Everything You Should Know About Wiring Upgrades for Your Building
Properties built decades ago typically contain electrical systems that were never built to handle the appliances and devices we rely on now. Wiring upgrades solve this problem directly, replacing worn-out, code-violating, or insufficient wiring with modern, code-compliant materials and configurations. At Reed Electrical Services, LLC., we focus on delivering wiring upgrades that protect your investment for the long haul.
Residential and commercial clients come to us when they realize something isn't right — burning smells, warm outlets — or when they purchase a new property. Wiring upgrades aren't optional when safety is at stake; they represent a critical improvement in the long-term health of any electrical system.
Our licensed electricians have served Palos Hills, IL and the surrounding southwest suburbs 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 describe the systematic replacement or improvement of a property's electrical conductors and termination points to match today's safety and capacity requirements. This involves far more than switching out a single outlet or switch. A full wiring upgrade involves pulling new wire through walls and ceilings. What material or configuration exists now 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 offers zero equipment grounding protection and the surrounding insulation breaks down over decades. Aluminum branch-circuit wiring reacts to heat cycles in ways copper does not, which leads to dangerous heat buildup at outlets and switches. Wiring upgrades eliminate these hazards permanently.
From a technical standpoint, the work requires isolating each circuit before removing and replacing and threading new properly-rated cable through conduit or framing cavities. Properly-rated receptacles and circuit breakers complete each upgraded circuit. Finally, the upgraded circuits are tested under load to check for faults before the panel is re-energized.
Top Advantages Wiring Upgrades
- Significantly lower chance of electrical fires — Cloth-wrapped or aluminum conductors is a top contributor of residential structure fires. Wiring upgrades replace dangerous materials with modern, rated wire.
- Code compliance and permit approval — Refinancing and insurance underwriting frequently demand up-to-date wiring. Wiring upgrades bring everything into compliance.
- Handling EV chargers, smart home systems, and more — Households now run more high-draw devices. Wiring upgrades prevent overloading on every branch circuit.
- Better rates from your homeowner's insurer — Many insurance carriers surcharge or even refuse to write policies on structures with pre-modern wiring. Completing wiring upgrades can reduce premiums or restore eligibility.
- Proper grounding at every receptacle — Circuits without a ground path leave equipment vulnerable. Wiring upgrades add a proper ground to every circuit.
- Better home appraisal results — Outdated wiring is a common deal-breaker in real estate. 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 eliminate those frustrating interruptions.
- Knowing your building meets current safety standards — It's genuinely reassuring to confirm that the electrical infrastructure you depend on is safe, rated correctly, and properly installed.
The Wiring Upgrades Procedure in Detail
- In-Home Wiring Evaluation — One of our certified professionals arrives and performs a comprehensive review of every accessible circuit. Our technician documents what's installed now and note any code violations or dangerous conditions. This assessment forms the foundation the detailed proposal that follows.
- Tailored Wiring Upgrade Proposal — Using what we learned during the assessment, our team outlines every circuit and area to be upgraded. We clarify what can be retained and what must be changed 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.
- Securing Permits and Setting the Work Date — Reed Electrical Services, LLC. coordinates with the local authority having jurisdiction for you. Scheduling accounts for the size of the project and your schedule. Proper scheduling also means municipal inspections are arranged so code officials can verify completed work.
- Running New Conductors and Installing Devices — The professionals handling your project safely shut down the circuits being upgraded before taking out the aging wire and all associated components. Properly-rated NEC-compliant conductors is routed through the structure using the most effective path. Updated receptacles, breakers, and connection hardware are installed at every connection point.
- Load Testing and Circuit Verification — With the installation finished, each circuit is carefully brought back online. Our team uses calibrated test equipment to check that every circuit performs within spec under load. Any issues found during testing is resolved immediately, not passed along to you.
- Official Inspection and Permit Closure — 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 address any questions in real time. A successful inspection finalizes the permit, giving you a permanent record of compliant work.
- Final Walkthrough and Client Handoff — Once inspection is passed, our electrician tours the finished work with you. We explain what was upgraded, where, and why, answer any remaining questions. All permit documentation is provided to you for your own records and any future transactions.
Who Should Consider Wiring Upgrades?
Homeowners who benefit most generally share a handful of common traits. Structures dating back more than five decades could still be running on conductors that were never updated. This includes knob-and-tube systems, early aluminum branch wiring — 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 also fall into the candidate category. Opening walls for a renovation usually requires the existing wiring to be brought to current code. Adding a Level 2 EV charger or upgrading to a whole-home generator requires properly-sized wiring to support those loads. Landlords and property managers have strong financial and liability reasons to upgrade aging wiring.
Not every situation calls for a full upgrade, when a home was constructed in the modern era and carries documentation of prior licensed upgrades, a full wiring upgrade may not be necessary. Our team will always recommend only the work that is genuinely needed — honesty is the baseline of how we operate.
Wiring Upgrades FAQ
How many days does a wiring upgrade usually take from start to finish?
How long it takes depends on the square footage and how much of the wiring needs replacement. A targeted partial upgrade typically wraps up in under 48 hours. Completely replacing all branch circuit wiring in a medium-sized house typically requires a week or less of active work. Getting the municipal sign-off is the step most likely to affect your final completion date.
What does wiring upgrades typically run in Palos Hills?
Pricing for wiring upgrades varies a number of variables including how much wire needs to be replaced, the property's square footage. Targeted partial upgrades cost considerably less than a whole-home rewire. Reed Electrical Services, LLC. delivers transparent proposals prior to starting the job — no mystery charges on the final invoice.
Will wiring upgrades mean we can't use the house?
For most homeowners, staying in the property during the project is possible. Our crew works section by section, so you retain power everywhere we aren't actively working. 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 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. Aluminum branch wiring with loose or oxidized connections is a documented cause of residential fires. An honest assessment gives you real data — and from there, you make an informed decision.
Does updated wiring affect my insurance premiums?
Yes, and often favorably. Several well-known providers add premiums for properties with knob-and-tube, aluminum branch circuit, or other pre-modern wiring. 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 so they can update your policy to reflect the completed work.
Wiring Upgrades Serving Palos Hills Homeowners and Property Owners
The Palos Hills area and its neighboring towns contain a significant number of properties constructed between the 1950s and 1970s that were never fully rewired. Our team serves homeowners throughout the area, including neighborhoods near Talala Avenue and 107th Street. Properties near the Palos Hills Country Club, along Wolf Road, or bordering the Cook County Forest Preserves commonly fall into the age range where wiring upgrades deliver the most meaningful safety improvement.
Coordinating with Palos Hills building officials is a straightforward part of every project we do here. Our history working in the area means smoother permitting and permits close on time because we know the process. 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.
Reach Out to Start Your Wiring Upgrades Project
Whether you've been thinking about wiring upgrades for a while or just received an inspector's report, Reed Electrical Services, LLC. are here to guide you through every step. Few electrical projects deliver as much value 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 read more — and find out exactly what your electrical system needs.
Reed Electrical Services, LLC. | 9735 South 81st Avenue | Palos Hills IL 60465 | (708) 837-9993