Upgrade Electrical Service and Panel
Most whole home remodels need 200 amp service to power modern homes. This is your opportunity to upgrade the entire electrical system, run all new circuits, and prepare for future needs like EV charging and smart home systems.
Quick Summary
Typical Cost
$8,000 - $25,000
Complete service upgrade and rewire
Time Required
1 - 2 weeks
Plus utility coordination
Difficulty Level
Professional Required
Licensed electrician
Why This Matters
The electrical system is the nervous system of your home. During a whole home remodel, upgrading electrical service is not just about adding capacity for today's needs - it is about building a foundation for the next 30-50 years of technology and lifestyle changes. Older homes with 60A or 100A service simply cannot support modern electrical demands.
Modern homes draw far more power than those built even 20 years ago. Electric vehicle charging alone can require 40-60 amps. Add electric cooking, multiple HVAC zones, electric water heating, home offices with multiple computers, and entertainment systems, and electrical loads quickly exceed older service capacity. A 200A service provides headroom for today and tomorrow.
Beyond capacity, a whole home remodel is the ideal time to replace outdated wiring. Older homes may have aluminum wiring, cloth-covered conductors, or inadequate grounding that create safety hazards. Running new circuits while walls are open is dramatically easier and less expensive than retrofit work. This is your one chance to do the electrical system right.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Assess Current Electrical System
Begin by understanding what you have and what you need. A licensed electrician should evaluate your current system and discuss your remodel plans.
- Identify current service size (typically shown on main breaker)
- Evaluate panel condition, age, and available spaces
- Check for outdated wiring types (aluminum, cloth, knob and tube)
- Note any existing code violations or safety hazards
- Document all circuits and their current loads
- Review remodel plans for new electrical requirements
Step 2: Perform Load Calculation
A formal load calculation determines the service size needed for your remodeled home. This is typically required for permits.
- Calculate square footage for general lighting and receptacle loads
- Add small appliance circuits (kitchen, laundry)
- Include all major appliances: range, dryer, HVAC, water heater
- Account for special equipment: EV charger, hot tub, shop equipment
- Apply code-required demand factors to total load
- Add 20-25% capacity for future needs
Step 3: Coordinate with Utility Company
Service upgrades require coordination with your power company. Start this process early as utility work can have long lead times.
- Contact utility to discuss service upgrade requirements
- Determine if existing transformer can handle increased load
- Confirm meter base and service entrance requirements
- Understand utility timeline and coordinate with construction schedule
- Submit required applications and pay any connection fees
- Schedule temporary service if needed during construction
Step 4: Pull Electrical Permits
Electrical work requires permits in virtually all jurisdictions. Your electrician typically handles this process.
- Submit permit application with electrical plans and load calculation
- Include panel schedule showing all circuits and breaker sizes
- Specify service entrance details and grounding system
- Show locations of all outlets, switches, and fixtures
- Pay permit fees (typically based on job value or number of circuits)
- Post permit on site before work begins
Step 5: Install Service Entrance and Panel
The service entrance and main panel are the heart of your electrical system. Quality installation is critical.
- Install new meter base and weatherhead per utility specs
- Run properly sized service entrance conductors
- Install 200A panel in accessible location meeting clearance requirements
- Install grounding electrode system (ground rods, water pipe bond)
- Connect main bonding jumper and grounding electrode conductor
- Label panel clearly with circuit directory
Step 6: Run Branch Circuits
With walls open, run all branch circuits for outlets, lighting, and dedicated equipment throughout the home.
- Install dedicated 20A circuits for kitchen countertops (2 minimum)
- Run dedicated circuits for major appliances (range, dryer, dishwasher)
- Wire bathroom circuits with GFCI protection
- Install AFCI-protected circuits for bedrooms and living areas
- Run 240V circuits for HVAC, water heater, and EV charger
- Install outdoor and garage circuits with GFCI protection
Step 7: Install Boxes and Rough Wiring
Position electrical boxes for outlets, switches, and fixtures according to code and design requirements.
- Install outlet boxes at code-required heights (12-18 inches typical)
- Position switch boxes at standard height (48 inches to center typical)
- Install junction boxes and ceiling boxes for lighting
- Use properly sized boxes for number of conductors
- Secure all cables within 12 inches of boxes and every 4.5 feet
- Protect cables through framing with nail plates where required
Step 8: Install Dedicated Equipment Circuits
Many appliances and equipment require their own dedicated circuits for safety and proper operation.
- Range/oven: 50A 240V circuit with 6-gauge wire
- Electric dryer: 30A 240V circuit with 10-gauge wire
- HVAC equipment: Per manufacturer specs, typically 30-60A
- Electric water heater: 30A 240V circuit
- EV charger: 50A 240V circuit for Level 2 charging
- Sub-panel for detached garage or workshop if applicable
Step 9: Install Smoke and CO Detectors
Modern codes require hardwired, interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home.
- Install smoke detectors in every bedroom and hallway
- Place detectors on each level including basement and attic if finished
- Install CO detectors near sleeping areas and fuel-burning equipment
- Wire all detectors on single circuit for interconnection
- Use combination smoke/CO detectors where appropriate
- Consider smart detectors with monitoring capabilities
Step 10: Prepare for Rough-In Inspection
Before insulation and drywall, all rough electrical work must pass inspection.
