Everything You Should Know About Wiring Upgrades for Your Home
Aging buildings and outdated structures often carry electrical systems that were never intended to handle today's electrical loads. Wiring upgrades solve this problem head-on, replacing outdated, overloaded, or failing wiring with modern, code-compliant materials and configurations. At Reed Electrical Services, LLC., we focus on delivering wiring upgrades that give you peace of mind for years to come.
Property owners of all types come to us when they realize something isn't right — flickering lights, tripped breakers — or when they plan a renovation. Wiring upgrades aren't just for older homes; they are a fundamental investment in the safety and functionality of any building's infrastructure.
Our licensed electricians work throughout Palos Hills, IL and nearby areas with expert-level wiring upgrades across a wide range of property types. Whether your system has never been touched or just partially updated, we have the tools and training to complete the job correctly.
What Is Involved in Wiring Upgrades?
Wiring upgrades encompass the systematic replacement or improvement of existing electrical wiring, conductors, and associated components to meet current NEC code standards. This goes well beyond just replacing a breaker or fuse. A full wiring upgrade requires here routing properly-gauged cable to every circuit. The age and condition of the existing conductors shapes how the job is approached.
Aluminum branch-circuit wiring, installed widely in the 1960s and 1970s presents specific hazards that modern copper wiring simply does not. Knob-and-tube lacks a ground conductor and the cotton or rubber wrapping deteriorates badly over time. Aluminum branch-circuit wiring loosens at connection points more readily than copper, which can cause arcing. Wiring upgrades solve these problems at the root.
From a technical standpoint, the work starts with safely shutting down affected circuits and pulling old wire and installing new copper wire of the correct gauge. Updated termination points and overcurrent protection complete each upgraded circuit. Each completed circuit undergoes testing under load to confirm safe, stable operation.
Top Advantages Wiring Upgrades
- Dramatically reduced fire risk — Old, degraded wiring is a primary driver of residential structure fires. Wiring upgrades eliminate the hazard at the source.
- Passing inspections with confidence — Renovations, home sales, and insurance renewals commonly copyright on electrical inspection results. Wiring upgrades bring everything into compliance.
- Support for modern electrical loads — Modern homes rely on significantly more power. Wiring upgrades deliver the ampacity modern devices require.
- Lower insurance premiums — Several major insurers add premiums or decline to insure properties with outdated electrical systems. Finishing the upgrade work often unlocks better policy terms.
- Proper grounding at every receptacle — Ungrounded outlets cannot protect sensitive electronics. Wiring upgrades resolve this throughout the entire electrical system.
- Higher resale appeal — Home inspectors flag old wiring immediately. A documented electrical upgrade add real, measurable value.
- Stable, reliable power throughout the property — Undersized or degraded wiring causes lights to flicker. Wiring upgrades eliminate those frustrating interruptions.
- Confidence that your electrical system is safe — It's genuinely reassuring to confirm that the wiring inside your walls is safe, rated correctly, and properly installed.
The Wiring Upgrades Process From Start to Finish
- Whole-System Inspection — A licensed electrician from our team visits the property and conducts a full walkthrough of the electrical system. Our technician documents what's installed now and flag any immediate hazards. This review shapes the entire upgrade plan.
- Custom Scope and Project Proposal — Using what we learned during the assessment, our team develops a clear scope of work. We clarify what can be retained and what must be changed and provide transparent, itemized pricing. Applicable local permits are addressed here so everything is above board from the start.
- Permit Pulling and Scheduling — Our office handles all permit applications on your behalf. Work dates are planned around the complexity involved and your schedule. We make sure the required inspections are built into the timeline before we proceed to the next section of work.
- Active Wiring Upgrade Work — Our licensed electricians safely shut down the circuits being upgraded before pulling out existing conductors and hardware. New copper wire of the correct AWG gauge is pulled through walls, conduit, and framing. New outlets, switches, GFCI devices, and fixtures complete each new circuit run.
- Testing Under Live Conditions — Once wiring is complete, we re-energize the system section by section. We test with professional-grade instruments to check that every circuit performs within spec under load. Any issues found during testing is resolved immediately, not passed along to you.
