Everything You Should Know About Wiring Upgrades for Your Building
Properties built decades ago often carry electrical systems that were never built to handle the appliances and devices we rely on now. Wiring upgrades solve this problem directly, replacing deteriorated, unsafe, or undersized wiring with modern, code-compliant materials and configurations. At Reed Electrical Services, LLC., we specialize in delivering wiring upgrades that give you peace of mind for the long haul.
Homeowners and business owners alike contact Reed Electrical Services, LLC. when they notice warning signs — flickering lights, tripped breakers — or when they purchase a new property. Wiring upgrades aren't just for older homes; they are a necessary step in the reliability and performance of any building's infrastructure.
Our experienced crew continue to help Palos Hills, IL and neighboring communities with expert-level wiring upgrades for residential, commercial, and light industrial clients. Whether your wiring is aluminum, knob-and-tube, or simply decades old, we have the tools and training to complete the job correctly.
What Is Involved in Wiring Upgrades?
Wiring upgrades encompass the deliberate updating of a property's electrical conductors and termination points to match today's safety and capacity requirements. This is not simply swapping a fixture or plug. A full wiring upgrade requires routing properly-gauged cable to every circuit. What material or configuration exists now influences which techniques we use.
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 the surrounding insulation breaks down over decades. Aluminum branch-circuit wiring expands and contracts differently than copper, which creates fire hazards at terminals. Wiring upgrades eliminate these hazards permanently.
Mechanically, the process requires isolating each circuit before removing and replacing and threading new properly-rated cable through conduit or framing cavities. Updated termination points and overcurrent protection replace all old hardware throughout the system. Finally, the upgraded circuits are tested under load to check for faults before the panel is re-energized.
Top Advantages Wiring Upgrades
- Dramatically reduced fire risk — Failing insulation and loose connections 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.
- Handling EV chargers, smart home systems, and more — Modern homes rely on significantly more power. Wiring upgrades deliver the ampacity modern devices require.
- Improved insurability — Many insurance carriers surcharge or even refuse to write policies on structures with pre-modern wiring. Completing wiring upgrades 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.
- Increased property value — Home inspectors flag old wiring immediately. A documented electrical upgrade give buyers confidence in the property.
- Consistent voltage with no flickering or dropouts — 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 — Few things matter more than understanding that the wiring inside your walls won't create problems in the middle of the night.
The Wiring Upgrades Process Step by Step
- Whole-System Inspection — Our experienced electrician visits the property and conducts a comprehensive review of every accessible circuit. We note the conductor material, age, and condition throughout and mark any circuits that pose active risks. This review shapes the scope of the project.
- Tailored Wiring Upgrade Proposal — Drawing from the initial evaluation, 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. Applicable local permits are addressed here so everything is above board from the start.
- Permit Pulling and Scheduling — Reed Electrical Services, LLC. handles all permit applications on your behalf. Work dates are planned around the complexity involved and your availability. This step ensures inspectors are lined up before we proceed to the next section of work.
- Running New Conductors and Installing Devices — Our licensed electricians safely shut down the circuits being upgraded before taking out the aging wire and all associated components. New copper wire of the correct AWG gauge is routed through the structure using the most effective path. Modern code-compliant devices at every termination point are installed at every connection point.
- Load Testing and Circuit Verification — After all new conductors are in place, we re-energize the system section by section. Our electricians use digital meters and circuit analyzers to verify voltage, continuity, and ground integrity. Any issues found during testing are corrected before moving on.
- Code Authority Review and Approval — A city or county inspector reviews the completed wiring upgrades to verify code compliance at every circuit. We are present for every inspection to answer technical questions. Sign-off from the inspector wraps up the official documentation, giving you documented proof of the upgrade.
- Project Wrap-Up and Owner Orientation — 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, make sure you understand your new electrical system. You receive copies of the permit and inspection records for documentation purposes.
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 could still be running on conductors that were never updated. This includes knob-and-tube systems, early aluminum branch wiring — none of which meet today's NEC requirements. If an inspector or insurance adjuster has already flagged your wiring, wiring upgrades should move to the top of your project list.
Homeowners planning significant renovations also fall into the candidate category. Pulling permits for a remodel often triggers mandatory wiring inspections. Similarly, installing an electric vehicle charger or installing a battery backup system depends on conductors rated for the demand. Rental property owners should also consider wiring upgrades proactively.
On the other hand, when a home was constructed in the modern era and carries documentation of prior licensed get more info upgrades, you may need only panel work or circuit additions rather than whole-home rewiring. Our team will always recommend only the work that is genuinely needed — your safety and budget both matter to us.
Wiring Upgrades FAQ
How long does a wiring upgrade typically require?
The timeline depends heavily on the square footage and how much of the wiring needs replacement. A targeted partial upgrade typically wraps up in under 48 hours. A full-structure wiring upgrade for a 1,500 to 2,500 square foot home typically requires a week or less of active work. Scheduling the required inspections may add a few additional days to the overall schedule.
What does a wiring upgrade cost in Palos Hills?
The cost of wiring upgrades depends on project-specific details including the type of existing wiring, the size of the home. Targeted partial upgrades tend to be significantly less expensive than full-structure wiring replacement. Our team gives you itemized quotes before any work begins — no vague ballparks, no surprise additions.
Will the upgrade process mean we can't use the house?
For most homeowners, occupying the building while work is ongoing is generally fine. Our electricians de-energize only the circuits being worked on at any given moment, leaving the rest of the property functional. We schedule work in high-use rooms strategically to reduce inconvenience. When a complete panel shutdown is required for a portion of the day, we give you clear advance notice of the outage window.
Is wiring that hasn't caused problems still a hazard?
Not all old wiring fails immediately — but older wiring carries compounding risks that grow over time. Knob-and-tube wiring that has been covered with insulation is a documented cause of residential fires. An honest assessment gives you real data — then you decide based on facts, not fear.
Does completing wiring upgrades affect homeowner's insurance?
Yes, and often favorably. A significant number of insurers surcharge or refuse to cover structures where the wiring hasn't been updated. Completing wiring upgrades and providing documentation may qualify you for lower rates or remove exclusions. Reaching out to your insurer once the permit is closed so they can update your policy to reflect the completed work.
Wiring Upgrades for Palos Hills Properties and Buildings
Palos Hills and the surrounding southwest suburban communities include a large stock of mid-century housing that were never fully rewired. Our team serves homeowners throughout the area, 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.
Coordinating with Palos Hills building officials is something our team handles routinely. Our history working in the area means smoother permitting and we get inspections scheduled without unnecessary waiting. Whether your property sits in a dense residential block in the Palos Hills area, wiring upgrades from our team are delivered with the same standard of care that has earned us repeat business throughout the southwest suburbs.
Reach Out to Plan Your Wiring Upgrades Project
If your home or building is overdue for wiring upgrades, our licensed electricians 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 every wiring upgrades project we take on. Reach out now to set up your initial evaluation — 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