- Verify all boxes are properly secured and at correct heights
- Check all cable stapling and protection requirements
- Ensure proper box fill calculations are met
- Verify AFCI and GFCI protection is planned correctly
- Confirm dedicated circuits are properly sized
- Have permit and approved plans available for inspector
Modern Circuit Requirements
Kitchen Circuits
- Countertop outlets: 2 dedicated 20A circuits (minimum)
- Refrigerator: Dedicated 20A circuit
- Dishwasher: Dedicated 20A circuit
- Disposal: Dedicated or shared with dishwasher
- Range/Cooktop: 50A 240V dedicated
- Wall oven: 30-50A 240V dedicated
- Microwave: Dedicated 20A if built-in
Bathroom Circuits
- Outlets: 20A GFCI-protected (can serve multiple baths)
- Lighting: Can be on general circuit
- Exhaust fan: Can share lighting circuit
- Electric heat: Dedicated circuit if installed
- Jetted tub: Dedicated 20A GFCI circuit
- Heated floor: Dedicated GFCI circuit
Living Areas
- General outlets: 15A AFCI-protected circuits
- Lighting: Separate 15A circuits per area
- Home office: Dedicated 20A circuit recommended
- Entertainment center: Dedicated 20A recommended
- Ceiling fans: Can share lighting circuit
Utility Circuits
- Laundry outlets: Dedicated 20A circuit
- Electric dryer: 30A 240V dedicated
- Water heater: 30A 240V dedicated (if electric)
- Garage: 20A GFCI circuit(s)
- EV charger: 50A 240V dedicated
- Sump pump: Dedicated 15-20A circuit
Cost Breakdown
Pro Tips
Oversize for the Future
Run larger conduit and leave pull strings for future cables. Install extra circuits to garage for future EV charging. Consider a 225A or larger panel if budget allows. The incremental cost during construction is minimal compared to retrofit costs later.
Coordinate Early with Utility
Utility company work often takes weeks or months. Contact them at project start to understand requirements and timeline. Schedule their work to avoid delays. Some utilities require passed inspection before they will complete their portion.
Plan Outlet Locations Carefully
Walk through with furniture layout in mind. Add outlets where you will actually use them, not just where code requires. Consider USB outlets in convenient locations. Floor outlets for island seating. Outdoor outlets for holiday lights and entertainment.
Consider Whole-House Surge Protection
Install a whole-house surge protector at the panel. Modern electronics are sensitive to voltage spikes. A $200-500 investment protects thousands in appliances and equipment. Many areas now require this protection by code.
Use Quality Materials
Do not skimp on panel quality. Name-brand panels (Square D, Siemens, Eaton) have better breakers and longer support. Use commercial-grade outlets in high-use areas. Quality materials cost marginally more but last decades longer.
Document Everything
Photograph all wiring before drywall. Create detailed circuit maps beyond the basic panel directory. Note locations of junction boxes and where wires run through framing. This documentation is invaluable for future work.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating Future Needs
Electrical needs always grow. Today's adequate service becomes tomorrow's bottleneck. If debating between 150A and 200A, choose 200A. If considering EV charging in the future, run the circuit now. The cost difference during construction is minimal; retrofit costs are substantial.
Not Coordinating with Other Trades
Electrical work must coordinate with HVAC, plumbing, and framing. Conflicts lead to rework, added costs, and potential code violations. Hold coordination meetings before rough-in. Ensure all trades understand where equipment and fixtures will be located.
Ignoring Load Balance
Electrical loads should be balanced across both legs of the panel. Unbalanced loads can cause neutral conductor overheating and reduced efficiency. Your electrician should calculate and distribute loads evenly when planning circuit assignments.
Forgetting Outdoor and Garage Needs
Outdoor outlets for landscape lighting, holiday decorations, and entertainment are often overlooked. Garage circuits for tools, freezers, and EV charging are frequently undersized. Plan these areas as carefully as interior spaces.
Cutting Corners on AFCI/GFCI
Modern codes require extensive AFCI and GFCI protection. These devices add cost but prevent fires and electrocution. Never use standard breakers where arc-fault or ground-fault protection is required. The inspector will catch it, and more importantly, these devices save lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to upgrade to 200 amp service during a whole home remodel?
Most whole home remodels require 200A service to accommodate modern electrical demands. If your current service is 100A or less, upgrading is typically necessary to support HVAC systems, electric water heaters, kitchen appliances, EV chargers, and multiple circuits throughout the home. A load calculation by your electrician will confirm requirements, but 200A has become the standard for modern homes.
How much does an electrical service upgrade cost?
A complete electrical service upgrade from 100A to 200A typically costs $3,000-$6,000, including the new panel, service entrance cable, meter base, and labor. If utility work is required (new transformer, underground service), costs can reach $8,000-$12,000. A whole home rewire adds $8,000-$15,000 for a typical home. Total electrical costs for a comprehensive remodel range from $15,000-$25,000 or more.
Can I do electrical work myself during a remodel?
Electrical work permits and requirements vary by jurisdiction. Some areas allow homeowners to do their own electrical work with permits and inspections, while others require licensed electricians for any work. Regardless of legal requirements, electrical work is dangerous and errors can cause fires or electrocution. Service upgrades and panel work should always be done by licensed professionals.
What circuits are required by code in a modern home?
Modern electrical codes require: dedicated 20A circuits for kitchen countertop outlets, bathroom outlets, laundry, and garage; dedicated circuits for major appliances (range, dryer, HVAC, water heater); AFCI protection for bedrooms and living areas; GFCI protection in bathrooms, kitchens, outdoors, and garages; smoke and CO detector circuits; and outlets spaced no more than 12 feet apart on walls. Requirements vary by code year and jurisdiction.
How long does the utility take to upgrade service?
Utility company timelines vary significantly by location and scope of work. Simple meter changes may take 1-2 weeks. Service upgrades requiring new transformers or underground work can take 4-8 weeks or longer. Contact your utility early in the planning process to understand their requirements and timeline. Some utilities require the panel upgrade to pass inspection before they will schedule their work.