Everything You Should Know About Electrical Wiring Upgrades for Your Building
Aging buildings and outdated structures typically contain electrical systems that were never designed to handle the appliances and devices we rely on now. Wiring upgrades address this problem head-on, replacing outdated, overloaded, or failing wiring with new, properly rated materials and configurations. At our team, we take pride in delivering wiring upgrades that give you peace of mind for years to come.
Homeowners and business owners alike come to us when they realize something isn't right — frequent outages, discolored switch plates — or when they purchase a new property. Wiring upgrades are not a luxury; they are a fundamental investment in the long-term health of any building's infrastructure.
Our experienced crew continue to help Palos Hills, IL and nearby areas with top-tier wiring upgrades for residential, commercial, and light industrial clients. Whether you have cloth-wrapped wiring, two-prong outlets throughout, or an overloaded panel, we bring the knowledge and equipment to complete the job correctly.
What Are Wiring Upgrades?
Wiring upgrades refer to the deliberate updating of the wires, circuits, outlets, and connections inside a structure to match today's safety and capacity requirements. This involves far more than switching out a fixture or plug. A full wiring upgrade requires routing properly-gauged cable to every circuit. What material or configuration exists now determines the scope and method.
Knob-and-tube wiring, common in pre-1950 construction creates distinct problems that modern copper wiring simply does not. Knob-and-tube has no grounding path and the surrounding insulation breaks down over decades. Aluminum branch-circuit wiring loosens at connection points more readily than copper, which creates fire hazards at terminals. Wiring upgrades address each issue with the correct modern solution.
From a technical standpoint, the work involves de-energizing circuits, removing old conductors 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 check for faults before the panel is re-energized.
Why Homeowners Choose Wiring Upgrades
- Significantly lower chance of electrical fires — Cloth-wrapped or aluminum conductors is a top contributor of residential structure fires. Wiring upgrades remove that risk entirely.
- Meeting current NEC standards — Real estate transactions and remodeling permits commonly copyright on electrical inspection results. Wiring upgrades allow you to pass inspections confidently.
- Capacity for today's appliances and devices — Today's electrical demands far exceed what older wiring anticipated. Wiring upgrades size conductors correctly for every circuit.
- Lower insurance premiums — 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 — Circuits without a ground path leave equipment vulnerable. Wiring upgrades resolve this throughout the entire electrical system.
- Increased property value — Buyers, agents, and appraisers notice updated electrical. Updated wiring throughout the property give buyers confidence in the property.
- Consistent voltage with no flickering or dropouts — Undersized or degraded wiring causes lights to flicker. Wiring upgrades restore stable, consistent power.
- Peace of mind for your household or tenants — Few things matter more than understanding that the electrical infrastructure you depend on won't create problems in the middle of the night.
The Wiring Upgrades Procedure in Detail
- In-Home Wiring Evaluation — A licensed electrician from our team visits the property and conducts a thorough inspection of the existing wiring. We note the conductor material, age, and condition throughout and flag any immediate hazards. This assessment forms the foundation the scope of the project.
- Custom Scope and Project Proposal — Based on the inspection findings, our team outlines every circuit and area to be upgraded. We explain which sections need full replacement and make sure there are no surprises on the final invoice. Permit requirements are identified at this stage so everything is above board from the start.
- Permit Pulling and Scheduling — Our team coordinates with the local authority having jurisdiction for you. We set a timeline based on the scope and your schedule. Proper scheduling also means municipal inspections are arranged so code officials can verify completed work.
- Active Wiring Upgrade Work — Our certified crew safely shut down the circuits being upgraded before taking out the aging wire and all associated components. Fresh cable of the appropriate size gets threaded through walls and junction boxes to each device location. Modern code-compliant devices at every termination point are installed at every connection point.
- Load Testing and Circuit Verification — Once wiring is complete, we re-energize the system section by section. We test with professional-grade instruments to confirm correct ampacity, polarity, and fault protection. Anything that doesn't pass verification is resolved immediately, not passed along to you.
