Everything You Should Know About Wiring Upgrades for Your Building
Properties built decades ago often carry electrical systems that were never intended to handle modern power demands. Wiring upgrades address this problem directly, replacing outdated, overloaded, or failing wiring with safe and up-to-date materials and configurations. At our team, we specialize in delivering wiring upgrades that keep your family safe for decades ahead.
Property owners of all types reach out to our team when they notice warning signs — burning smells, warm outlets — or when they plan a renovation. Wiring upgrades are not a luxury; they are a necessary step in the long-term health of any electrical system.
Our experienced crew work throughout Palos Hills, IL and the surrounding southwest suburbs with comprehensive wiring upgrades for residential, commercial, and light industrial clients. Whether your system has never been touched or just partially updated, we carry the certifications to complete the job correctly.
What Are Wiring Upgrades?
Wiring upgrades encompass the structured removal and installation of the wires, circuits, outlets, and connections inside a structure to bring the system into compliance with modern codes. This involves far more than switching out a breaker or fuse. A full wiring upgrade requires routing properly-gauged cable to every circuit. The age and condition of the existing conductors determines the scope and method.
Aluminum branch-circuit wiring, installed widely in the 1960s and 1970s creates distinct problems that modern copper wiring simply does not. Knob-and-tube lacks a ground conductor and its insulation becomes brittle with age. Aluminum branch-circuit wiring expands and contracts differently than copper, which can cause arcing. Wiring upgrades address each issue with the correct modern solution.
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. Properly-rated receptacles and circuit breakers are installed at every connection point. Each completed circuit undergoes testing under load to check for faults before the panel is re-energized.
Why Homeowners Choose Wiring Upgrades
- Significantly lower chance of electrical fires — Failing insulation and loose connections is a top contributor of electrical fires in older buildings. Wiring upgrades replace dangerous materials with modern, rated wire.
- Passing inspections with confidence — Refinancing and insurance underwriting often require verified code compliance. Wiring upgrades allow you to pass inspections confidently.
- Handling EV chargers, smart home systems, and more — Today's electrical demands far exceed what older wiring anticipated. Wiring upgrades prevent overloading on every branch circuit.
- Better rates from your homeowner's insurer — Several major insurers add premiums or decline to insure properties with outdated electrical systems. Documenting the completed wiring upgrades can reduce premiums or restore eligibility.
- Full equipment grounding throughout the structure — Two-prong receptacles offer zero surge or fault protection. Wiring upgrades bring grounding to every outlet in the structure.
- Higher resale appeal — Outdated wiring is a common deal-breaker in real estate. Updated wiring throughout the property give buyers confidence in the property.
- Stable, reliable power throughout the property — Undersized or degraded wiring causes lights to flicker. Wiring upgrades deliver the clean, steady current your appliances need.
- Peace of mind for your household or tenants — It's genuinely reassuring to confirm that the wiring inside your walls won't create problems in the middle of the night.
The Wiring Upgrades Process in Detail
- Initial Electrical Assessment — A licensed electrician from our team visits the property and conducts a full walkthrough of the electrical system. We note the conductor material, age, and condition throughout and mark any circuits that pose active risks. This inspection drives the scope of the project.
- Custom Scope and Project Proposal — Using what we learned during the assessment, our team outlines every circuit and area to be upgraded. We walk you through every part of the project and provide transparent, itemized pricing. Applicable local permits are addressed here so you're protected throughout the project.
- Permit Coordination and Project Scheduling — Reed Electrical Services, LLC. handles all permit applications so you don't have to. Scheduling accounts for the size of the project and any occupancy or access requirements at the property. Proper scheduling also means municipal inspections are arranged so every completed phase gets signed off.
- Full Wiring Replacement and Installation — The professionals handling your project kill power to every section being worked on before removing old wiring and devices. New copper wire of the correct AWG gauge is routed through the structure using the most effective path. Updated receptacles, breakers, and connection hardware are installed at every connection point.
- Energizing and Verifying Every Circuit — Once wiring is complete, the upgraded circuits are energized. We test with professional-grade instruments to confirm correct ampacity, polarity, and fault protection. Problems identified at this stage get fixed before the circuit is approved.
