Electrical Services
Guide & Cost Breakdown
Complete guide to electrical upgrades, panel replacement & EV charging. Average cost: $500–$10,000
Start My Electrical Project →What Do Electrical Services Cover?
From outlet installation to full panel upgrades — essential electrical work for modern homes
Electrical work ranges from simple outlet installations to complex panel upgrades that power modern home needs — EV chargers, solar systems, home offices, and smart home technology. All electrical work in California must be performed by licensed electricians to ensure safety and code compliance.
Many Southern California homes built before 1990 have outdated electrical panels that can't handle today's power demands. A panel upgrade is often the first step before adding an EV charger, solar system, or major appliances.
Why Upgrade Your Electrical System?
- Safety: Outdated wiring (aluminum, knob-and-tube) is a leading cause of house fires. Modern wiring eliminates these risks.
- EV Charging: Level 2 EV chargers require a 240V/50A dedicated circuit — most older homes need an upgrade.
- Solar Ready: Adding solar? Your panel needs to accommodate the additional capacity.
- Home Office: Modern home offices require dedicated circuits for computers, monitors, and equipment.
- Insurance: Some insurers won't cover homes with knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring without upgrades.
Common Electrical Services
Panel Upgrade ($1,500–$4,000): Upgrading from 100A to 200A (or 400A) service to handle modern electrical loads. Essential before adding EV charging or solar.
EV Charger Installation ($600–$2,000): Level 2 charger installation with dedicated 240V circuit. Required for overnight charging of electric vehicles.
Whole-House Rewiring ($8,000–$20,000): Complete replacement of outdated wiring throughout the home. Major project, often done during remodels.
Outlet & Lighting ($200–$2,000): Adding outlets, GFCI protection, recessed lighting, ceiling fans, and switches.
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Start My Electrical ProjectElectrical Costs
Detailed breakdown of what you can expect to invest in your project
Outlets & Lighting
- New outlets / GFCI upgrades
- Recessed lighting install
- Ceiling fan installation
- Dimmer switches
- Smoke/CO detector wiring
Panel & EV Charging
- 100A → 200A panel upgrade
- EV Level 2 charger circuit
- Dedicated appliance circuits
- Permit and inspection
- Utility coordination
Whole-Home Rewire
- Remove aluminum/knob-and-tube wiring
- New copper wiring throughout
- All outlets and switches
- Code-compliant installation
- Final inspection sign-off
Get Accurate Cost Estimates
Every project is unique. Get personalized quotes from local contractors who can assess your specific needs and provide detailed estimates.
Start My Electrical ProjectWhat's Included in Electrical Services?
Common scope, components, and service options
Electrical work ranges from simple outlet installations to complex panel upgrades that power modern home needs — EV chargers, solar systems, home offices, and smart home technology. All electrical work in California must be performed by licensed electricians to ensure safety and code compliance.
Many Southern California homes built before 1990 have outdated electrical panels that can't handle today's power demands. A panel upgrade is often the first step before adding an EV charger, solar system, or major appliances.
Why Upgrade Your Electrical System?
- Safety: Outdated wiring (aluminum, knob-and-tube) is a leading cause of house fires. Modern wiring eliminates these risks.
- EV Charging: Level 2 EV chargers require a 240V/50A dedicated circuit — most older homes need an upgrade.
- Solar Ready: Adding solar? Your panel needs to accommodate the additional capacity.
- Home Office: Modern home offices require dedicated circuits for computers, monitors, and equipment.
- Insurance: Some insurers won't cover homes with knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring without upgrades.
Common Electrical Services
Panel Upgrade ($1,500–$4,000): Upgrading from 100A to 200A (or 400A) service to handle modern electrical loads. Essential before adding EV charging or solar.
EV Charger Installation ($600–$2,000): Level 2 charger installation with dedicated 240V circuit. Required for overnight charging of electric vehicles.
Whole-House Rewiring ($8,000–$20,000): Complete replacement of outdated wiring throughout the home. Major project, often done during remodels.
Outlet & Lighting ($200–$2,000): Adding outlets, GFCI protection, recessed lighting, ceiling fans, and switches.
Electrical Planning Tips
Expert advice for a successful project
1. Know Your Panel Amperage
Check your electrical panel — most older homes have 100A service. Modern homes need 200A minimum, especially with EV charging or solar. A 200A upgrade runs $1,500–$3,000 and is often required before other work.
2. Bundle Electrical with Remodels
The best time to add circuits, outlets, or rewire is during a kitchen or bathroom remodel when walls are already open. Doing it after drywall is reinstalled doubles the cost.
3. Always Pull Permits
Electrical permits exist for safety. Unpermitted electrical work voids homeowner's insurance for fire-related claims and creates major problems at resale. A licensed electrician always pulls permits.
4. Consider Whole-Home Surge Protection
A whole-house surge protector ($300–$800 installed) protects all appliances and electronics from utility surges. Single surge protector strips only protect individual devices.
5. EV Charger Rebates
Southern California Edison offers rebates up to $1,000 for Level 2 EV charger installation. Federal tax credits may also apply. Ask your electrician about available incentives.
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Real work completed by BuildDirectly contractors across Southern California
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about electrical services
Signs include: frequently tripping breakers, flickering lights, burning smell near the panel, a 60A or 100A panel in a larger home, Federal Pacific or Zinsco brand panels (known safety hazards), or you want to add an EV charger or solar.
A standard 200A panel upgrade takes 4–8 hours, plus utility coordination time. Your electrician will coordinate with the utility company (SCE, LADWP, etc.) for the service upgrade, which may add 1–4 weeks for scheduling.
The charger itself can be DIY for a Level 1 (standard outlet). Level 2 requires a 240V/50A dedicated circuit — this must be installed by a licensed electrician to meet code and warranty requirements.
Aluminum wiring was used in homes built 1965–1973. It can cause connection failures and fire hazards. A licensed electrician can inspect and either replace it or install approved aluminum-to-copper connectors (pigtailing) at each connection point.
Adding recessed lighting to an existing room typically costs $100–$250 per light, including wiring and installation. A room of 6–8 lights runs $600–$2,000 depending on ceiling type and existing wiring access.
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BuildDirectly is a lead generation platform, not a contractor or home improvement service. We connect homeowners with pre-screened contractors but do not perform any work ourselves.
No Charges to Homeowners: BuildDirectly never charges homeowners. All costs are negotiated directly between you and the contractor you choose.
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