Outlets and switches wear out over time. If your home is 20+ years old and still has original electrical devices, there are several good reasons to upgrade:

Value improvement: Updated electrical is a strong selling point when listing your home.

Absolutely. This is one of the most popular reasons for electrical upgrades during remodels. Outlets and switches are available in many colors:

We help you select colors and styles that complement your décor. Bring paint samples to your estimate appointment and we’ll recommend coordinating electrical colors.

USB charging outlets combine traditional AC outlets with built-in USB ports, eliminating the need for bulky charging blocks. They’re incredibly convenient and worth installing in key locations.

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets protect you from electrical shock by detecting current leaks and shutting off power in milliseconds. They’re the outlets with “test” and “reset” buttons.

Homes built before the 1990s often lack GFCIs where required. This is a serious safety hazard—GFCIs prevent electrocution deaths from appliances near water.

During whole-home upgrades, we install GFCI protection at all required locations. One GFCI outlet can protect multiple downstream outlets, so you don’t need a GFCI at every location—just at the first outlet on each circuit that requires protection.

AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) breakers detect dangerous arcing conditions (like damaged wire insulation or loose connections) and shut off power before causing hazards.

Older homes don’t have AFCI protection because it’s a relatively recent code requirement. While not required to retrofit existing homes, AFCI upgrades significantly improve safety—especially in homes with older wiring.

Yes, but it’s not as simple as just replacing the outlets. Three-prong (grounded) outlets require an actual ground connection for safety.

What we don’t do: We never install three-prong outlets without proper grounding or GFCI protection. Some handymen do this (“bootleg ground”), but it’s dangerous and against code—it gives false sense of safety without actual protection.

We assess your wiring during your free estimate and recommend the safest, most cost-effective upgrade path for your specific situation.

Homes built in the 1960s-1970s sometimes have aluminum wiring (cheaper than copper during that era). Aluminum wiring isn’t inherently dangerous, but it requires special handling because:

• Aluminum expands/contracts more than copper with temperature changes
• Connections can loosen over time, creating heat and hazards
• Aluminum corrodes when connected to standard copper devices

We assess aluminum wiring during inspections and recommend the appropriate remediation based on your budget and goals. Many insurance companies require aluminum wiring certification before issuing policies.

Smart electrical devices add convenience and automation capabilities. Consider upgrading if:

• You want voice control (“Alexa, turn off the living room lights”)
• You want to control lights while away from home
• You want automated schedules (lights on at sunset, off at bedtime)
• You want energy monitoring (track which devices use the most power)
• You’re building a smart home ecosystem

Important consideration: Most smart switches require a neutral wire at the switch box. Older homes wired before the 1980s often don’t have neutral wires at switches. We verify compatibility during your estimate and recommend solutions if neutral wires are missing.

Timeline depends on home size and scope:

• Small home (20-30 outlets/switches): 1 full day
• Medium home (30-50 outlets/switches): 1-2 days
• Large home (50-80 outlets/switches): 2-3 days
• Whole-home with panel upgrades and complex work: 3-5 days

We work room by room so you’re never without power throughout the entire home. Most upgrades are completed with minimal disruption—you can continue living in your home during the work.