Reed Electrical Services, LLC.

Everything You Should Know About Wiring Upgrades for Your Building

Older homes and commercial properties typically contain electrical systems that were never built to handle today's electrical loads. Wiring upgrades address this problem at the source, replacing outdated, overloaded, or failing wiring with new, properly rated materials and configurations. At our team, we focus on delivering wiring upgrades that protect your investment for decades ahead.

Residential and commercial clients reach out to our team when they notice warning signs — flickering lights, tripped breakers — or when they purchase a new property. Wiring upgrades aren't optional when safety is at stake; they represent a critical improvement in the reliability and performance of any property.

The professionals at Reed Electrical Services, LLC. work throughout Palos Hills, IL and neighboring communities with comprehensive wiring upgrades for homes, rental units, and small businesses. Whether your wiring is aluminum, knob-and-tube, or simply decades old, we carry the certifications to complete the job correctly.

What Do Electricians Mean by 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 is not simply swapping a single outlet or switch. A full wiring upgrade requires routing properly-gauged cable to every circuit. The type of wiring being replaced 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 has no grounding path and its insulation becomes brittle with age. 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.

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. Finally, the upgraded circuits are tested under load to ensure proper voltage and continuity.

Top Advantages Wiring Upgrades

• Fire hazard elimination — Cloth-wrapped or aluminum conductors is one of the leading causes of electrical fires in older buildings. Wiring upgrades remove that risk entirely.
• Meeting current NEC standards — 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 — 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. Documenting the completed wiring upgrades may eliminate those surcharges entirely.
• Elimination of two-prong ungrounded outlets — Two-prong receptacles offer zero surge or fault protection. Wiring upgrades add a proper ground to every circuit.
• Better home appraisal results — Home inspectors flag old wiring immediately. A documented electrical upgrade add real, measurable value.
• 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 — Few things matter more than understanding that the wiring inside your walls meets code and performs reliably.

The Wiring Upgrades Procedure Step by Step

1. Initial Electrical Assessment — A licensed electrician from our team comes to your home and completes a full walkthrough of the electrical system. Our technician documents what's installed now and note any code violations or dangerous conditions. This assessment forms the foundation the entire upgrade plan.
2. Custom Scope and Project Proposal — Using what we learned during the assessment, our team prepares a detailed written proposal. We explain which sections need full replacement and make sure there are no surprises on the final invoice. We also confirm which permits are needed so work begins with full authorization.
3. Permit Coordination and Project Scheduling — Our office handles all permit applications for you. Work dates are planned around the complexity involved and your schedule. Proper scheduling also means municipal inspections are arranged before we proceed to the next section of work.
4. Full Wiring Replacement and Installation — Our certified crew safely shut down the circuits being upgraded before pulling out existing conductors and hardware. Fresh cable of the appropriate size is pulled through walls, conduit, and framing. New outlets, switches, GFCI devices, and fixtures are installed at every connection point.
5. Energizing and Verifying Every Circuit — With the installation finished, each circuit is carefully brought back online. Our electricians use digital meters and circuit analyzers to check that every circuit performs within spec under load. Anything that doesn't pass verification are corrected before moving on.
6. Municipal Inspection and Code Sign-Off — The local building department inspector examines the finished work to verify code compliance at every circuit. A member of our team accompanies the inspector to make sure the sign-off process goes smoothly. Passing inspection closes the permit, giving you documented proof of the upgrade.
7. Final Walkthrough and Client Handoff — Before we consider the job complete, we review everything with the property owner. We walk through each area that was worked on, answer any remaining questions. You receive copies of the permit and inspection records for documentation purposes.

Who Should Consider Wiring Upgrades?

Properties that are best suited for wiring upgrades can usually be identified by a few straightforward factors. If your home was built before 1970 often retain the electrical system that was installed at the time. This includes knob-and-tube systems, early aluminum branch wiring — each of which represents a real safety and insurance liability. If an inspector or insurance adjuster has already flagged your wiring, wiring upgrades need to be scheduled promptly.

Property owners converting a garage or finishing a basement also need to evaluate wiring upgrades as part of the project. Opening walls for a renovation frequently leads to required electrical upgrades in affected areas. Adding a Level 2 EV charger or adding a large standby generator needs circuits that older wiring simply cannot deliver. Rental property owners benefit particularly from staying ahead of wiring issues.

Not every situation calls for a full upgrade, when a home was constructed in the modern era and shows no signs of degraded wiring or overloaded circuits, the scope of work may be limited to targeted repairs. We only propose wiring upgrades when the condition and risk level justify them — honesty is the baseline of how we operate.

Wiring Upgrades Frequently Asked Questions

How many days does a wiring upgrade usually take from start to finish?

Duration varies based on the square footage and how much of the wiring needs replacement. Replacing wiring in a defined area of the home typically wraps up in under 48 hours. A full-structure wiring upgrade in a medium-sized house generally runs three to five days. Scheduling the required inspections 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 several factors including the number of circuits, the current wiring material, and access conditions. Upgrading a specific section of wiring are generally much more affordable 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 wiring upgrades mean we can't use the house?

For most homeowners, occupying the building while work is ongoing is generally fine. Our crew works section by section, leaving the rest of the property functional. 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 every old electrical system is in imminent danger — but older wiring carries compounding risks that grow over time. Aluminum branch wiring with loose or oxidized connections creates arc flash and ignition hazards inside walls where no one can see them. An honest assessment gives you real data — and from there, you make an informed decision.

Does completing wiring upgrades affect how my insurer treats the property?

In most cases, the effect is positive. A significant number of insurers surcharge or refuse to cover properties with knob-and-tube, aluminum branch circuit, or other pre-modern wiring. Finishing the upgrade and submitting proof to your insurer can reduce premiums, eliminate surcharges, or restore coverage eligibility. Reaching out to your insurer once the permit is closed to make sure your policy reflects the improvement.

Wiring Upgrades for Palos Hills Residents and Businesses

The Palos Hills area and its neighboring towns are home to many homes built in the postwar era where the wiring has never been updated. Our team serves homeowners throughout the area, from neighborhoods near Stevenson Drive to subdivisions close to Roberts Road and 111th Street. Residences website around the Richard J. Daley College-area neighborhoods, near the Southwest Highway corridor, or close to the Cal-Sag Channel corridor commonly fall into the age range where wiring upgrades deliver the most meaningful safety improvement.

Coordinating with Palos Hills building officials is something our team handles routinely. We know the local inspection process and we get inspections scheduled without unnecessary waiting. Whether your structure is a post-war ranch or a two-story brick colonial in the Palos Hills area, wiring upgrades from our team are delivered with the same standard of care that keeps local homeowners referring us to their neighbors.

Ready to Get Started with Your Wiring Upgrades Consultation?

If your home or building is overdue for wiring upgrades, our licensed electricians are here to guide you through every step. Wiring upgrades are one of the most impactful improvements 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 find out exactly what your electrical system needs.

Reed Electrical Services, LLC. | 9735 South 81st Avenue | Palos Hills IL 60465 | (708) 837-9993