- Official Inspection and Permit Closure — A city or county inspector walks through the upgraded system to verify code compliance at every circuit. Our electrician attends the inspection alongside the code official to address any questions in real time. A successful inspection finalizes the permit, giving you documented proof of the upgrade.
- Final Walkthrough and Client Handoff — Prior to calling the project done, a member of our team walks the property with you. We explain what was upgraded, where, and why, address anything still on your mind. You receive copies of the permit and inspection records for your own records and any future transactions.
Who Is a Good Fit for Wiring Upgrades?
Properties that are best suited for wiring upgrades typically fall into a few clear categories. Any property constructed prior to 1970 may still contain original wiring. This applies to fuse-panel-fed circuits, ungrounded receptacles throughout — none of which meet today's NEC requirements. When a home inspection report notes old or unsafe wiring, wiring upgrades should move to the top of your project list.
Homeowners planning significant renovations also need to evaluate wiring upgrades as part of the project. Submitting plans for an addition often triggers mandatory wiring inspections. Similarly, installing an electric vehicle charger or adding a large standby generator depends on conductors rated for the demand. Landlords and property managers have strong financial and liability reasons to upgrade aging wiring.
That said, if your property was built after 1985 and shows no signs of degraded wiring or overloaded circuits, the scope of work may be limited to targeted repairs. Our team will always recommend only the work that is genuinely needed — your safety and budget both matter to us.
Wiring Upgrades Common Questions Answered
How much time does a wiring upgrade usually take from start to finish?
Duration varies based on the size of the property and scope of the project. Upgrading a single floor or section can often be completed in a day or two. A whole-home rewire across a typical residential property usually takes between three and six days. Coordinating permit and inspection timelines can extend the total project timeline slightly.
What does wiring upgrades typically run in Palos Hills?
What you'll pay for wiring upgrades is shaped by several factors including the type of existing website wiring, the size of the home. Upgrading a specific section of wiring are generally much more affordable than a complete residential rewiring project. Our team gives you itemized quotes before any work begins — no vague ballparks, no surprise additions.
Will having wiring replaced mean we can't use the house?
For most homeowners, staying in the property during the project is possible. We isolate and complete one area at a time, leaving the rest of the property functional. High-traffic areas are addressed with your schedule in mind. In rare cases involving full service disconnections, we plan around your availability so it causes the least disruption.
Is wiring that hasn't caused problems still a hazard?
Not every old electrical system is in imminent danger — but older wiring carries compounding risks that grow over time. Cloth-wrapped wire with cracked or missing insulation is a documented cause of residential fires. Our inspection will tell you exactly what condition your wiring is in — and from there, you make an informed decision.
Does a finished wiring upgrade affect homeowner's insurance?
In most cases, the effect is positive. A significant number of insurers surcharge or refuse to cover homes that still contain outdated wiring types. Finishing the upgrade and submitting proof to your insurer often resolves the insurer's concerns and improves your policy terms. We recommend contacting your insurance agent to make sure your policy reflects the improvement.
Wiring Upgrades Serving Palos Hills Homeowners and Property Owners
Palos Hills and the surrounding southwest suburban communities include a large stock of mid-century housing that were never fully rewired. 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 often have the exact electrical profile where wiring upgrades are strongly recommended.
Navigating permits with the Village of Palos Hills is not a barrier — it's part of the service we provide. Our familiarity with local code enforcement means fewer delays and we get inspections scheduled without unnecessary waiting. Whether your property sits in a dense residential block close to any of these landmarks, wiring upgrades come with the same attention to detail and licensed workmanship that has built our reputation in this area.
Contact Us to Begin Your Wiring Upgrades Project
If your home or building is overdue for wiring upgrades, Reed Electrical Services, LLC. are here to guide you through every step. There is no single upgrade with a stronger return you can make to protect your property and your household. We deliver the credentials, the workmanship, and the documentation to see every upgrade through to a passed inspection and a satisfied client. Give us a call to get your wiring upgrades consultation on the calendar — 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