- Code Authority Review and Approval — The local building department inspector reviews the completed wiring upgrades to verify code compliance at every circuit. A member of our team accompanies the inspector to answer technical questions. A successful inspection finalizes the permit, giving you documented proof of the upgrade.
- Final Walkthrough and Client Handoff — Before we consider the job complete, our electrician tours the finished work with you. We cover every circuit that was changed and what it serves now, answer any remaining questions. All permit documentation is provided to you for documentation purposes.
Who Benefits Most from Wiring Upgrades?
The ideal candidate for wiring upgrades can usually be identified by a few straightforward factors. Any property constructed prior to 1970 may still contain original wiring. That category covers cloth-insulated wiring, two-prong-only outlets — all of which fall short of current standards. When a home inspection report notes old or unsafe wiring, wiring upgrades are no longer optional.
Homeowners planning significant renovations are also strong candidates. Submitting plans for an addition often triggers mandatory wiring inspections. Putting in a whole-home EV charging setup or upgrading to a whole-home generator requires properly-sized wiring to support those loads. Rental property owners have strong financial and liability reasons to upgrade aging wiring.
On the other hand, when a home was constructed in the modern era and shows no signs of degraded wiring or overloaded circuits, a full wiring upgrade may not be necessary. We only propose wiring upgrades when the condition and risk level justify them — honesty is the baseline of how we operate.
Wiring Upgrades Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a wiring upgrade usually take from start to finish?
Duration varies based on the square footage and how much of the wiring needs replacement. Upgrading a single floor or section might take one to two days. A whole-home rewire in a medium-sized house typically requires a week or less of active work. Scheduling the required inspections can extend the total project timeline slightly.
What does a wiring upgrade cost in Palos Hills?
The cost of wiring upgrades depends on several factors including how much wire needs to be replaced, the property's square footage. Upgrading a specific section of wiring tend to be significantly less expensive than a complete residential rewiring project. We provide detailed written estimates prior to starting the job — no vague ballparks, no surprise additions.
Will wiring upgrades require us to vacate?
The majority of the time, staying in the property during the project is possible. We isolate and complete one area at a time, which keeps most of the home powered. High-traffic areas are addressed with your schedule in mind. When a complete panel shutdown is required for a portion of the day, we coordinate the timing with you in advance.
Is wiring that hasn't caused problems still a hazard?
Age alone doesn't make wiring automatically catastrophic — however, the risk profile increases significantly as wiring ages. Aluminum branch wiring with loose or oxidized connections is a documented cause of residential fires. We give you a clear picture of what's actually there — and from there, you make an informed decision.
Does updated wiring affect homeowner's insurance?
In most cases, the effect is positive. Several well-known providers add premiums for structures where the wiring hasn't been updated. Finishing the upgrade and submitting proof to your insurer can reduce premiums, eliminate surcharges, or restore coverage eligibility. Reaching out to your insurer once the permit is closed ensures you get the full benefit of the upgrade.
Wiring Upgrades Serving the Palos Hills Area Homeowners and Property Owners
The Palos Hills area and its neighboring towns are home to many homes built in the postwar era where the wiring has never been updated. Our team serves homeowners throughout the area, including residential streets around Palos Hills City Hall and the adjacent subdivisions. Residences around the Richard J. Daley College-area neighborhoods, near the Southwest Highway corridor, or close to the Cal-Sag Channel corridor frequently contain the types of wiring where wiring upgrades are strongly recommended.
Navigating permits with the Village of Palos Hills is something our team handles routinely. Our history working in the area means smoother permitting and we get inspections scheduled without unnecessary waiting. Whether you own a single-family home or a multi-unit building in our community, wiring upgrades are completed with the professionalism and code compliance that has earned us repeat business throughout the southwest suburbs.
Contact Us to Plan Your Wiring Upgrades Project
When you're ready to move forward on wiring upgrades, Reed Electrical Services, LLC. are ready to help. Few electrical projects deliver as much value you can make to protect your property and your household. Our team provides the licensing, insurance, and field experience to complete every job to the highest standard. Give us a call to get your wiring upgrades consultation on the calendar — and find out exactly what your electrical system needs.
Reed Electrical Services, LLC. | 9735 South 81st Avenue | Palos Hills IL 60465 | (708) 837-9993