What You Need to Understand About Wiring Upgrades for Your Building
Aging buildings and outdated structures frequently hide electrical systems that were never designed to handle modern power demands. 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 specialize in delivering wiring upgrades that give you peace of mind for years to come.
Property owners of all types come to us when they realize something isn't right — flickering lights, tripped breakers — or when they purchase a new property. Wiring upgrades are not a luxury; they are a fundamental investment in the reliability and performance of any property.
Our experienced crew continue to help Palos Hills, IL and the surrounding southwest suburbs with top-tier wiring upgrades across a wide range of property types. Whether your wiring is aluminum, knob-and-tube, or simply decades old, we carry the certifications to complete the job correctly.
What Is Involved in Wiring Upgrades?
Wiring upgrades describe the systematic replacement or improvement of the wires, circuits, outlets, and connections inside a structure 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 age and condition of the existing conductors influences which techniques we use.
Aluminum branch-circuit wiring, installed widely in the 1960s and 1970s carries unique risks that modern copper wiring simply does not. Knob-and-tube offers zero equipment grounding protection and the cotton or rubber wrapping deteriorates badly over time. Aluminum branch-circuit wiring loosens at connection points more readily than copper, which leads to dangerous heat buildup at outlets and switches. Wiring upgrades eliminate these hazards permanently.
Mechanically, the process starts with safely shutting down affected circuits and pulling old wire and installing new copper wire of the correct gauge. New devices — outlets, switches, and fixtures are installed at every connection point. Every new run is then verified under load to ensure proper voltage and continuity.
Why Homeowners Choose Wiring Upgrades
- Significantly lower chance of electrical fires — Cloth-wrapped or aluminum conductors is a primary driver of residential structure fires. Wiring upgrades eliminate the hazard at the source.
- Passing inspections with confidence — Refinancing and insurance underwriting frequently demand up-to-date wiring. Wiring upgrades bring everything into compliance.
- Support for modern electrical loads — Modern homes rely on significantly more power. Wiring upgrades size conductors correctly for every circuit.
- Better rates from your homeowner's insurer — Many insurance carriers surcharge or even refuse to insure properties with outdated electrical systems. 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.
- Higher resale appeal — Buyers, agents, and appraisers notice updated electrical. Completed wiring upgrades add real, measurable value.
- Consistent voltage with no flickering or dropouts — Overloaded, aging circuits trip breakers. Wiring upgrades eliminate those frustrating interruptions.
- Confidence that your electrical system is safe — Few things matter more than understanding that every conductor in your building won't create problems in the middle of the night.
The Wiring Upgrades Procedure From Start to Finish
- Whole-System Inspection — A licensed electrician from our team visits the property and conducts a comprehensive review of every accessible circuit. We identify the type of wiring present and flag any immediate hazards. This assessment forms the foundation the scope of the project.
- Tailored Wiring Upgrade Proposal — Using what we learned during the assessment, our team develops a clear scope of work. 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.
- Permit Pulling and Scheduling — Our team coordinates with the local authority having jurisdiction on your behalf. We set a timeline based on the scope and your availability. 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. Fresh cable of the appropriate size is pulled through walls, conduit, and framing. New outlets, switches, GFCI devices, and fixtures complete each new circuit run.
- Energizing and Verifying Every Circuit — With the installation finished, we re-energize the system section by section. We test with professional-grade instruments to confirm correct ampacity, polarity, and fault protection. Any issues found during testing get fixed before the circuit is approved.
- Official Inspection and Permit Closure — The authority having jurisdiction walks through the upgraded system 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 legal confirmation the wiring meets code.
- Project Wrap-Up and Owner Orientation — Once inspection is passed, we review everything with the property owner. 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 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 could still be running on conductors that were never updated. This includes knob-and-tube systems, early aluminum branch wiring — each of which represents a real safety and insurance liability. When a home inspection report notes old or unsafe wiring, wiring upgrades need to be scheduled promptly.
Homeowners planning significant renovations are also strong candidates. Submitting plans for an addition often triggers mandatory wiring inspections. Adding a Level 2 EV 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, when a home was constructed in the modern era and carries documentation of prior licensed upgrades, a full wiring upgrade may not be necessary. We only propose wiring upgrades when the condition and risk level justify them — your safety and budget both matter to us.
Wiring Upgrades Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does a wiring upgrade take to complete?
Duration varies based on the number of circuits being upgraded and the building's layout. Replacing wiring in a defined area of the home might take one to two days. A whole-home rewire in a medium-sized house usually takes between three and six days. Coordinating permit and inspection timelines is the step most likely to affect your final completion date.
What does it cost to have wiring upgrades done 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 cost considerably less than full-structure wiring replacement. Reed Electrical Services, LLC. delivers transparent proposals before any work begins — no hidden fees or scope creep after the fact.
Will having wiring replaced disrupt our daily routine?
The majority of the time, staying in the property during the project is possible. Our crew works section by section, which keeps most of the home powered. We schedule work in high-use rooms strategically to reduce inconvenience. In rare cases involving full service disconnections, we plan around your availability so it causes the least disruption.
Is all knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring unsafe?
Not all old wiring fails immediately — but older wiring carries compounding risks that grow over time. Aluminum branch wiring with loose or oxidized connections can and does cause fires. We give you a clear picture of what's actually there — not a sales pitch, just the findings.
Does updated wiring 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. Having the work permitted, inspected, and documented can reduce premiums, eliminate surcharges, or restore coverage eligibility. Speaking with your copyright before and after the project ensures you get the full benefit of the upgrade.
Wiring Upgrades Serving the Palos Hills Area Properties and Buildings
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, including neighborhoods near Talala Avenue and 107th 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 make an immediate and lasting difference.
Coordinating with Palos Hills building officials is a check here straightforward part of every project we do here. Our history working in the area means smoother permitting and can move projects through to final sign-off efficiently. 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 has earned us repeat business throughout the southwest suburbs.
Get Moving on Your Wiring Upgrades Today
When you're ready to move forward on wiring upgrades, our team are ready to help. 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 complete every job to the highest standard. Give us a call to get your wiring upgrades consultation on the calendar — and get the honest answers your property deserves.
Reed Electrical Services, LLC. | 9735 South 81st Avenue | Palos Hills IL 60465 | (708) 837-9993