Everything You Should Know About Wiring Upgrades for Your Building
Older homes and commercial properties often carry electrical systems that were never built to handle the appliances and devices we rely on now. Wiring upgrades solve this problem head-on, replacing worn-out, code-violating, or insufficient wiring with safe and up-to-date materials and configurations. At Reed Electrical Services, LLC., we focus on delivering wiring upgrades that give you peace of mind for decades ahead.
Property owners of all types contact Reed Electrical Services, LLC. when they start experiencing problems — flickering lights, tripped breakers — or when they purchase a new property. Wiring upgrades aren't just for older homes; they are a fundamental investment in the reliability and performance of any electrical system.
Our experienced crew continue to help Palos Hills, IL and the surrounding southwest suburbs with top-tier wiring upgrades for homes, rental units, and small businesses. Whether you have cloth-wrapped wiring, two-prong outlets throughout, or an overloaded panel, we have the tools and training to handle the upgrade safely.
What Is Involved in Wiring Upgrades?
Wiring upgrades describe the structured removal and installation of a property's electrical conductors and termination points to more info bring the system into compliance with modern codes. This goes well beyond just replacing a single outlet or switch. A full wiring upgrade involves pulling new wire through walls and ceilings. The type of wiring being replaced influences which techniques we use.
Knob-and-tube wiring, common in pre-1950 construction carries unique risks 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 reacts to heat cycles in ways copper does not, which can cause arcing. Wiring upgrades address each issue with the correct modern solution.
Mechanically, the process requires isolating each circuit before removing and replacing and installing new copper wire of the correct gauge. New devices — outlets, switches, and fixtures complete each upgraded circuit. Each completed circuit undergoes testing under load to ensure proper voltage and continuity.
Key Benefits Wiring Upgrades
- Dramatically reduced fire risk — Cloth-wrapped or aluminum conductors is a primary driver of home fires nationwide. Wiring upgrades eliminate the hazard at the source.
- 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 — Today's electrical demands far exceed what older wiring anticipated. Wiring upgrades size conductors correctly for every circuit.
- Better rates from your homeowner's insurer — Many insurance carriers surcharge or even refuse to cover homes with knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. Completing wiring upgrades can reduce premiums or restore eligibility.
- Proper grounding at every receptacle — Ungrounded outlets cannot protect sensitive electronics. Wiring upgrades bring grounding to every outlet in the structure.
- Increased property value — Outdated wiring is a common deal-breaker in real estate. A documented electrical upgrade give buyers confidence in the property.
- Reduced nuisance tripping and power fluctuations — Undersized or degraded wiring causes lights to flicker. Wiring upgrades eliminate those frustrating interruptions.
- Peace of mind for your household or tenants — It's genuinely reassuring to confirm that every conductor in your building is safe, rated correctly, and properly installed.
The Wiring Upgrades Procedure Step by Step
- In-Home Wiring Evaluation — Our experienced electrician arrives and performs a thorough inspection of the existing wiring. We identify the type of wiring present and flag any immediate hazards. This review shapes the detailed proposal that follows.
- Tailored Wiring Upgrade Proposal — Based on the inspection findings, our team develops a clear scope of work. We walk you through every part of the project and provide transparent, itemized pricing. We also confirm which permits are needed so work begins with full authorization.
- Permit Coordination and Project Scheduling — Our office manages all required paperwork so you don't have to. Scheduling accounts for the size of the project and your schedule. We make sure the required inspections are built into the timeline so code officials can verify completed work.
- Running New Conductors and Installing Devices — Our certified crew safely shut down the circuits being upgraded before pulling out existing conductors and hardware. New copper wire of the correct AWG gauge gets threaded through walls and junction boxes to each device location. Updated receptacles, breakers, and connection hardware wrap up every upgraded branch circuit.
- Load Testing and Circuit Verification — With the installation finished, we re-energize the system section by section. We test with professional-grade instruments to verify voltage, continuity, and ground integrity. Anything that doesn't pass verification are corrected before moving on.
- Official Inspection and Permit Closure — The local building department inspector examines the finished work to sign off that the installation is correct and safe. We are present for every inspection to answer technical questions. A successful inspection finalizes the permit, giving you legal confirmation the wiring meets code.
- Completing the Project and Briefing the Property Owner — Before we consider the job complete, a member of our team walks the property with you. We walk through each area that was worked on, address anything still on your mind. We hand over every record from the project for your own records and any future transactions.
Who Benefits Most from Wiring Upgrades?
The ideal candidate for wiring upgrades can usually be identified by a few straightforward factors. If your home was built before 1970 could still be running on conductors that were never updated. 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.
Property owners converting a garage or finishing a basement are also strong candidates. Pulling permits for a remodel frequently leads to required electrical upgrades in affected areas. Similarly, installing an electric vehicle charger or adding a large standby 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, if your property was built after 1985 and shows no signs of degraded wiring or overloaded circuits, 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 — your safety and budget both matter to us.
Wiring Upgrades FAQ
How long does a wiring upgrade usually take from start to finish?
The timeline depends heavily on the square footage and how much of the wiring needs replacement. A targeted partial upgrade can often be completed in a day or two. A whole-home rewire 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 wiring upgrades typically run 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. Reed Electrical Services, LLC. delivers transparent proposals before any work begins — no mystery charges on the final invoice.
Will wiring upgrades mean we can't use the house?
The majority of the time, occupying the building while work is ongoing is generally fine. We isolate and complete one area at a time, so you retain power everywhere we aren't actively working. Kitchens and bathrooms are prioritized to minimize daily disruption. 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?
Age alone doesn't make wiring automatically catastrophic — but deterioration is predictable and the hazards accumulate. Cloth-wrapped wire with cracked or missing insulation 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 homeowner's insurance?
Frequently, and in ways that save money. 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 may qualify you for lower rates or remove exclusions. We recommend contacting your insurance agent to make sure your policy reflects the improvement.
Wiring Upgrades Serving Palos Hills Properties and Buildings
This part of Cook County and the southwest suburbs contain a significant number of properties constructed between the 1950s and 1970s that still carry original electrical systems. Reed Electrical Services, LLC. works regularly throughout the region, including residential streets around Palos Hills City Hall and the adjacent subdivisions. 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.
Coordinating with Palos Hills building officials is not a barrier — it's part of the service we provide. Our history working in the area means smoother permitting and permits close on time because we know the process. Whether your structure is a post-war ranch or a two-story brick colonial in our community, wiring upgrades come with the same attention to detail and licensed workmanship that keeps local homeowners referring us to their neighbors.
Ready to Schedule Your Wiring Upgrades Consultation?
When you're ready to move forward on wiring upgrades, our licensed electricians are here to guide you through every step. Wiring upgrades are one of the most impactful improvements you can make to protect your property and your household. We deliver the credentials, the workmanship, and the documentation to complete every job to the highest standard. Contact us today to schedule your assessment — and get the honest answers your property deserves.
Reed Electrical Services, LLC. | 9735 South 81st Avenue | Palos Hills IL 60465 | (708) 837-9993