- Municipal Inspection and Code Sign-Off — The authority having jurisdiction reviews the completed wiring upgrades to verify code compliance at every circuit. A member of our team accompanies the inspector to answer technical questions. Sign-off from the inspector wraps up the official documentation, giving you a permanent record of compliant work.
- Completing the Project and Briefing the Property Owner — Once inspection is passed, a member of our team walks the property 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 your own records and any future transactions.
Who Is a Good Fit for Wiring Upgrades?
Properties that are best suited for wiring upgrades generally share a handful of common traits. If your home was built before 1970 may still contain original wiring. That category covers cloth-insulated wiring, two-prong-only outlets — all of which fall short of current standards. If your insurer has demanded upgrades as a condition of coverage, wiring upgrades should move to the top of your project list.
Anyone adding a major addition or ADU are also strong candidates. Submitting plans for an addition frequently leads to required electrical upgrades in affected areas. Putting in a whole-home EV charging setup or adding a large standby generator needs circuits that older wiring simply cannot deliver. Landlords and property managers benefit particularly from staying ahead of wiring issues.
Not every situation calls for a full upgrade, if your property was built after 1985 and carries documentation of prior licensed upgrades, you may need only panel work or circuit additions rather than whole-home rewiring. We only propose wiring upgrades when the condition and risk level justify them — a straight answer is always part of what we deliver.
Wiring Upgrades FAQ
How many days does a wiring upgrade typically require?
The timeline depends heavily on the number of circuits being upgraded and the building's layout. Replacing wiring in a defined area of the home might take one to two days. A full-structure wiring upgrade across a typical residential property generally runs three to five days. Scheduling the required inspections can extend the total project timeline slightly.
What does a wiring upgrade cost in Palos Hills?
What you'll pay for wiring upgrades is shaped by several factors including the type of existing wiring, the size of the home. Replacing wiring in a defined zone tend to be significantly less expensive than a complete residential rewiring project. Our team gives you itemized quotes so you know the full cost upfront — no mystery charges on the final invoice.
Will the upgrade process mean we can't use the house?
In most cases, staying in the property during the project is possible. Our crew works section by section, which keeps most of the home powered. Kitchens and bathrooms are prioritized to minimize daily disruption. When a complete panel shutdown is required for a portion of the day, we give you clear advance notice of the outage window.
Is all knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring unsafe?
Not all old wiring fails immediately — but older wiring carries compounding risks that grow over time. Cloth-wrapped wire with cracked or missing insulation can and does cause fires. An honest assessment gives you real data — and from there, you make an informed decision.
Does a finished wiring upgrade affect how my insurer treats the property?
Yes, and often favorably. Several well-known providers add premiums for properties with knob-and-tube, aluminum website branch circuit, or other pre-modern wiring. Having the work permitted, inspected, and documented often resolves the insurer's concerns and improves your policy terms. Speaking with your copyright before and after the project 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 include a large stock of mid-century housing where the wiring has never been updated. Reed Electrical Services, LLC. works regularly throughout the region, from neighborhoods near Stevenson Drive to subdivisions close to Roberts Road and 111th Street. Homes adjacent to the Palos Hills Recreation Center, near Oak Park Avenue corridors, or in subdivisions close to Moraine Valley Community College frequently contain the types of wiring where wiring upgrades deliver the most meaningful safety improvement.
Working through the local permit process is something our team handles routinely. Our familiarity with local code enforcement means fewer delays and we get inspections scheduled without unnecessary waiting. Whether your structure is a post-war ranch or a two-story brick colonial in our community, wiring upgrades from our team are delivered with the same standard of care that keeps local homeowners referring us to their neighbors.
Take the Next Step on Your Wiring Upgrades Today
Whether you've been thinking about wiring upgrades for a while or just received an inspector's report, our team are ready to help. There is no single upgrade with a stronger return a property owner can make for safety, insurability, and long-term reliability. Our crew brings licensed expertise, proper permitting, and genuine accountability to complete every job to the highest standard. Contact us today to schedule your assessment — and take the first step toward a safer, more reliable electrical system.
Reed Electrical Services, LLC. | 9735 South 81st Avenue | Palos Hills IL 60465 | (708) 837-9993