me shopping because even though he gave me a list, I would have walked into the store and not come out for several hours.  We were only in there for 30 minutes because he knew where everything was located (I learned a lot).

Yesterday we ran all of the electrical wire for the recessed lighting in the living room.   We were on the fence - 4, 6, or 8 cans?  Ultimately we decided to do 6 cans since the room is about 230 square feet.

Before this renovation I had a room that was so poorly lit - I'd flip on the fan light and the room didn't look any brighter at all...not even a little brighter.  Tonight when we plugged all 6 can lights in, the room lit up!  It looks amazing!  I can even imagine how beautiful it will look with the walls, ceiling, and trim freshly painted.  Oh, and the wood floors.  I have to put in wood floors now!

I learned how to strip the wire and how to connect all the cans.  My dad did all of the work at the electrical box and we had a quick inspection to be sure all was well.  He and Chris took out the old two gang box and put in an 'old work' three gang box.  I learned the difference between 'new work' and 'old work' - important to know when buying supplies.  My dad connected all the wires and the lights came on!  The recessed lights are on a dimmer, the fan light has its own switch, and so does the fan. 

We hung one piece of drywall last night and then decided to call it a day.  I had no idea how the drywall would get hung onto the ceiling....2x4's to prop it up until there are enough screws in place - brilliant!