Where does electrical upgrades fit your project?
Pick the closest match. Each one shows how we handle that kind of job, then you can go deeper or book a visit.
For homeowners: Electrical Upgrades
Planned for the home you live in, with the work done in order and the site kept clean.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For custom homes: Electrical Upgrades
Included in the full new-build plan, with the trades coordinated under one lead.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For commercial spaces: Electrical Upgrades
Scheduled around occupancy, built to the commercial code and the building use.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For high-rise buildings: Electrical Upgrades
Planned for vertical access, fire separation, sound and the building schedule.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For renovations: Electrical Upgrades
Scoped with the rest of the renovation so the trades work in the right order.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
Electrical Upgrades
Panel, wiring and circuit upgrades done by licensed electricians, planned with the renovation while the walls are open.
How this guide works
Electrical work is done by licensed electricians and inspected. We plan it with the rest of the project, so it is done while the walls are open. Work through the decisions in order.
Decision 1: Where electrical upgrades are used
Electrical upgrades go into houses, additions, kitchens, basements and commercial fit-outs. The load and the use decide the panel and the circuits.
| Use | Typical upgrade | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Older houses | Panel upgrade, rewiring | Capacity, safety, insurance |
| Kitchens and laundry | Dedicated circuits | Appliance loads |
| EV chargers and heat pumps | New dedicated circuits | Panel capacity |
| Commercial | Distribution and new circuits | Load, code, inspections |
Our pick: Check the panel capacity before you add loads. Most older homes need a panel upgrade for a renovation.
Decision 2: Panel size and load
The panel size sets the power the house can use. A load calculation shows whether the existing panel is enough.
| Panel | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 100 A | Smaller houses, limited loads |
| 150 A to 200 A | Most houses with modern loads |
| Commercial distribution | Larger buildings |
Our pick: Run a load calculation before you decide. The right panel size is a calculation, not a guess.
Decision 3: Wiring type and condition
Older wiring can be knob-and-tube, aluminium or cloth-sheathed. Each one needs a plan for the upgrade.
| Wiring | Action |
|---|---|
| Knob-and-tube | Replace with modern wiring |
| Aluminium | Repair or replace the connections |
| Modern copper (NM) | Check and extend |
Our pick: Older wiring is a safety and insurance issue. Plan the replacement with the renovation.
Decision 4: Circuits for the way you live
Dedicated circuits serve high-load appliances and rooms. They prevent tripping and keep the wiring safe.
| Circuit | Why |
|---|---|
| Kitchen counter | Two or more small appliance circuits |
| Laundry and bathroom | Dedicated where code requires |
| EV charger and heat pump | Dedicated, sized to the load |
Our pick: Add circuits while the walls are open. It is far cheaper than adding them later.
Decision 5: Inspection and safety
Electrical work is inspected. The inspection checks the wiring, the grounding and the protection before the walls close.
| Stage | What is checked |
|---|---|
| Rough-in | Wiring, boxes, grounding before walls close |
| Final | Devices, panel, labelling |
Our pick: Book the inspection early. Work that fails is expensive to reopen.
Decision 6: Warning signs and timing
Electrical problems show as flickering lights, tripping breakers, warm outlets and a panel that is hot. These are safety signs, not cosmetic ones.
| Sign | Act by |
|---|---|
| Breakers tripping under normal load | Checking the panel and the circuit |
| Warm outlet or switch | Shutting the circuit off and calling an electrician |
| Burning smell or sparking | Shutting the power off at the panel now |
Our pick: Treat warm outlets and burning smells as urgent. Do not wait for a visit.
Decision 7: Permits and inspection
Electrical work is permitted and inspected. Panel upgrades and new circuits always need a permit, and the work is checked before the walls close.
| Scope | Check |
|---|---|
| Panel upgrade | Permit and inspection |
| New circuit | Permit and inspection |
| Device replacement only | Usually covered by the licensed electrician |
Our pick: Book the electrical inspection at rough-in. Work that fails is expensive to reopen.
Decision 8: Coordination with the other trades
Electrical is installed with the framing, the insulation and the drywall. The rough-in has to be done before the walls close.
| Trade | What electrical needs |
|---|---|
| Framing | Holes and bays planned on the drawings |
| Insulation | Installed around the boxes and cables |
| Drywall | Rough-in inspected before it covers |
| Kitchen and bathroom fixtures | Circuits planned to the fixture locations |
Our pick: Plan the circuits to the fixture locations before the walls close. Moving them later is expensive.
Decision 9: Warranty and maintenance
Electrical work lasts when the panel is sized for the load and the connections are sound. A yearly check catches loose connections early.
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Panel | Checked yearly for heat and loose connections |
| GFCI and AFCI devices | Tested monthly |
| Smoke and CO detectors | Tested and replaced on schedule |
Our pick: Test the GFCI and AFCI devices monthly. It takes a minute and it protects the house.
Questions
Do you do the electrical work yourselves?
The electrical work is done by licensed electricians. We coordinate it.
Will I need an inspection?
Yes. Electrical work is inspected.
Can you upgrade while renovating?
Yes. It is the best time, because the walls are open.
Talk to the Plug
Tell us the panel, the loads and the renovation. We arrange the licensed electrician, the load check and the inspections.
Related: Kitchen RemodelsBasement RenovationsAll contracting
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